The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the Terrier breeds. It was bred in the Aire Valley, in Yorkshire, England, from 1810 until the 1870s. The Otter hound was crossed with the now extinct Old English Black and Tan Terrier. This produced an intelligent all-round working dog, capable of hunting with the miners of the day and guarding the women and children when the men were at work.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
The average lifespan of an Airedale is 14 years, and with good care and nutrition can live up to 16 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
56cm - 61cm 23kg - 25kg
BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT
This is linked to the dog's development. They are an all-rounder, possessed of sound temperament, great intelligence, and an instinctive desire to protect their family from any perceived danger. Airedales were used in World War I to carry messages through enemy lines and as police dogs and guard dogs. In other parts of the world they are used for hunting and retrieving. The Airedale's primary purpose is as a companion and family dog.
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
An Airedale Terrier puppy will happily settle in with other pets such as cats, rabbits and other similar animals. This bonding does not extend to pets outside the family home. It is recommended that when two animals are kept they be of opposite sexes. This may prevent any problems of dominance on maturity.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
Airedale Terrier's have a hardy, wiry outer coat and a shorter undercoat of soft hair. This coat protects them from becoming chilled when wet. The hard hair also protects the dog from seeds or burrs. A good brush and comb once a week will keep the coat in good condition. Use a hard bristle or wire brush and a metal wide-toothed comb.
Pets are normally clipped two or three times a year. The Airedale does not shed hair continuously, but will after the winter need thorough brushing to remove the thick dead hair.
Do not let your dog become infested with fleas and check for ticks regularly if they are in your area. The Airedale is an active energetic dog and needs regular exercise and play, including training. They are equally at home in a suburban back yard or a large property.
Boredom may result in the animal digging holes or the removal of washing from the line and a garden hose lying around will provide much fun for a young dog.
IN CONCLUSION
There have been Airedale Terriers in Australia since the 1890s, making the Breed well known. If you decide this is the breed of dog for you, ask yourself the following questions - do I have: a) Secure fencing? b) Commitment and time to exercise and train the dog? c) The ability and desire to provide your dog with the human companionship it needs throughout its entire life?
If you have decided that an Airedale Terrier is the dog for you and you are able to give it the human companionship it craves then contact one of the groups listed below:
DECISION TIME
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:
