With its unflagging spirit, size, and unwavering strength, it is no doubt why the Airedale Terrier earned its nickname The King of Terriers. It is one of the world’s most versatile dog breeds. It distinguishes himself as an athlete, hunter, and as well as a companion. This dog breed is considered to be the biggest of all terrier breeds. Male Airedale terriers can group up to 23 inches at the shoulder while females tend to grow a little less. Airedale Terriers sports a dense and wiry fur that is often comes in a tan color with black markings. This dog breed has long, muscular legs, which gives regal lift when it comes to their bearing. Aside from that, it also has a long head along with dark eyes, neatly folded ears, and a sporty beard and mustache. Airedale Terriers is what you picture an alert, and willing terrier would be but only more significant. Just like his smaller cousins that belong in the terrier family, the Airedale Terrier can be determined, bold, and of course, a little bit stubborn. Airedales are passive and patient with kids, but they would not back down, especially when they are protecting their hearts and home.
History of Airedale Terrier
The Aire Valley is one of Britain’s major manufacturing centers before the 20th century. This center lies is located in the north of England, which found less than a hundred miles from the Scottish border. At the height of the Industrial Revolution during the mid-1800s, the valley’s factory and mill workers started to bred fierce and loyal Airedales in their own image. This is why it is quite an irony that the King of Terriers was bred by workingmen and not royals.
Airedales were first bred to large and fearless hunters of rats and ducks. Appropriately for a dog that came from a manufacturing community, this breed was considered as a “manufactured” breed. Which is why there are several existing breeds went into its makeup. These breeds are the Otterhound and other extinct breeds, such as the English Black and Tan Terrier. It is also quite possible that retrievers, setters, and even herding dogs also played a part during the development of this breed. Aside from being fearless ducks and rat hunters, Airedales Terriers also served in the British Armed Forces during the First World War they worked as sentries, guard dogs, and even messengers. While in North America, Airedale Terriers was considered as a three-in-one hunting dog because they can become equally adept on waterfowl, furred prey, and upland game birds. Duck dog, rat hunter, big-game hunter, guardian, warrior, herder, athlete, K-9 cop, actor, and even being a babysitter are all jobs that can be held at various times by the Airedale Terrier.
Characteristics of the Airedale Terrier
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Height: Female: 56–59 cm, Male: 58–61 cm
Weight: Female: 18–20 kg, Male: 23–29 kg
Hypoallergenic: Yes
The Airedale Terrier sports a wiry fur, and UK Kennel Club only accepts registration for this breed if it has these two colors, which are black and tan, then black and gold. The is a large dog breed that commonly stands between 56-61 cm tall at the withers and females are slightly smaller than males. Generally, the Airedale Terrier is a strong looking dog that looks square and well-proportioned. Which means that it doesn’t have an unnecessarily long body or legs.
Airedale Terriers has a well-defined and muscled medium length neck that widens towards the base then joining long and sloping shoulders. Their front legs are straight, and their elbows are held away from a deep chest with their feet being reasonably small and compact. The tail of an Airedale Terrier are high set and carried upright. They have a long, flat and well-balanced, but not overly broad skull. And their mouth contains a healthy teeth that has a scissor bite along with a powerful and muscular jaw. Which is why this breed always gives out an impression of strength, without having the need of overdevelopment on their cheeks. They have relatively small V-shaped ears and eyes that look dark but full of intense terrier expression.
Caring for Airedale Terriers
The Airedale Terrier is considered a working dog, which is why it has the energy and stamina that should go with it. When you are taking care of an Airedale Terrier, keep in mind that it needs regular exercise. You can take them out for a walk at least once a day then follows it up with a good romp in your backyard or park. The Airedale loves to play, retrieve, swim, and, most of all, goof around. Aside from that, this breed also makes a jogging
companion, and in several cases, they often tire out their owner.
Training and socialization or the process where dogs learn how to get along with other dogs and people are essential for the
Airedale Terriers, and we suggest that you teach them these skills when they are still a puppy. You can do this by taking your Airedale with you to different places such as outdoor events, the pet supply store, and long walks in busy parks. Even if you don’t have that many children in your home, we highly advise that you expose your Airedale Terrier early to kids of all ages.