Airedale Terrier / Airedale, King of Terriers, Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier

Breed history:

This breed was created in the middle of the 19th century and it is the result of the crossbreeding between the Old English Terrier and the Bloodhound Otterhound. It was developed in the Aire valley in Yorkshire county, from where it gets its name. It is the largest British Terrier and has been used for various purposes such as: hunting, guarding, protection, help for the Red Cross in both World Wars, tracker etc. This dog is also called the King of the Terriers.

Description:

The Airedale Terrier is a large-sized, robust and wiry dog, with an elegant look. The head is long, flat and conspicuous. The eyes are small, dark and very expressive. The ears are small, V-shaped and kept to the side, with the turn-over line slightly above the head. The tail is kept erect almost vertical, and docked to two-thirds of its length. The coat is double-layered with a short, hard, wiry, and slightly wavy without being curly outer layer. It can be black,grey or fawn on the back (like a saddle).

Personality:

It is an intelligent, brave, lively, quiet, active sometimes, playful and stubborn dog. Very devoted to its owner and patient with children. It accepts other household animals but tends to dominate other dogs if it wasn't taught to accept them. Is alert in the presence of strangers.

Grooming:

This dog doesn't require too much grooming. The fur will be trimmed twice a year. The fur between the paw pads of the feet will be cut when necessary.

Living conditions:

The Airedale Terrier can rezist in bad weather and likes to live outdoors, in a large space, where it can get a lot of exercise, because it has a high level of activity. He needs training and socializing.

Training:

It is a relatively easy dog to train, because it is intelligent and eager to learn. The training must be consistent, firm, without being rough, and it should be varied so it won’t get bored, otherwise it will become very stubborn. It likes canine sports.

Usefulness:

It is used for hunting wild animals (otters, martens, foxes, rabbits, wild boars, bears). It is a good watchdog and in England it is widely used as a police dog. It is a pleasant companion dog.