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The Airedale Terrier as a breed originated in the Aire river valley of Yorkshire, less that one hundred miles from the Scottish border, about in the middle of the 19th century. The factory workers and farmers wanted to develop a dog, which would hunt otters successfully and also help in controlling the river banks roaming martens, foxes and rats. To control these pests, the hunters and farmers of the valley often kept many different dogs, each of which was specialized to deal with a particular species of vermin. Keeping so many dogs was an expensive proposition, and generally, beyond the financial constraints of the average farmer. The people soon realized that they needed one dog that could do the work of many. Such a dog needed to be small enough to take on a rat, yet large enough to tackle larger prey, such as foxes or martens. They also needed a dog that could pursue its quarry through the water. Airedale Terrier is the biggest terrier, and he is often called “the king of terriers”. You could also call him “the clown of terriers”. A quite ordinary Airedale is a wonderful companion, children’s friend, and a source of joy. He is playful till old age. As a compensation for all this, also the human has got obligations for his friend. An Airedale is full of energy especially at young age, and he should get lots of exercise every day. He should also be activated, be it utility training, obedience, brain work or just nice play with the dog. Unless the dog is having another dog as a companion, the human should play regularly with him. Living with your Airedale is most satisfying and you’ll learn to know him the best possible way, when you’re associating with him as much as possible. An Airedale may thrive on the yard or then not; I’ve owned both kinds, but more of those, who, when given the chance, choose to be inside with humans. So this breed is not a yard dog, and I don’t want to sell a puppy to be one. Extremely rare are those specimens who will stay on a yard poorly fenced or not fenced at all. The Airedale is a bit of a wanderer, and he loves to visit the neighbours at least. Even if you should have an Airedale who you think will stay on the yard like an angel, he still may surprise you and vanish after some irresistible temptation. An Airedale is seldom dominant in his own family, but as grown-up he may try to dominate other dogs. It is therefore important to keep up an obedience level good enough. The breeders appreciated the utility properties above the exterior. They competed hard with each other, and their dogs were excellent hunters, retrievers, and also fighting dogs. At first the litters were far from uniform, there were the small terrier type and the large hound type dogs, and these early specimens ranged in size from 15 to 24 inches (38-61 cm), and weighed between 30 and 80 pounds (13-36 kg). In the beginning the dogs were called “Waterside Terriers” and “Bingley Terriers”. The name “Airedale Terrier” was established in 1886. |
