Airedale Terrier

Breed Description

The King of Terriers, or the largest terrier of the Foggy Albion, a combat participant, hunter, companion, and athlete – all this is the Airedale Terrier. This breed emerged from the mixing of black rough-haired terriers, as well as water hounds and some other terrier varieties in Yorkshire. Hunters in those areas used Airedales during badger and fox hunts, as well as to reduce otter populations. They were even utilized in packs, which further revealed the breed’s potential. During hunting, packs of Airedales were released to pursue prey. Typically, the dogs would catch their target in its den, following the entire chase by scent.

The bravery inherent in Airedales borders on madness. After all, not every dog could overpower an enemy on its own territory. Working in water is a separate topic. The king of terriers specialized in not only detecting the scent of a ferret or otter but also chasing the prey in the water, which required a strong and resilient animal with an excellent sense of smell. Among the primary criteria was the maximum number of trophies that the dog was expected to catch. Because of this skill, they were initially referred to as water terriers or Bingley terriers. They were highly valued by hunters, so almost everyone aspired to buy a puppy from a local kennel.

The breed was first presented at an exhibition in Shillay, in the valley of the River Aire, in 1864 under various names. There, representatives of the breed demonstrated bravery and excellent results. The renaming to “Airedale Terrier” took place a bit later, in 1879. The official name was solidified a few years later. In 1886, the British Kennel Club officially recognized the breed under the name “Airedale Terrier.” Since then, there has been a steady advancement in the United States, where the breed is immensely popular today. At Zoos, the best selection of kennels in Russia offers purebred Airedale Terriers with all the necessary documents. The average price for these dogs in our country reaches 50,000 to 60,000 rubles, and for show-class representatives with outstanding parental characteristics, breeders indicate a note stating “price negotiable.”

In the modern world, humane attitudes towards animals are shifting the hunting instincts of the king of terriers towards sporting events such as agility, frisbee, and others.

Appearance

With a height at the withers of 55 – 60 cm, male Airedale Terriers are only slightly larger than females. The weight of adult dogs ranges from 20 to 28 kilograms, classifying them as medium-sized, although there are exceptions. For instance, American Pit Bulls can exceed 32 kg.

Overall, this dog is built for serious athleticism and can reach up to an adult person’s hips. The rough coat, characteristic of most hunters from the Misty Albion, is quite clever and devoted to its owner, making it nearly a universal companion. It is perfect for walks in the forest, can serve well as a guard dog, swims wonderfully, and has an excellent sense of smell. Color options are limited: only black and tan, with slight variations in the intensity of the main coat color. Choosing a puppy from a kennel is not difficult today, as advertisements for the sale of puppies of this breed are quite common in our country.

The shaggy beard, ears that bend forward, serious expression, compact body, sufficiently long strong limbs, and a well-curled half-short tail are the breed’s trademarks. Possessing a calm and thoughtful temperament, the Airedale Terrier is still ready to engage with any opponent, even if it is larger in size.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The skull is elongated, flat, and not very wide between the ears. There is a noticeable narrowing towards the eyes. It is well balanced, with the length of the skull and the dog's muzzle being equal. The forehead is flat and clearly visible, smoothly transitioning into the muzzle. The length of the fur on the head is not longer than on other parts.

Морда

The head is elongated, nearly equal in length from the back of the skull to the forehead and from the forehead to the tip of the nose. The bridge of the nose is straight, without any bumps, and the tip of the nose is almost square and black. There is a very neat indentation under the eyes. The lips are tightly closed and do not droop. Strong jaws give the dog a sense of courage and strength.

Уши

They are not particularly large, which is especially noticeable considering the overall dimensions of the dog. They are triangular in shape, with rounded edges, and the ears are folded forward from about the middle. It's undesirable for a dog to have overly large, droopy, or excessively high-set ears.

Глаза

In most cases, the cornea is dark-colored, almost black. They are not bulging, round, with a typical somewhat cheeky expression in their gaze. This gives the overall appearance an intellectual look. Light shades of brown or a yellow cornea are considered extremely undesirable.

Зубы

Powerful jaws and very white, strong canines. Jaws with a scissor bite are prioritized, while a bite with a bite-off or an incomplete bite (undercut) is considered a defect. A level bite is acceptable but less preferred. Normally, there is a complete set of teeth, where the upper canines overlap the lower teeth.

Корпус

Short back, straight and very strong. The top line is strictly without sagging or bumps. The not very wide ribcage compensates for free breathing due to its depth. The lower back is short and muscular, quite wide. The abdomen is not sagging, it is toned.

Конечности

The long shoulders of the front limbs are well tilted back. Positioned at an angle, the surface of the shoulder blades is flat. The straight front legs stand parallel, with a strong skeletal structure. The hind limbs are long, featuring powerful thighs. The knee joints are bent quite strongly, facing straight ahead. The hock joints are located low and are also parallel when viewed from behind.

Хвост

Currently, there are two types of Airedale Terriers: those with docked tails and those with natural tails. While tail docking used to be the norm, compassion has taken precedence now. When the tail has been docked, it holds up cheerfully and energetically. If it hasn't been docked, it still holds up happily, but it doesn't tuck behind its back or roll into a circle. In both cases, the tail is set high.

Шерсть

Of medium length, very stiff, almost wire-like. It closely adheres to the animal's body. There is a short, soft undercoat. The guard hairs are slightly wavy, but not in curls; rather, they form waves. Excessively soft fur is undesirable, as are curls.

Окрас

Darker areas on the back, legs, top of the neck, and tip of the tail are colored graphite, almost black with gray highlights. The other areas are in beige and brown shades. Occasionally, the darkened areas of fur may also appear on the temples and cheeks.

Character

The Airedale Terrier, often referred to as the king of terriers, is a breed known for its striking appearance. Energetic and intelligent, they are characterized by their loyalty, making them suitable not only as hunting dogs but also as family companions. They enjoy active pursuits and enthusiastically participate in forest walks, fishing trips, and can build trusting relationships with children.

It is believed that one of the key traits of this breed’s temperament is their activity level. Airedale Terriers need regular physical exercise and activities to grow healthy and happy. They love to run, play, and engage in sports with their owners. You can see this reflected in the numerous reviews from real Airedale owners online. Notably, ZooNika offers the best selection of kennels in Russia, featuring leading breeders with verified reputations.

They are known for their sharp minds and cleverness, learning easily and quickly assimilating new commands. They require mental stimulation, such as intellectual games and puzzles, to develop their social skills.

Furthermore, Airedale Terriers are dedicated to their owners, closely bonded with their family, and enjoy spending time with them. However, they may exhibit wariness towards strangers, so socialization is crucial for fostering friendly behavior. There have been plenty of cases where parrots, cats, guinea pigs, and other small pets coexist peacefully under one roof.

In conclusion, Airedale Terriers are remarkable dogs with a unique temperament. Their high energy level, intelligence, and loyalty make them excellent companions for active and caring owners. However, before deciding to buy a puppy from a kennel, it is essential to consider their need for an active lifestyle and mental stimulation. Evaluate your financial capabilities and align your lifestyle with the temperament of a potential pet.

Leading breed experts recommend consulting professionals in canine studies before making a choice on this breed. Only by possessing all the necessary information can you ensure a happy and healthy life for an Airedale Terrier.

Care and Maintenance

Urban apartment and Airedale Terrier.

Living in a city apartment comes with certain nuances when it comes to keeping an Airedale Terrier. It is important to provide enough space for the pet, considering its active nature. The choice of apartment is also crucial-having a balcony or proximity to a park for walks makes caring for the dog easier. Special attention should be given to regular walks and physical activity, as Airedales require a lot of movement.

King of Terriers in a country house.

In a country house, conditions for keeping an Airedale can be more favorable. Having a yard allows the dog to run and play freely outdoors. Additionally, if there’s a plot, a special area can be created for walks and games, positively impacting the pet’s activity level. It’s essential to ensure safety, protect the area from the dog wandering off, and make sure there are no harmful plants or animals nearby.

Physical activity for Airedale Terriers.

Airedale Terriers are very active and energetic dogs that need sufficient physical exercise to maintain their health and well-being. Their breed history is linked to hunting, giving them high physical capabilities and hunting instincts.Daily walks.Regular walks are the foundation of physical activity for Airedale Terriers. It is recommended to dedicate at least 30 to 60 minutes daily for outdoor walks. This can include strolls through the park, playtime in the yard, running, or even engaging in sports activities like frisbee or agility.Training and games.It’s also important to provide Airedale Terriers with a variety of games and activities. They love active play, so they can happily participate in physical training. Agility, obstacle courses, object searches, and ball games are excellent ways to satisfy their need for physical activity. It’s advisable to prepare in advance for such activities and purchase appropriate toys before meeting with the breeder to choose a puppy.Sports activities.Many Airedale Terriers successfully participate in various dog sports like agility, frisbee, and other competitions. This is a great way to fulfill their need for active engagem

Training and Education

Training and raising an Airedale Terrier is an important aspect of caring for the dog. The Airedale Terrier is an intelligent, energetic, and loyal breed that requires careful socialization and training. Before buying a puppy from a kennel, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with some recommendations for successful training and upbringing.

Positive reinforcement: Airedale Terriers respond well to positive reinforcement. Praise, treats, a favorite toy, a gentle tone from the owner, and petting all play a positive role in the command training process.

Start training at a young age. The training your dog receives in the first weeks of life in a new home speeds up the socialization process, as young dogs are more receptive to training. This helps to establish good habits from the very beginning of their life.

Airedale Terriers are very social dogs, so socialization with other dogs and people is also extremely important. Regular walks and time spent in public places will help your Airedale become accustomed to various situations.

Practicing basic commands will help manage your Airedale Terrier’s behavior in different situations. “Sit!”, “Come!”, “Place!”, “No!” – these are the first and most important commands. Once mastered, you can move on to “Heel!”, “No!”, “Fetch!” and others.

Adequate physical activity allows the dog to burn off excess energy. The King of Terriers is considered a very energetic breed, so they require regular exercise. Long walks and active games, such as frisbee, help maintain their physical fitness and balanced behavior.Patience, persistence, and consistency are essential parts of the training process for an Airedale Terrier. It may take a long time, as each animal has its own characteristics and learns tasks at different rates.Following these recommendations will help you successfully train and raise your Airedale. Remember that each dog is unique, and some methods may require an individual approach. If difficulties arise, it is best to consult a professional dog trainer for additional assistance. Zooneek offers puppies with pedigrees and health guarantees.

How to Choose a Puppy

When selecting an Airedale Terrier puppy, it’s important to pay due attention to several key aspects to ensure the right choice. First and foremost, it is recommended to avoid advertisements for puppies for sale and instead choose a puppy from a kennel. It is best to personally visit the kennel where the litter was born and ensure the conditions they are kept in are satisfactory. Cleanliness, order, and care for the puppies are signs of a responsible breeder. It is also necessary to investigate the pedigree of your future pet and confirm that the parents have undergone the appropriate veterinary testing for hereditary diseases.

The behavior and temperament of Airedale Terrier puppies play an equally significant role in making the final decision to purchase. Observe how the puppies interact with each other and with people, noting their activity level, curiosity, and friendliness. The puppy should seem healthy, lively, and interested in the world around them.

Additionally, consult reputable breed specialists who can share their knowledge and experience with you. The information you gather will help you make an informed decision about selecting the right puppy. Take your time, give the selection process the attention it deserves, and as a result, you will gain a loyal and devoted friend for many years. Discover how to do this at Zooinika and find an excellent pet.

Health and Diseases

To get ahead of ourselves, it’s important to note that a predisposition to a certain disease does not guarantee its occurrence. To ensure a full life for their pets, owners must diligently follow the veterinarian’s recommendations, administer deworming in a timely manner, and adhere to the vaccination schedule.

However, Airedales can experience health issues just like any other breed. Among the common ailments, these dogs are often diagnosed with:

– hip dysplasia, which can lead to serious mobility limitations;

– allergic reactions to food or odors. For example, concentrated tobacco smoke, perfumes, or adverse environmental conditions can trigger allergies;

– umbilical hernias, which are treated surgically;

– oncological diseases, which have been diagnosed more frequently in Airedales since the late 20th to early 21st centuries.To minimize the risks of genetic health problems, request screening results for genetic diseases from breeders before purchasing a puppy from a kennel, and carefully review the health records in the veterinary passports of the puppies’ parents.