Airedale Terriers
Airedale Terriers are among the largest terriers in existence, which is why they were originally bred in Great Britain as hunting and guard dogs. Thanks to their great looks and lovable character, they are now a popular family dog.
Content: Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terrier - Profile
- Character: Determined and always in eager anticipation
- Size: Medium
- Height: 56-61 cm
- Weight: 20-29 kg
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
- Coat type: Medium length, dense and wiry hair
- Colour: Saddle black and tan
- Special features: Muscular and compact dog
- FCI Group: Terriers
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Airedale Terrier - Special Characteristics
The Airedale Terrier is hard to confuse. Its trademark is the typical long terrier snout and its small, square ears. Its coat is wavy and its tail points upwards in a sickle shape. With its muscular build, Airedale Terriers should not be underestimated. They are clever and active dogs that make great companions if well trained. However, newcomers can easily be overwhelmed, because the Airedale Terrier is not only very intelligent, but also quite stubborn. Airedale Terriers were bred as hunting and guard dogs. Accordingly, they are fast, agile and very attentive. If they are not kept busy enough, they quickly become bored and show it. The Airedale Terrier likes to join in jogging or riding. Long walks in particular. Dog sports such as obedience and agility are also a joy for them. They can also be trained as excellent search dogs. They were also used in the Second World War to deliver messages and read tracks. Even today, courses are still offered. This makes him the perfect four-legged partner for active single owners, couples and large families. Airedale Terriers can only be described as “real” if they have one color. The back and flanks up to the tip of the tail are saddle black, while the base color is described as tan, which is a light reddish brown.
Airedale Terrier - Nutrition
A balanced diet is of course also important for the Airedale Terrier. It can consist of dry and wet food , but fresh meat is also suitable. With enough exercise, they should hardly gain weight. However , treats or chews should not be fed in excess. Especially not if the dog begs for them. Variety is good. However, the occasional tasty chew or leftovers from the butcher are perfectly fine.
When it comes to dry food, you should make sure to serve small portions, as your Airedale Terrier should also drink enough. However, dry food swells up in the intestines, and as an active dog, he should not overeat. It is better to give two or three smaller meals throughout the day. If you stick to fixed times, this will give your dog security and you will also prevent him from begging.
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Airedale Terrier - Health and Care
The Airedale Terrier is one of the few dogs that hardly sheds any hair. They are therefore very suitable for allergy sufferers. Their coat is thick and wiry. With their thick undercoat, they also feel comfortable in the water. However, it should be trimmed regularly. A dog salon can do this for you, or you can simply learn how to use the trimming knife yourself. You should brush them thoroughly at least once a week with a hard brush or wire comb. Airedale Terriers are very resilient. Dirt or burrs rarely get stuck in their coat. Only the long leg hair on the paws quickly forms small clumps when wet, which you should brush out immediately. You should regularly check the thick coat for ticks and remove them with tick tweezers for dogs.
The Airedale Terrier has problems with hip dysplasia (HD), which attempts are being made to reduce through selective breeding. There is also the breed disease “juvenile nephropathy”, also known as JRD, in which the kidneys are permanently poisoned and damaged. The origin of this disease is still unknown.
Airedale Terrier - The right accessories
The Airedale Terrier is large enough to wear medium-sized harnesses and collars. It is important that the collar or harness fits well, because the strong and agile four-legged friends should not be able to wriggle out of it even in tricky situations. Make sure you have a sturdy and long enough leash, then you will still have enough room to maneuver when your Airedale Terrier has to be on a leash. You should have an extra short leash for inner cities or in crowds. Flexi leashes can be adjusted in length, but they constantly pull your dog backwards, which can be particularly annoying with collars. Tow leashes are a good alternative.
For grooming, you should use grooming brushes or combs that are sturdy and can withstand your dog's nibbling attacks.
Airedale Terriers are very playful. They love anything that squeaks. And if you want to offer your four-legged friend a cozy place to sleep, you can find animal toys and dog beds in specialist shops or online.
Airedale Terrier - Origin & History
The breed name of the Airedale Terrier is made up of "Aire", for a river in the county of Yorkshire, and "dale" for valley. It is assumed that this region gave rise to the Airedale Terrier. However, this is not known for certain. It is known, however, that one of its ancestors was the otterhound. A cross between this large water dog and larger English terriers resulted in the Airedale Terrier. Its coat and coloring are from the otterhound, but its profile and body shape are from the terrier. The breed was later refined with the Scottish shepherd and the Gordon Setter. In 1875 it was first presented at breeding shows under the name "Waterside Terrier" or "Working Terrier". The name Airedale Terrier only became established a few years later, probably because of the Airedale (dog) show. The first entry in the stud book dates back to 1882.
There are also Airedale Terriers that have achieved a certain level of fame. Setti, who was popular in the GDR, played a role in the 1979 children's film “The Electronic Double”. An Airedale Terrier named Laddie Boy even made it to the White House as the First Dog of American President Warren G. Harding.
Conclusion
The Airedale Terrier, impressive and versatile, combines intelligence with determination. As a former hunting and guard dog, it requires active activity and consistent training. Its robust nature and thick coat require regular care. Prone to hip dysplasia and nephropathy, it requires regular veterinary care. Suitable accessories include sturdy harnesses, leashes and grooming brushes. With their rich history in Yorkshire, Airedale Terriers are impressive companions who win many hearts with their appearance and character.
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