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Airedale Terrier
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The Airedale Terrier (often shortened to "Airedale") is a breed of
the terrier type, originating in Airedale, a geographic area in
Yorkshire, England. It traditionally was called the "King of Terriers"
because before the creation of the Black Russian Terrier by the
NKVD, the Airedale was largest of the terrier breeds. The breed
has also been called the Waterside Terrier, because it was bred
originally to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the River Aire
which runs through Airedale. In England this breed has also been
used as a police dog.
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Airedale Terrier
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Description
Appearance
The Airedale is the largest of the Terrier, originating in Britain.
They weigh 25–30 kg (55–66 lb) and have a height at the withers
of 58–61 cm (23–24 in) for dogs, with bitches slightly smaller. The
American Kennel Club standard specifies a smaller dog,
approximately 17-20 inches at the withers, with bitches slightly
smaller. An oversize American kennel of Airedales, up to 45.5 kg
(100 lb), is called the Oorang after a kennel in Ohio in the early
1900s. The Airedale has a medium length black and tan coat with
a harsh topcoat and a soft undercoat. They are an alert and
energetic breed, "not aggressive but fearless." It has been
claimed that the large "hunting" type or Oorang Airedales are more
game than the smaller "show" type airedales.The large type, are
usually used for big game hunting and as family guardians or as
pets, but usually do poorly in AKC conformation shows.The
Oorang type more closely resembles the original working Airedale,
though the British dogs were smaller.
Temperament
The Airedale can be used as a working dog and also as a hunting
dog. Airedales exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and
have a propensity to chase animals. They have no problem
working with cattle and livestock. However, an Airedale that is not
well trained will agitate and annoy the animals. Strong-willed, with
the tenacity commonly seen in terriers, the Airedale is a formidable
opponent.
The Airedale Terrier, like most Terriers, has been bred to hunt
independently. As a result, the dog is very intelligent, independent,
strong-minded, stoic, and can sometimes be stubborn. They rank
29th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of above
average working/obedience intelligence. The Airedale is a dog with
a great sense of humor. For those who can laugh along with their
Airedale, the dog can provide a unique and entertaining company.
For those who don't appreciate being outsmarted by their dog,
owning an Airedale can be a trying experience. Patience and
consistency in training will be rewarded as the Airedales have been
known to reach great heights in competitive obedience, dog agility,
and Schutzhund. Airedales need an owner that can be creative in
teaching what is expected. Airedales usually get bored easily and
need a trainer that has the ability to make working fun and exciting.
Changing the routine or taking a play-break is much more
productive than trying to force the Airedale. If children and Airedale
are trained correctly, Airedales can be an excellent choice for a
family.
Health
Mortality
Airedale Terriers in UK, USA, and Canadian surveys had a median
lifespan of about 11.5 years, which is similar to other breeds of
their size.
In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of
death were cancer (39.5%), old age (14%), urologic (9%), and
cardiac (7%). In a 2000–2001 USA/Canada Health Survey, the
most common causes of death were cancer (38%), urologic (17%),
old age (12%), and cardiac (6%)
Health Concerns
Airedales can be affected by hip dysplasia.
Like most terriers, they have a propensity towards dermatitis. Skin
disorders may go unnoticed in Airedales, because of their hard,
dense, wiry coats. Itchy skin may be manifest as acral lick
dermatitis (caused by licking one area excessively) or acute moist
dermatitis or "hot spots" (an oppressively itchy, inflamed and
oozing patch of skin, made worse by intense licking and chewing).
Allergies, dietary imbalances, and under/over-productive thyroid
glands are the main causes of skin conditions.
An Airedale's coat was originally designed to protect the dog from
its predators--the coat was designed to come out in the claws of
the predator the dog was designed to hunt, leaving the dog
unharmed. Because of this, some forms of skin dermatitis can
respond to hand stripping the coat. Clipping the coat cuts the dead
hair, leaving dead roots within the hair follicles. It is these dead
roots which can cause skin irritations. However, hand stripping
removes these dead roots from the skin and stimulates new
growth. Hence this process can assist with some forms of skin
irritations.
Gastric torsion, or bloat, affects Airedale Terriers. Bloat can turn
and block the stomach, causing a buildup of gas. Bloat can be
fatal, it can lead to cardiovascular collapse. Signs of bloat are
gastric distress (stomach pain), futile attempts at vomiting, and
increased salivation. Bloat usually occurs when the dog is
exercised too soon after eating. They will eat up to 4-6 cups of
food at a time.
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Country of origin
Britain
Weight
Male: 50 - 70 lb
Height
Male: 22 - 24 in
Coat
Stiff topcoat, softer
undercoat
Color
Black and tan
Life span
10-13 years
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