Airedale Terrier Dog Breed
The Airedale Terrier (common misspells: Airdale Terrier, Airedale Terrior) is a terrier dog breed that originates from Airedale in Yorkshire, England. It is sometimes called the “King of Terriers” because it is the largest of the terrier breeds, 50 to 70 pounds . The breed has also been called the Waterside Terrier, because it was bred originally to hunt otters.
Appearance
Like many terriers, the breed has a ‘broken’ coat: a harsh, wiry topcoat with a soft, fur-like undercoat. Because of this coat, Airedales do not shed a lot. Airedales being shown are generally groomed by stripping: a small serrated edged knife to is used pull out loose hair from the dog’s coat. The Airedale’s tail is usually docked (surgically shortened) within five days of birth, but this is not a requirement of breed standard authorities. To show an Airedale in the United States, the tail is expected to be docked, while in the UK it is illegal to dock a dog’s tail unless it is for the dog’s own benefit (e.g., the tail is broken).
Temperament
The Airedale can be used as a working dog and is also an excellent hunter and retriever. Airedales exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and have a tendency to want to chase animals.
Health
The Airedale is relatively free of inherited diseases except for hip dysplasia in some lines. Airedales, like most terriers, have a tendency to get dermatitis. Allergies, dietary imbalances, and under/overproductive thyroid glands are main causes for skin conditions. Airedales usually live for around twelve years, but have been known to live upwards to the age of seventeen.
History
Airedale, a valley 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.
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