The Airedale Terrier

Airedale, a valley (dale) in the West Riding of Yorkshire, was the birthplace of the breed. In the mid-19th Century, working class people created the Airedale Terrier by crossing the old English rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier with the Otterhound. In 1886, the Kennel Club of England formally recognised the Airedale Terrier breed.

Well-to-do hunters of the era were typically accompanied by pack of hounds and several terriers, often running them both together. The hounds would scent and pursue the quarry and the terriers would "go to ground" or enter into the quarry's burrow and make the kill. Terriers were often the sporting dog of choice for the common man. Early sporting terriers needed to be big enough to tackle the quarry, but not so big as to prevent them from maneuvering through the quarry's underground lair. Obviously these terriers had to have a very high degree of courage and pluck to face the foe in a tight, dark underground den without the help of human handlers.

During the middle of the nineteenth century, regular sporting events took place along the Aire River in which terriers pursued the large river rats that inhabited the area. A terrier was judged on its ability to locate a "live" hole in the riverbank and then, after the rat was driven from its hole by a ferret brought along for that purpose, the terrier would pursue the rat through water until it could make a kill. As these events became more popular, demand arose for a terrier that could excel in this activity. One such terrier was developed through judicious crossings of the Black-and-Tan Terrier and Bull-and-Terrier dog popular at the time with the Otter Hound. The result was a long-legged fellow that would soon develop into the dog we recognize today as the Airedale Terrier. This character was too big to "go to ground" in the manner of the smaller working terriers; however, it was good at everything else expected of a sporting terrier, and it was particularly adept at water work. This big terrier had other talents in addition to its skill as a ratter. Because of an infusion of hound blood it was blessed with the ability to scent game and the size to be able to tackle larger animals. It became more of a multipurpose terrier that could pursue game by powerful scenting ability, be broken to gun, and taught to retrieve. Its size and temperament made it an able guardian of farm and home. One of the colorful, but less-than legal, uses of the early Airedale Terrier was to assist i

The Airedale can be used as a working dog and also as a hunter. 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 be stubborn. The Airedale is a dog with a great sense of humour. 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 can often be difficult to train. Being smart, Airedales pick up what is wanted from them very quickly; being smart, they do not want to keep repeating what they learned and can try to terminate a training session at the point when they "got it". Changing the routine at this point or taking a play-break is much more productive than trying to force the Airedale to continue as they are a stubborn bunch. Airedales require constant reinforcement, or they may decide to start ignoring commands. When training is resumed, they can quickly recover their acceptance of the command. Airedales are a stoic and intrepid breed and as a result, young Airedales exhibit a general lack of common sense and require training. For the same reasons, they need socializing with other dogs early.

They are also very loving, always in the middle of the family activities. Airedales are also known for expressing exactly what they are thinking, unlike more aloof breeds. The Airedale is also a reliable and protective family pet. Airedales are exceedingly loyal and strong dogs; there is one story of an Airedale taking down a bear to protect its master. They are very energetic, and need plenty of exercise.

• Head:
  Should be well balanced with little apparent difference between the length of skull and foreface.
  
  
• Skull:
  Should be long and flat, not too broad between the ears and narrowing very slightly to the eyes. Scalp should be free from wrinkles, stop hardly visible and cheeks level and free from fullness.
  
  
• Ears:
  Should be V-shaped with carriage rather to the side of the head, not pointing to the eyes, small but not out of proportion to the size of the dog. The topline of the folded ear should be above the level of the skull.
  
  
• Foreface:
  Should be deep, powerful, strong and muscular. Should be well filled up before the eyes.
  
  
• Eyes:
  Should be dark, small, not prominent, full of terrier expression, keenness and intelligence.
  
  
• Lips:
  Should be tight.
  
  
• Nose:
  Should be black and not too small.
  
  
• Teeth:
  Should be strong and white, free from discoloration or defect. Bite either level or vise-like. A slightly overlapping or scissors bite is permissible without preference.
  
  
• Neck:
  Should be of moderate length and thickness gradually widening towards the shoulders. Skin tight, not loose.
  
  
• Shoulders and Chest:
  Shoulders long and sloping well into the back. Shoulder blades flat. From the front, chest deep but not broad. The depth of the chest should be approximately on a level with the elbows.
  
  
• Body:
  Back should be short, strong and level. Ribs well sprung. Loins muscular and of good width. There should be but little space between the last rib and the hip joint.
  
  
• Hindquarters:
  Should be strong and muscular with no droop.
  
  
• Tail:
  The root of the tail should be set well up on the back. It should be carried gaily but not curled over the back. It should be of good strength and substance and of fair length.
  
  
• Legs:
  Forelegs should be perfectly straight, with plenty of muscle and bone. Elbows should be perpendicular to the body, working free of sides. Thighs should be long and powerful with muscular second thigh, stifles well bent, not turned either in or out, hocks well let down parallel with each other when viewed from behind. Feet should be small, round and compact with a good depth of pad, well cushioned; the toes moderately arched, not turned either in or out.
  
  
• Coat:
  Should be hard, dense and wiry, lying straight and close, covering the dog well over the body and legs. Some of the hardest are crinkling or just slightly waved. At the base of the hard very stiff hair should

Airedale Terrier Socks

Dog Breed Socks with Airedale Terrier a conversation piece, a comfortable sock and a great way to show your pride in ownership of your pure breed dog. Our cushioned socks are soft terry loop construction, which protects feet and reduces the shock of impact. They are engineered to provide protection against blisters and wicks away moisture to keep feet dry. Acrylic, the most widely used fiber for athletic socks is soft, washes well and holds its shape. Cotton is widely preferred for softness. Nylon is used for strength and spandex is great for stretching power. This style of socks makes a great sneaker sock. Perfect for hiking boots too. Care Instructions: Wear everywhere, with everything! Wash inside out on gentle cycle. No bleach. Tumble dry, low heat or line dry. Fiber Content: Cotton Cushioned 75% - Plush Cotton 20% - Nylon Nylon - 5% - Spandex Size 9-11

Airedale Terrier Socks

Men's Micro Fleece Unlined Jacket Airedale Terrier

Stylish and extremely comfortable! 100% spun polyester 6.4 oz anti-pill micro fleece. Full zip unlined jacket. Reverse coil zippers. Fused stretch sleeve pocket for personal compact audio device or dog treats. Front pockets with zipper tunnels. Shock cord drawstring at hem. Two, side zip pockets. Bone zipper pull. We directly embroider your Airedale Terrier on left chest, showing pride in ownership. Our exclusive paw/bone design on back yoke. Men's Lake Blue/fossil Grey.

Men's Micro Fleece Unlined Jacket Airedale Terrier

Polar Fleece Airedale Terrier Hat

Our popular dog embroidered fleece hat with the Airedale Terrier fits beautifully and looks adorable. It is made in USA. YourBreed Airedale Terrier image is directly embroidered on soft polar tec fleece. It washes beautifully and doesn't pill. The unique three dimensional dog images show your pride in ownership of your pure bred dog. This dog breed Airedale Terrier hat is one size fits all. You and your dog will be admired in this warm, embroidered dog hat. Give it as a gift to your dog loving friend but be sure to get one for yourself.

Polar Fleece Airedale Terrier Hat

Located on The Airedale Terrier Club of America's Site You will find some usefull info when it comes to finding an Airedale thats right for you:

1. Pet Shop or Dealer - The worst possible choice.
   Pups may be poorly bred and raised. They are usually thought of as merchandise, e.g. a loaf of bread, to be sold for a high profit. Profit is possible because little has been put into the care of these pups. Many are sickly. Pet shops rely heavily on impulse buying, which is no way to choose an addition to the family.
   
   
2. Backyard Breeder - Also a poor choice.
   This is the person who owns a pet Airedale and thinks it would be 'fun' to have puppies. Maybe it would be a great experience for the kids. Even worse, perhaps it's being done to make money. Frequently this breeder knows little about the breed history or the accepted breed standard and knows even less about grooming and care. Backyard breeders almost never x-ray hips. They are usually not aware of breed problems and often do not care. Their goal is to produce pups and to sell them quickly.
   
   
3. Hobby Breeder - The best choice.
   The serious and dedicated hobby breeder regards his dogs as just that, a hobby. He does not expect a profit. Breeders who are dedicated to the breed they love breed dogs for thrill of producing the very finest possible specimens of the breed. The result is superior quality. These breeders acknowledge responsibility for each and every puppy produced and stand behind every dog they breed.