Picture of Airedale Terrier Dog: Uncovering the Breed's History, Temperament, and Physical Characteristics

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Posted Oct 21, 2024

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Airedale Terrier Running on a Snow Covered Ground
Credit: pexels.com, Airedale Terrier Running on a Snow Covered Ground

The Airedale Terrier dog breed has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, originating in England as a hunting companion for gamekeepers.

They were bred to hunt large game, including otters and badgers, and were known for their distinctive mustache-like facial hair.

Their original name was "Old English Black and Tan Terrier", but they were later renamed Airedale Terrier after the Aire Valley in Yorkshire, England.

Airedale Terriers are known for their intelligent and confident nature, making them a popular breed among families and hunters alike.

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History and Temperament

The Airedale Terrier has a rich history dating back to the 1800s in northern England, where it was developed to chase down ducks and rats in the Aire Valley.

It's no wonder the Airedale Terrier is known as the "King of Terriers" with its brave and versatile nature. The breed was developed using several terrier breeds and the Otterhound breed, and over time, breeders may have introduced additional breeds to establish further the desired characteristics.

Credit: youtube.com, ALL ABOUT AIREDALE TERRIERS: KING OF ALL TERRIERS

The Airedale Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888, and it's been a beloved hunting dog throughout its history, serving in World War I as a police and military dog. Today, it ranks No. 62 on the AKC's list of most popular dog breeds.

Airedales are intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and sometimes stubborn, making them a great choice for an active family who can provide the right training and care. With proper training, Airedales can be an excellent choice for a family dog and can even do well with cats and other small animals.

Three Little-Known Facts About Airedale Terriers

This facial hair is a result of their breeding history, which dates back to the 19th century when they were first bred as working dogs in the UK. They were used for hunting and vermin control, and their distinctive appearance was likely a result of their original purpose.

Credit: youtube.com, Airedale Terrier - Top 10 Facts

Airedale Terriers are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them a popular choice as family pets. They are highly trainable and can learn a wide range of commands and tasks with ease.

Their intelligence and trainability are likely a result of their original purpose as working dogs, where they were bred to be highly responsive to commands and able to perform a variety of tasks.

Airedale Terrier History

The Airedale Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s in northern England. It was developed by factory and mill workers of the Aire Valley to create a brave and versatile hunting dog.

The breed was created using several terrier breeds and the Otterhound breed, and over time, breeders may have introduced additional breeds to establish the desired characteristics. The Airedale Terrier was sometimes called the Bingley Terrier in the early days.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Airedale by 1888, and the Airedale Terrier Club of America was established in 1900. Airedale Terriers have been popular with a few United States presidents, including Calvin Coolidge.

Airedales have been beloved hunting dogs throughout their history but have also excelled as police and military dogs, serving in World War I.

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Temperament

Credit: youtube.com, Airedale Terrier - Dog Breeds Information, Origin, History, Appearance, Temperament, Health

The Airedale Terrier is a highly intelligent breed, ranking 37th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs as a working dog of above average intelligence.

They're strong-minded and independent, bred to hunt independently, which can sometimes make them stubborn. However, with proper training, they can be an excellent choice for a family dog.

Airedales are very loyal to their owners and can be great companions, as Albert Payson Terhune described them as an "adoring pal" to their master.

They're also naturally protective, making them a good guard dog, but they can be gentle with children and other small animals if raised with them.

A well-trained Airedale can work well with cattle and livestock, but an untrained one may agitate and annoy them.

Physical Characteristics

The Airedale terrier is a large breed, with males weighing 19-25 kilograms and standing 58-61 centimeters tall at the withers. They have a medium-length black and tan coat with a harsh topcoat and a soft undercoat.

Credit: youtube.com, Airedale terrier dog breed. All breed characteristics and facts about Airedale terrier

Their coat is hard and wiry, and it's meant to be kept not too long to appear ragged. The outer coat is hard, wiry, and stiff, while the undercoat is softer.

Airedales have a distinctive appearance, with a black saddle and tan head, ears, and legs being the correct coat color according to the AKC breed standard. This coloration is often accompanied by a grizzle saddle, which is a mix of black, gray, and white.

Their tails are traditionally long and erect, but in some countries, it's illegal to dock them unless it's for the dog's benefit. In the United States, the AKC standard states that the tail should be set well up on the back and carried gaily but not curled over the back.

Larger Airedales, often referred to as "Oorangs", can sometimes be found in North America, weighing up to 55 kilograms. These dogs are more prone to hip dysplasia than the standard Airedales.

Take a look at this: Airedale Terrier Long Hair

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Airedale breed face?

The Airedale breed has a classic terrier head with a distinctive "no stop" forehead and V-shaped ears. Its facial features are a key part of its sturdy and recognizable outline.

How big does an Airedale get?

Males typically reach 23 inches in height and weigh up to 50 pounds.

Robin Morissette

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Robin Morissette is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for crafting compelling content. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, Robin brings a unique perspective to their writing. Their portfolio showcases a range of topics, from in-depth explorations of the Havanese breed, to informative articles on canine origins.

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