Airdale Terrier

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Alternative Name

Proper Spelling (Airedale), Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier (Dog from the Valley of Aire)

Basic Info

This dog is a large and versatile terrier dog breed originating from Airdale in Yorkshire, England, in the UK. It is often called the "King of Terriers" because it is the largest of the terrier breeds, 50 to 70 pounds (23-32 kg). The Airdale was bred originally to hunt otters. It was also called a "Waterside Terrier" because of this connection to hunting otters

Behavior

The Airdale can also be used as a working dog and also as a hunter and retriever. Airdales exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and have a propensity to chase animals. They have no problem working with cattle and livestock, however, an Airdale that is not well trained will agitate and annoy the animals. The Airdale Terrier is typically an independent (stubborn), strong-minded dog with a great sense of humour. For those who can laugh along with their Airdale, patience will be rewarded as they have been known to reach great heights in competitive obedience, dog agility, and Schutzhund. They are also very loving. The Airdale is also a reliable and protective family pet. Due to Airdale stubborness, they can often be difficult to train, and require constant re-inforcement, or they may soon forget. Young Airdales exhibit a general lack of common sense, and require much training. They are also very energetic, and need plenty of exercise.

Origin

United Kingdom (England)

History

The Valley of the Aire in West Riding, Yorkshire, was the birthplace of the Airdale. In the mid 19th Century, working class Britons created the Airdale by crossing the old English rough coated Black and Tan Terrier with the Otterhound. The result was an intelligent, hardy dog adept in the water, on land, at work, or with the family; their goal to create an all-purpose dog was fulfilled. In 1886, the Kennel Club of England formally recognized the Airdale Terrier breed. The Airdale was extensively used in World War One to carry messages to soldiers behind enemy lines and occupying the trenches. They were also used extensively by the Red Cross to find wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Their courage and stalwart character in the face of danger was legendary; there are numerous tales of Airdales delivering their messages despite terrible injury. Before the adoption of the German Shepherd as the dog of choice for law enforcement and search and rescue work, the Airdale terrier often filled this role. Post-WW1, the Airdales' popularity rapidly increased thanks to stories of their bravery on the battlefield and also because Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren Harding owned Airdale Terriers. 1949 marked the peak of the Airdales' popularity, ranked 20th out of 110 breeds by the American Kennel Club. The breed has since slipped to 50th out of 146.