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Airedale Terrier
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Description... |
 Often
referred to as the "King of Terriers," the Airedale Terrier is the largest of
the terrier breeds. This medium to large dog has a hard and wiry coat, with
bushy eyebrows and a beard. Although black and tan are the most common colour
combinations, your dog might be marked with a white blaze on its chest. In
addition, this is one of the most versatile terrier breeds, used for such
activities as hunting, retrieving, pit fighting, ratting, herding, police work,
guide dog work, and as a messenger dog and sentry during the first world war.
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History...
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This breed was developed in the English river
valley of Aire, in West Riding, Yorkshire. It is thought that the
Airedale first appeared in the middle of the nineteenth century.
The breed was developed out of a cross between black-and-tan
terriers and the shaggy Otter Hound to serve as a police dog,
military messenger, and a hunter of otters, badgers, and river
rats.
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Traits...
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 Airedale
Terriers love to dig, romp and play. A fenced in area where they
can scrounge and claw is ideal. These dogs prefer to be with their
families, but also love to romp and play. Numerous, daily walks
are great ways for you to stay fit and to keep your Airedale
Terrier a happy member of your family. Airedales are also good
jogging dogs.
An excellent way to keep your Airedale fit and burn up
some of his abundant energy is to take him bicycling with you. Be sure you
have a springer or other device to keep your Airedale attached to your
bike. Airedales are strong and love to chase squirrels, so if you are just
holding an Airedale on a leash while biking, he will easily pull you over
when he runs off to chase something. The springer prevents him from
running off, pulling you over, or getting himself tangled in the bike.
Airedales also love to swim, but be careful if you are in the water with
them. These affectionate clowns will try to climb on top of you.
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Good aspects...
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These dogs are very loyal, and much more sensible
than most terriers. These are very active dogs, and love tons of
exercise. They make a great companion for a fit owner or couple.
They can be good family dogs if raised with children, and are very
playful and clownish.
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Health...
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The Airedale Terrier is a rather healthy dog,
suffering only occasionally from such disorders as hip dysplasia
and "itchy skin" caused by thyroid or dietary problems.
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Be aware...
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This breed is best for experienced owners only
because of its strong, sturdy, stubborn nature. Two dogs of the
same sex should not be kept together, as this breed tends to be
dog aggressive. These animals requires a lot of exercise, four
walks a day at twenty-minutes each is recommended. In addition,
they need constant obedience (re) training to maintain your
mutually beneficial relationship, and are often difficult to train
at first.
Airedales, like all terriers, were bred to be very
successful vermin killers. They're quick, agile and determined; with their
big size, they're among the best known for dispatching small animals like
cats. If your Airedale has not been raised with cats, do not trust him
with cats. He has a very strong prey instinct, and can kill a cat faster
than you can stop him. Not all Airedales will do this, but be aware that
it's a strong possibility.
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source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
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