Exploring the Airedale Terrier Characteristics is a journey into the world of a breed known for its versatility, intelligence, and spirited personality. During the First World War, a robust Airedale terrier named Jack overcame the battlefields to deliver a message to British headquarters. Jack ran through half a mile of swamp, artillery rained down on him and suffered a broken leg and a broken jaw. Unfortunately, he died soon after completing his mission. Incredibly, the message he was carrying saved his battalion, and he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for “Gallantry in the Field.” The bravery and courage of Jack apply to today’s Airedales.
Dogs like Jack were bred as multi-purpose dogs, who, though they had the sharpness of a terrier, could swim and smell for prey. Airedale Terriers are characterized by their athletic and working qualities and today compete in agility, obedience and hunting tests.
They enjoy life the most when a job needs to be done, even when it’s just about entertaining children with whom he understands excellently. (Nevertheless, an adult should always monitor the interactions between children and dogs.)
Like all terriers, the Airedale has a predilection for digging, hunting and barking. He is full of energy and is an excellent jogging companion. Daily walks and romps in the yard are among his favorite pastimes.
You can not talk about the Airedale without mentioning its independent series. This is a smart dog who thinks for himself and does not always wait for his owner’s orders. If you are looking for a high-quality dog that waits for every command, the Airedale Terrier is not the right breed for you. However, if you are challenged by a challenge, you may be living with an Airedale.
It’s worth noting that the Airedale Terrier will not forgive any harsh treatment and give the attacker a grudge. He can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals, and has a strong prey-seed that sometimes makes it difficult for him to deal with. It is said that the Airedale does not start fights – he ends them. Consistent, positive obedience training is a must, as well as a secure fenced yard.
Not surprisingly, the Airedale is an excellent watchdog. He will protect his family with savage and courageous loyalty from intruders. He is however friendly to invited guests in his house.
Make no mistake: the Airedale is not all business – its downside is weird and playful. He enjoys the company of his family, and he likes to romp around and play games, throw toys, steal dirty socks, fetch food from the kitchen counter, and generally cause mischief. He matures slowly and is often puppy until old age.
The Airedale is a fascinating breed. He is brave and athletic, stylish and silly. Many owners say that the only thing better than an Airedale Terrier is two.
Highlights
Hip Dysplasia:
This is a hereditary disease where the femur does not fit properly in the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both hind legs, while others show no signs of discomfort. (X-rays are the safest way to diagnose the problem.) In both cases, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. So if you buy a puppy, ask the breeder to prove that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and have no problems.
Allergies:
Allergies are a common disease in dogs, and the Airdale is no exception. There are three main types of allergies: food allergies, where certain foods are eliminated from the dog’s diet; Contact allergies caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea powder, dog shampoos and other chemicals; and inhaled allergies caused by allergens in the air such as pollen, dust and mildew. The treatment depends on the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications and environmental changes.
Hypothyroidism:
This is a thyroid disorder. It is believed to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):
This is a family of eye diseases in which the retina gradually deteriorates. At the beginning of the disease, the affected dogs go blind at night. They lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision as long as their environment remains the same.
Umbilical hernia:
In this disease, which occurs at birth, stomach fat or internal organs protrude against the abdominal wall near the navel. If the hernia is small, it can be left untreated. Some small hernias appear spontaneously when the puppy is 6 months old, and some dogs live with little hernias without difficulty throughout their lives. Large hernias require surgery that is performed frequently while the dog is neutered or castrated. Surgery serves to prevent a more serious condition in which a bowel loop falls into the inguinal hernia causing life-threatening intestinal strangulation.
Von Willebrand Disease:
This coagulation disorder occurs in both dogs and humans. An affected dog has symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding after surgery, persistent bleeding during heat cycles or after the puppy, and occasionally blood in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed between the ages of three and five years and can not be cured. However, it may be treated with treatments involving cauterization or suturing, pre-surgery transfusion and prevention of certain medications.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis:
This disorder causes vomiting and diarrhea with fresh or digested blood. This disorder occurs very quickly and the cause is unknown. Diagnosis is a process of elimination, as many other diseases cause similar symptoms.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis:
This disorder causes vomiting and diarrhea with either fresh or digested blood. This disorder comes on very quickly, and the cause is unknown. Diagnosing is a process of elimination because many other diseases cause similar symptoms. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis needs prompt medical treatment. Although it run its course within a few days, the dog needs treatment of intravenous fluids to keep hydrated. If the dog becomes dehydrated, his red blood count will continue to rise until the blood becomes thick and slow moving. This can cause another disorder, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and can result in death. The disorder is also treated with antibiotics and anti-ulcer medications.
Cancer:
Like humans, dogs can develop cancer. There are many different types of cancers, and the success of treatment differs for each individual case. For some forms of cancer, tumors are surgically removed, others are treated with chemotherapy, and some are treated both surgically and medically.
History of Airedales
The Airedale is considered the largest of the terriers. The first attempt to create the Airedale Terrier was in 1853, although no one at the time had a blueprint in mind. A shaggy black and tan terrier was bred with an otterhound, hoping to create a plump sports dog who could do so hunting otters in the rivers and rats on land.
The first intersection produced a dog that had the sharpness of a terrier and was able to swim and smell game. The crosses were called Waterside or Bingley Terrier and within 12 years of the first crossing, the dog had become a popular sports terrier.
In 1864, the first dog show took place in the Aire Valley, and the Waterside Terrier participated in the Broken-Haired Terriers class (the name Waterside or Bingley Terrier was not mentioned until 1879). The author Hugh Dalziel described the Bingley Terrier as “par excellence … exceedingly good” after judging the dog at an exhibition. His comments immediately sparked interest in the breed and sparked a crowd-cheering protest that denied the fact that Dalziel had identified Bingley as the birthplace of the breed.
At that time, a group of breeders teamed up and decided to rename the Waterside or Bingley Terrier to Airedale Terrier. It is believed that the actual name first came from Dr. Gordon Stables, who had judged the dogs a year before Dalziel, but this fact is difficult to confirm. In 1880, Dalziel again had the opportunity to judge the Airedale Terrier, referring in his report to the dog as such.
The name Airedale Terrier was initially not accepted or commonly used, which caused much confusion. At various exhibitions classes were formed for one or all three names of the breed and only in 1886 accepted the Kennel Club in England Airedale Terrier as the official name of the breed.
The Airedale Terrier Club of America was founded in 1900 and in 1910 the club launched a perennial trophy, which is offered at parent club exhibitions. Known as the Airedale Bowl, this trophy bears the names of the winners in bowl and pedestal.
Airedale Terriers were used during the First World War as messengers, guards, food and ammunition carriers, scouts, rescue dogs, rats, Red Cross accident dogs, sled dogs and guard dogs. The war brought stories about the bravery and loyalty of the Airedale Terrier and triggered the breed’s popularity. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge were among the many people who owned the breed and were interested in it.
In 1949, the Airedale Terrier was ranked 20th by the American Kennel Club on the popularity scale, but has since fallen in rank. Part of this decline is due to the increased use of shepherds in traditional Airedale-filled roles.
Size
Men stand 23 inches tall and weigh about 50 to 65 pounds. Women are shorter and weigh 40 to 55 pounds.
Personality
The Airedale is a hardworking, independent and athletic dog with a lot of drive, energy and endurance. It tends to dig, hunt and bark – behaviors that are self-evident to terrier breeds. These features can be frustrating for owners unfamiliar with the Airedale personality.
When you think of an Airedale, think about whether you are ready to live with its propensity for potentially unwanted behaviors – and whether you want to face the challenges of independence. If you decide to do so, you will be amazed by the active, fun-loving and even funny attitude of Airedale.
The Airedale is a lively breed and it needs a lot of activity. Do not leave him alone for a long time, otherwise he will probably get bored, which leads to the above destructive behaviors. Keep the training interesting and fresh – repetitive exercises get boring for the Airedale. It is best motivated by treats and other positive reinforcement methods. Drill-and-jerk training methods should be avoided.
As a dependable watchdog, Airedale is proud to protect its family. He can be a bitter guardian but friendly to his family and friends.
Ultimately, the temperament is influenced by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, like to go to people and let them hold on to them. Pick the puppy in the middle of the street, not the one beating his littermate or the one hiding in the corner.
Always meet at least one of the parents – usually the mother is the one available – to make sure they have a pleasant temperament that makes you feel good. Meeting with siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful in assessing what a puppy will look like in adulthood.
Like any dog, the Airedale needs an early socialization – contact with many different people, sights, sounds and experiences – when they are young. Socialization helps make your Airedale puppy a round dog.
It’s a good start to include him in a puppy kindergarten class. If he regularly invites visitors and walks into busy parks, shops where dogs are allowed, and meets neighbors on walks, he can also improve his social skills.
Health
Airedales are generally healthy, but like all races, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Not all Airedales will get any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them when you think about this breed.
When you buy a puppy, look for a good breeder who will provide you with the health certificates for the parents of your puppy. Health clearance proves that a dog has been tested and released for a particular condition.
At Airedales, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is expected to have health approvals for hip dysplasia (with an appropriate rating), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand’s disease. from Auburn University for Thrombopathy; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF), which confirms that the eyes are normal. You can check the health releases on the OFA website (offa.org).
Hip Dysplasia:
This is a hereditary disease where the femur does not fit properly in the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both hind legs, while others show no signs of discomfort. (X-rays are the safest way to diagnose the problem.) In both cases, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. So if you buy a puppy, ask the breeder to prove that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and have no problems.
Allergies:
Allergies are a common disease in dogs, and the Airdale is no exception. There are three main types of allergies: food allergies, where certain foods are eliminated from the dog’s diet; Contact allergies caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea powder, dog shampoos and other chemicals; and inhaled allergies caused by allergens in the air such as pollen, dust and mildew. The treatment depends on the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications and environmental changes.
Hypothyroidism:
This is a thyroid disorder. It is believed to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a family of eye diseases in which the retina gradually deteriorates. At the beginning of the disease, the affected dogs go blind at night. They lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision as long as their environment remains the same.
Umbilical hernia:
In this disease, which occurs at birth, stomach fat or internal organs protrude against the abdominal wall near the navel. If the hernia is small, it can be left untreated. Some small hernias appear spontaneously when the puppy is 6 months old, and some dogs live with little hernias without difficulty throughout their lives. Large hernias require surgery that is performed frequently while the dog is neutered or castrated. Surgery serves to prevent a more serious condition in which a bowel loop falls into the inguinal hernia causing life-threatening intestinal strangulation.
Von Willebrand Disease:
This coagulation disorder occurs in both dogs and humans. An affected dog has symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding after surgery, persistent bleeding during heat cycles or after the puppy, and occasionally blood in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed between the ages of three and five years and can not be cured. However, it may be treated with treatments involving cauterization or suturing, pre-surgery transfusion and prevention of certain medications.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis:
This disorder causes vomiting and diarrhea with fresh or digested blood. This disorder occurs very quickly and the cause is unknown. Diagnosis is a process of elimination, as many other diseases cause similar symptoms.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis:
This disorder causes vomiting and diarrhea with either fresh or digested blood. This disorder comes on very quickly, and the cause is unknown. Diagnosing is a process of elimination because many other diseases cause similar symptoms. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis needs prompt medical treatment. Although it run its course within a few days, the dog needs treatment of intravenous fluids to keep hydrated. If the dog becomes dehydrated, his red blood count will continue to rise until the blood becomes thick and slow moving. This can cause another disorder, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and can result in death. The disorder is also treated with antibiotics and anti-ulcer medications.
Cancer:
Like humans, dogs can develop cancer. There are many different types of cancers, and the success of treatment differs for each individual case. For some forms of cancer, tumors are surgically removed, others are treated with chemotherapy, and some are treated both surgically and medically.
Care
The Airedale Terrier is a working dog and has the energy and stamina that go with it. He needs regular exercise – at least a walk a day, two are preferable, coupled with a good romp in the backyard. The Airedale loves to search, play, swim and play around. He is a great jogging companion and in many cases will make his owner tired.
Training and socialization (the process by which puppies or adult dogs learn to be friendly and to get along with other dogs and people) are crucial to the Airedale, starting with puppy lessons. Integrate socialization into your training by taking your Airedale to many different locations – such as the pet shop, outdoor events, or long walks in busy parks. (Even though you can not imagine many children coming to your home, it is important to expose them to children of all ages at an early age.) Wherever many people meet and visit places of interest, Airedale is a good place to go ,
The Airedale Terrier also strongly recommends training in the crate. It not only helps with house training, but also provides him with a safe place to settle down and relax. In general, Airedales do most of the training as long as you remember that you have your own mind. Ask him to sit or stay in full sunlight in the middle of summer, and it is very likely that he will choose to do so in the shade.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach an Airedale. If you approach the training with a positive, fun attitude and bring with you a lot of patience and flexibility, you have a great chance that Airedale, which is also well educated, can think freely.
Feeding
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.
NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on its size, age, physique, metabolism and activity. Dogs are individuals, just like humans, and they do not all need the same amount of food. It goes without saying that a highly active dog needs more than a couch dog. The quality of the dog food you buy also plays a role – the better the dog food, the more it nourishes your dog and the less you have to shake it into your dog’s bowl.
Keep your Airedale in shape by measuring your food and feeding it twice a day, rather than omitting food all the time. If you are not sure if you are overweight, do the eye test and the hands-on test.
Look down on him first. You should be able to see a waist. Then put your hands on his back, thumbs along the back, spread with your fingers down. You should be able to feel your ribs, but not see them without having to press firmly. If you can not, you need less food and more exercise.
For more information about feeding your Airedale, see our guidelines for buying the right feed, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.
Coat color and grooming
The beautiful coat of the Airedale Terrier consists of two layers: a dense and wiry cover layer and a short and soft base layer. Most Airedales Terriers have a particular coat combination: most of the dog is light brown (ears, legs, head, lower abdomen and occasionally the shoulders) and the back and tops are either black or gray (black mixed with gray and white). Sometimes there is a red spot in the black and a small white star on the chest.
The Airedale Terrier is not known for extreme shedding, but it spills at certain times of the year. Regular brushing keeps the coat in good condition (once or twice a week) and baths regularly if needed (overbathing is not recommended as it softens the coarser grain coat).
The Airedale family does not need to be trimmed, but most owners have it cleaned three to four times a year by a professional snow groomer to give it a decent look (an untrimmed coat is thick, curly and unruly). The coat is cut either by stripping (a process in which the coat is thinned and shortened with a sharp, comb-like tool, the so-called stripping knife) or by a combination of both with a hair clipper.
Paying for a professional snow groomer to care for your Airedale is costly and should be considered when choosing this breed. Highly motivated owners can learn how to trim their own dogs, but it’s not easy and time consuming.
Brush the teeth of your Airedale at least two or three times a week to remove tartar deposits and the bacteria that lurk in them. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Cut his nails once or twice a month if your dog does not wear them naturally to avoid painful tears and other problems. If you hear them clicking on the floor, they are too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels, and if you cut them too far, you can cause bleeding – and your dog will not be able to cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers coming out. If you are new to trimming dog tags, ask a veterinarian or nurse for clues.
His ears should be checked weekly for redness or bad smell, which may indicate an infection. When checking your dog’s ears, wipe it off with a cotton ball moistened with a mild pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent infection. Do not insert anything into the ear canal. Just clean the outer ear.
Start getting your Airedale used to being brushed and examined if he is a puppy. Treat his paws frequently – dogs are sensitive to their feet – and look into his mouth. Make care a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and lay the groundwork for simple veterinary examinations and other treatments when you grow up.
When brushing, look for wounds, rashes or signs of infection such as redness, sensitivity or inflammation of the skin, nose, mouth, eyes and feet. The eyes should be clear and without redness or discharge. Your careful weekly check-up will help you to identify potential health problems early.
Children and other pets
The fun-loving Airedale is a good family pet. In some cases, it may even protect children in the home, but its size and high level of activity may prove too intense for extremely young children.
As with any breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and monitor the interactions between dogs and toddlers to prevent either party from biting or pulling on ears or tails. Teach your child to never approach a dog while eating or sleeping, or trying to take food from it. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unattended with a child.
The Airedale gets on well with other dogs in his household as long as he is socialized and educated. He can, however, deal aggressively with strange dogs that he finds threatening. And given Airedale’s reputation as a hunter, it is very likely that he hunts animals that he sees as prey, including cats, rabbits, gerbils and hamsters.
