Airedale Terrier
Temperament:
The Airedale Terrier is one of the largest terriers ever. His special appearance makes him a lovable contemporary. Originally, the dogs were bred in Great Britain for hunting and as guard dogs. Today, Airedale Terriers are popular family dogs.
Characteristics
The appearance of the Airedale Terrier is unmistakable. He has the typical long terrier muzzle with the small triangular ears. The wavy coat and the almost sickle-shaped upward tail are among his trademarks. The build is very solid and straight with nevertheless fine lines.
Despite their adorable appearance, Airedale Terriers should not be underestimated. They are active, smart dogs and great companions when well trained. Beginners can easily be overwhelmed with the terrier's stubbornness, strength and extraordinary intelligence.
Airedale Terriers are Hunting and guard dogs. Fast, agile and very attentive. One should occupy them sufficiently and meaningfully. When boredom can quickly show naughtiness.
They like to accompany their humans for jogging or extended walks. As riding companion dogs, the clever animals are excellent. They are people-friendly and always want to be involved. The perfect dog for active single owners, couples or the extended family.
Who dog sports like Agility exercises or Obendience would like to make, finds in the Airedale Terrier a willing partner. They are excellent search dogs. In the Second World War they were used for the transmission of messages. Even today, courses in tracking or training as a companion dog are offered.
The real Airedale Terrier exists only in one coloration. The basic color is tan (light brown), back and flanks, on the other hand, are dark gray to black colored. The dark coloration of the back extends along the topline to the tip of the tail.
The coat is Dense and wirybut never shaggy. As with all water hunting dogs, the coat forms a dense undercoat. They should be trimmed regularly.
The size differences between males and females are not particularly pronounced. Even otherwise, the sexes hardly differ in appearance. Males reach 58 to 61 cm and bitches with 56 to 59 cm.
The breeding had some time with Hip dysplasia (HD) Problems. Breeding selection is used to try to push back this disease. Another breed disease is the "juvenile nephropathy", or JRD for short.. It resembles poisoning and permanently damages the kidneys. The exact origin is unclear.
An Airedale Terrier popular in the GDR was Setti. He played the computer dog in the Soviet children's movie "The Electronic Doppelganger" (1979). The American President Warren G. Harding also owned an Airedale Terrier. From 1921 to 1923 "Laddie Boy" was First Dog in the White House.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
Like all dogs, the Airedale Terrier needs an balanced diet. This can consist of dry and wet food as well as fresh meat.
Airedale Terriers are very active. With enough exercise and exercise opportunities, they are unlikely to put on excess weight. However, be careful with treats and chews. These should never be given in excess or even because the dog is bored and begs.
In the trade you will find a rich assortment of canned and dry food. Frozen meat is always offered. What you choose depends on your preferences and those of your dog. However, you should not change the food too often. Each change puts a strain on your dog's digestion.
Every dog wants a change now and then. Then you can give a tasty dog sausage or fresh meat in between. Many butchers offer extra dog packages with leftovers at reasonable prices.
With pure Dry food feeding you should make sure that your dog drinks well. It is essential that he has access to sufficient fresh water at all times. Dry food should never be served in too large portions. The croquettes still swell up in the intestine.
It is recommended to feed dogs at least twice a day. The active dogs should never eat their stomachs too full. It is best to always feed at the same time. This gives your dog security and you avoid begging behavior.
Airedale Terrier Care
The rough-coated coat of the Airedale Terrier is adapted to hunting in water. He has a coarse top coat and a dense fine undercoat that protects him from chilling when wet. The Airedale Terrier is one of the few breeds of dogs that are hardly hair.
The top coat of the dogs dies but gets caught in the rest of the coat, so it must be regularly trimmed be. Airedales can be great for allergy sufferers. Either have your dog trimmed at the salon or learn to do it yourself. In the beginning a second hand can be helpful. It is important that you handle the trimming knife safely and that the dog remains relaxed.
In addition, you should bring your Airedale brush well at least once a week. Suitable for this purpose hard Brushes or a Wire comb. After that, the fur of your dog falls again in beautiful waves and also shines.
The coat of the Airedale Terrier is very resistant by nature and forms a dense surface. Dirt, burrs or plant particles do not stick to it so quickly. In the long hair on the legs and on the paws, dirt and moisture tend to form clumps. You should brush these out immediately after each walk.
You should give your dog regularly check for ticks. In the curly coat of the Airedale Terrier, they like to remain undetected. Tick cards or the finest tweezers are suitable for removing them. You can get these in the accessories trade or also in the pharmacy.
Suitable accessories
The Airdale Terrier is a large dog with a slender neck. Collars or harnesses of medium sizes fit him. With this powerful and agile dog should be collar or Tableware sit well. In dicey situations, he should not be able to squirm out.
Lines must be stable and sufficiently long. Airedale Terriers love the movement. Even if your dog has to be leashed, he should have enough room to play. For the city or in the hustle and bustle there are extra short leashes.
Flexi leashes give the dog a lot of leeway. However, quite a few dogs feel disturbed by the constant light pull. This effect intensifies, when attached to a collar instead of a harness. A good alternative are Leash for Training. These are available between 2.5 and 3 m.
Suitable for the Airedale Terrier Care brushes are hard and stable. They should lie well in the hand and have no sharp edges. Plastic brushes are easy to clean and can withstand a play attack from your dog. A wide serrated metal comb can facilitate the care of the coat.
Airedale Terriers love to play. They react very well to everything that squeaks and croaks. In specialized stores there is a rich selection of Plastic squeaky animals and maybe also a duck.
Last but not least you will give your dog a comfortable sleeping place want to buy. The Airedale is a large dog and needs a correspondingly large dog bed. Thereby should not be saved. Rather, the dog still has a few centimeters of play than the legs hang over.
Origin & History
The breed name is derived from the English word "dale" for valley. The "Aire" is a river in the English county of Yorkshire. Probably the roots of the breed lie in this region. Exactly is not known, especially since the name Airedale Terrier appeared only when the breed existed for a long time.
An ancestor of the Airedale Terrier is the Otterhound. These large water dogs with round heads were crossed with larger English terriers. From the Otterhound, the Airedale Terrier has the coat and coloring. From the Terrier comes the profile and body lines.
Later the breeding was refined with Gordon Setter and Scottish Sheepdogs.
The first mention of the "waterside" or "working terrier" was in 1875. In the same year, the first specimens were presented at breed shows. At that time still under the designation "Waterside" or "Bingley Terrier". It was not until a few years later that the current name "Airedale Terrier" became established.
The first mention in the studbook was in 1882 and in 1886 the English "Kennel Club" officially recognized the breed.
