Airedale Dogs King Of Terriers And King of Many Hearts!
It's easy to be smitten by Airedale dogs once you have enjoyed the pleasure of their company. You'll never meet more loyal
and loving companions. I can attest to this from personal experience and many will agree.
They are fearless watchdogs and though not aggressive, they are always alert to any unusual activity and rest assured
they will make sure you know about it too!
As a member of the family they fit in so well because they are very adaptable and extremely resilient - no wimps here.
You'll find them intelligent, lively, eager to please and very playful as well. They love being part of the family and thrive
on attention so don't get this dog breed if you want them to spend their lives in the back yard.
Oh, they will adapt to this situation, but like most terrier breeds, if human interaction is limited, they will find
outlets for their boredom that you won't find amusing. Terriers have inherited traits to dig so don't be surprised
if you find them relandscaping your back yard for a bit of stimulation when they are not being given enough
attention or companionship.
One endearing feature of the breed that I enjoy is that they remain very much like a puppy throughout their life
span.
When training Airedale dogs I found that the best approach is to keep the sessions short with the main focus being
on creativity and variety or your AT will lose interest and start looking for something more exciting to do. Airedale
dogs are very intelligent thinkers and respond enthusiastically if you give them positive feedback and let them know when they are
pleasing you. Harshness will not get the job done, but patience and affection will.
As for getting along with other dogs, just see how gentle the Airedale is with a Norwich Terrier puppy in this
video and judge for yourself:
Airedale Dogs - Background And Origins:
Airedale dogs are the largest of the terrier dog breeds and are often referred to as the king of terriers.
Originating in the valley of Aire in Yorkshire, England, they were cross-bred with the Otterhound and were
once known as Waterside Terriers.
Sport-huntsmen used them in pursuit of Otters. However, they are
equally adept and astoundingly quick, as rat catchers. Yet, even more versatile, Airedales also excel in
setting, retrieving and flushing, and have hunted with great agility, the fox, badger, weasel, foumart,
and water rat. Other countries have used them for big game hunting.
During times of war, the Airedale dogs were used to carry messages, and as a camp guard dogs. They carried out
their duties very well, never abandoning the task even if injured. Police work has been another area of
notable achievement.
This breed has been a beloved dog among celebrities, including former president
Warren Harding and actor John Wayne. Mr. Harding's dog, Laddie Boy, was given birthday parties with his dog friends
and is commemorated by a statue at the Smithsonian Institution. He also gained the distinction of receiving
the most press coverage of any White House dog, with stories about him running in the news almost daily.
Physical Appearance:
Although the Airedale is the largest dog in the Terrier group of dogs, compared to dog
breeds in general, they would be considered to be in the medium-large range.
You may have heard references to a larger sized Airedale known as the Oorang. This is not an official line, but
rather the name ofa kennel
that was more unconventional in its breeding program including the breeding of larger ATs upon request.
Subsequently, this deviation from the norm did not last and serious fanciers of the Airedale brought the breed back to the
standard intended by its original developers.
So here's what to look for in a traditional Airedale Terrier:
Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 44-70 lbs. Color variations: Tan with either a black saddle or one that is referred to as grizzled - a mix of black, grey and white
Airedale Grooming
Airedale dogs have a hard, dense and wiry outer coat, with a second soft undercoat.
Daily brushing is needed to prevent mats and tangles from forming which tend to accumulate around the beard and
armpits.
The coat is waterproof and sheds little, meaning that the dead
hair has a tendency to build up in the coat and needs to be regularly removed. Periodically, Airedale terriers will
"blow" their coat all at once in a heavy shedding.
If you acquire an Airedale you are planning to show, the coat must be stripped which is a method
of pulling out the loose/dead hair. It is done with
a serrated edged knife and is quite time consuming. A professional groomer can do this, or you can learn the
technique yourself.
There is also a great tool for home grooming double-coated dogs that makes short work of removing the accumulation
of dead hair in the undercoat.
It's called
The FURminator
and not only do dog owners rave about it, but their pets seem to love it and sit still while having their treatment.
The Furminator also leaves the coat looking shiny and healthy and is amazing for keeping shedding under control.
Activity Level:
Airedale dogs, while enjoying a high amount of activity, are usually quiet and low key snugglers inside the
home. Long walks on a daily basis are necessary and will result in a very contented dog.
Space Needs:
The amount of space isn't so important as the need to get significant exercise. An apartment will do, but this
breed also enjoys romping around outside, so a yard or play area is a plus.
Children:
Airedale dogs are great pets for children. They are patient and gentle and love a game - several
in fact!
However, it is always in the best interest of children that they be supervised when playing with a dog - no matter what the
breed's reputation.
Elderly:
If sufficient exercise can be provided and the Airedale grooming needs met, this breed makes a very loving and protective
companion for the elderly.
Book Recommendations:
AIREDALE TERRIERS This breed, originating in the British Isles, is very popular among dog fanciers and is a frequent
winner at dog shows. The Airedale makes a devoted family member. The book covers information on training, exercise,
grooming, feeding, and much more.
Airedale Terrier Art
If you think the Airedale Terrier is a very photogenic dog, as I do, then you are sure to enjoy viewing some original
paintings of the breed created by a talented American artist.
It's easy to be smitten by Airedale dogs once you have enjoyed the pleasure of their company. You'll never meet more loyal
and loving companions. I can attest to this from personal experience and many will agree.
They are fearless watchdogs and though not aggressive, they are always alert to any unusual activity and rest assured
they will make sure you know about it too!
a kennel
and not only do dog owners rave about it, but their pets seem to love it and sit still while having their treatment.
The Furminator also leaves the coat looking shiny and healthy and is amazing for keeping shedding under control.
