Group: The Airedale Terrier, as the name suggests, belongs to the terrier group.
Height: The Airedale Terrier reaches an average height of 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61 cm).
Weight: The average Airedale Terrier weighs 44 to 50 pounds (19.5 to 22.67 kg).
Life Expectancy: The Airedale Terrier has an average life span of 13 years.
Good with Kids? Yes
Views: 849
Colors: The Airedale Terrier's coat is tan with black markings ont he back and sides. The black may be mixed with gray and white, called 'grizzle.'
Physical Traits: The Airedale Terrier is sturdy, muscular, squarely-built, powerful, thick-boned, and well-balanced.
Hair Type: The Airedale Terrier has a smooth, hard, wire-haired outer coat with a short, soft undercoat. Airedale Terriers are not heavy shedders.
Nicknames: The Airedale Terrier is known as the 'King of Terriers', the Waterside Terrier, the Working Terrier, and the Bingley Terrier.
Bred For: The Airedale Terrier was bred by crossing the Otterhound with the Black and Tan Terrier, resulting in increased ability in Water Rat hunting competitions on the Aire River. The breed had great scenting and otter hunting skills and could pursue and retrieve game from its den. It was later crossed with the Irish Terrier and the Bull Terrier. The Airedale Terrier first arrived in North America in the 1880's. The Airedale Terrier was bred to hunt badger, otter, and vermin.
Personality / Temperament: The Airedale Terrier is loyal, but may be stubborn. Airedale Terriers are intelligent, active, and playful. Barking is infrequent with this breed. Airedale Terriers can be mischevious, and are very courageous. The Airedale Terrier is patient with children and tolerant of other household pets. However, it may try to dominate other dogs if not trained properly. Airedale Terriers are always fearless and alert, but not aggressive. They may be described as good-natured, fun-loving, alert, interested, energetic, feisty, lively, inquisitive, dignified, intelligent, loyal, active, and reserved. Some Airedale Terriers can be shy, and may be spooked by strangers.
Origination: The Airedale Terrier originated in the Airedale Valley in West Yorkshire, England.
Maintenance / Special Needs: As a pet, Airedale Terriers require very little grooming, but show dogs need much more attention. Pets should be combed twice a week and plucked twice a year. Show dogs are usually 'stripped' by pulling out loose hairs with a serrated knife edge. Airedale Terriers generally have great health, but, like many other breeds, they are susceptible to eye problems and hip dysplasia. The Airedale Terrier has a bit of a stubborn streak. The Airedale Terrier quickly understands what is asked of it, but if not given variety in training, it may become bored and refuse to perform.
Identifying Traits: The Airedale Terrier is known for being the largest of terriers, and for acting as messengers in World War I. President Roosevelt is quoted as saying, "An Airedale Terrier can do anything any other dog can do and then lick the other dog, if it has to." John Wayne's nickname, "The Duke," was the name of his childhood Airedale Terrier that was said to have followed him everywhere he went.
Ideal For: The Airedale Terrier is ideal for families, companionship, as a watchdog, guard dog, police dog, sentry, or messenger, and is suited for country or city (with plenty of exercise) life. The Airedale Terrier is suited for any climate.
Copyright 2009 SelectPuppy.com - All rights reserved
