Airedale Terrier was first seen in the mid-1800s at a place called Airedale (Yorkshire, England). This dog was a cross-breed between a Welsh Terrier and an Otter Hound- an original concept created by some working-class farmers. Because it is indeed the largest among all terriers, it is dubbed as the “King of Terriers”.
In those years, they were very efficient in catching small animals, particularly otters and rats in the region between the Aire and Wharfe Rivers. Airedale Terriers had also proven their worth during World War I as police dogs and messengers, sending information from one point to another within the borders of the United Kingdom.
Traits and Behavior
Exhibiting characteristics of working and a hunting dog, an Airedale Terrier is susceptible to barking, burrowing, and chasing animals which are typical to all terrier breeds.
Such behaviors can be very annoying to owners who are unfamiliar with this type of dog.
However, if Airedale Terriers have undergone training right from the beginning when they were still puppies, they will no longer have problems dealing with livestock or other kinds of pets in the future.
They are one of the breeds with the highest IQ. Because of this, they managed to become very much independent, strong-minded, and hardworking yet stubborn at times.
On the other hand, they are also described as athletic dogs with a lot of drive and energy.
By nature, these domestic dogs are usually amiable even towards house visitors although they are known to show aggressiveness whenever they meet other dogs.
Pet Care and Diseases
Like most terriers, Airedales are at risk for acquiring two types of dermatitis that may go unnoticed due to their thick, shaggy coat. Chewing or dabbing one area excessively using his tongue can either cause lick granuloma or perhaps acute moist dermatitis (aka hot spots) characterized by an itchy, inflamed and oozing patch of skin.
Aside from those problems, Airedales can also suffer hip dysplasia and bloat (which is the leading cause of death for dogs).
Airedale-terrier-4-hvalpeforumTraining, exercises, and mental stimulation are things an owner should prioritize most. The Airedale Terrier needs regular physical exercise (long walks at least once a day).
For a person who has an active lifestyle, this dog is a great jogging companion. The good thing is, Airedales are not difficult to train. With dedication and patience, this dog will learn new things in no time.
When it comes to hygiene, brush the Airedale’s teeth 2-3 times a week to remove tartar and prevent bacterial build-up along the teeth and gum line. Trim the nails once or twice a month to avoid skin tears.
Never cut the nails too short because you might hit some blood vessels, causing them to bleed. His ears must be inspected every week for redness or bad– signs that indicate infection. Use a cotton swab to clean the inside of the ears but never insert it too far.
Rendering regular head-to-toe examinations will help spot the dog’s potential health problems before it worsens.
Appearance
Airedale Terrier is a medium-large breed dog. Males are approximately 56 to 61 cm tall and weigh 23-29 kg, while females are approximately 56-58 cm and weigh 18-20 kg.
This breed, covered in thick, wiry, water-proof fur, has a large squarish torso which is highlighted by its unswerving extremities at the front and its deep, broad chest.
Both of its long head and muzzle are wide and flat, while its pair of pointed ears are small and almost always bent down.
The rigid, slightly twisted tail of the Airedales are usually black in contrast to its tan-painted torso (including the ears), coupled with markings in black and auburn hues.
General Information
An Airedale Terrier can live for 12 up to 13 years. The average litter size is 9 puppies. Its other names: the King of Terriers, Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier and Working Terrier.
Breed Club
Visit this dog club website dedicated to Airedale Terriers. Click this link: https://www.dansk-terrier-klub.dk/Default.asp?PageID=45&Lang=Dk
Featured Video
Watch this video: “Dogs 101- Airedale Terrier”