Airedale Terrier

Other Names/Nicknames:
  • Waterside Terrier
  • Bingley Terrier
Country/Date of Origin:
  • England
  • 19th century
Height:
  • 22 to 24 inches
Weight:
  • 44 to 50 pounds
Personality:
  • Legendary loyalty.
  • Eager to please and learns easily.
  • Fiery temper shows when around other dogs.
History:

The king of terriers was developed to hunt otter in Yorkshire, England.  It is the result of crosses between the now extinct English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otter Hound.  The Airedale got the best of its hound and terrier ancestors.  Its talents are many.  Airedales have been, and still are, used as bird dogs, big game hunters, and military and police dogs.

Body Type:
  • Overall impression is of a large, robust, long-legged terrier full of fire and spirit.
  • Whiskers and a goatee.
  • Button ears are folded forward and carried to the side of the head.  They are not altered.
  • Docked tail is carried high but not curved over the back.
Coat and Grooming:
  • Harsh, double coat that can be either straight or wavy.
  • Airedales are all tan with black or grizzled saddle.
  • Wiry coat requires professional grooming.
  • Pets are trimmed with clippers but show dogs are hand plucked.
  • Waterproof coat inherited from Otter Hound ancestors.
Health and Wellness:
  • Hip dysplasia.
  • Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome (GDV, also commonly called bloat).
  • Metabolic bone disease.
  • Follicular dysplasia.
  • Atopy.
  • Demodicosis.
  • Bladder tumors.
  • Lymphoma.
  • Melanoma.
  • Pancreatic carcinoma.
What you should know:
  • Largest of the terrier tribe.
  • Loves to swim.
  • Puppies born black.
  • Beloved pet of three successive American presidents:  Harding, Coolidge and Hoover.  Also, fancied as a hunting companion of Teddy Roosevelt.
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