Airedale Terrier

 

Briefly about the breed:

• The Airedale Terrier is a steady, self-confident and playful dog that fits well as a family dog and thrives on exercise and activation.
• The breed is an ideal all-round dog with the terrier’s best qualities combined with the larger dog’s qualities.
• It is moody, curious, robust, independent and loyal.
• The coat of the Airedale Terrier is shaggy and requires regular trimming to maintain its protective properties. The breed is litter-free.
• The Airedale Terrier is a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-13 years. HD (hip dysplasia) can occur, and skin problems can be linked to fur maintenance.

Characteristics and mentality:

The Airedale Terrier is a fun-loving, steady, confident and playful dog that thrives as part of the family and loves to be with people. It is versatile and can participate in various dog sports, but may also need varied activities to avoid boredom. Although the breed was formerly used as a hunting dog, it retains its dignity and is often called “the king of terriers”. With proper handling, the Airedale Terrier becomes a devoted and faithful friend.

Size and appearance:

The Airedale Terrier is a high-legged, square-built dog with springy movements. It has a straight back, good depth of chest, straight and parallel front legs, angled hind legs and a long and muscular neck. The head has flat cheeks, an almost invisible stop, and the ears hang with the upper part down towards the cheek. The tail is carried up. Male dogs have a withers height of 58-61 cm, and bitches are slightly smaller. The fur is brown (tan), while the neck, back and upper side of the tail (saddle) are black.

Fur care:

The Airedale Terrier has a straight-haired coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a striated, rough topcoat. To maintain the fur’s weather resistance, it must be trimmed regularly, preferably every 3-4 months. Clipping the fur can lead to the loss of its protective properties. There are courses and guidance available for owners who want to trim the coat themselves. Between trimmings, the dog only needs to be brushed and combed, and it does not shed.

Health:

The Airedale Terrier is a healthy and healthy breed with no specific breed-related diseases. The average lifespan is 10-13 years, but many can live longer. Some cases of HD (hip dysplasia) may occur, and there may also be some skin problems related to coat maintenance.

History:

The breed originated in Yorkshire, England, where it was used to hunt vermin such as water rats and otters. The Airedale Terrier was bred and recognized as a separate breed at the end of the 19th century. During the First World War, Airedale Terriers were used as service dogs on both the German and English sides. The breed came to Norway in 1911, and the first Norwegian litter was born in 1914.

The breed club:

If you wish to learn more about the breed, it is recommended that you contact the Airedale Terrier Breed Club.Good luck!