BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
CH Nightsun Brightest Star CDX (Soleil)
Photo courtesy: Nightsun Airedale Terriers (Reg'd) |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Great Britain
Height:
Males: 58-61 cm (23-24 in.) - Females: 56-59 cm (22-23 in.) at the withers
Breed Profile:
It is generally believed that the Airedale originated in the Valley of Aire in England by crossing the now extinct English Terrier with the Otteround and various other Terriers to develop a all-purpose dog which was known as the Waterside Terrier, then as the Bingley Terrier. The first classes for Airedale Terriers at shows were held in 1879. This all-purpose breed was used for hunting large game, including wild cats and bears, in Africa, India, the United States and Canada. It was also one of the first breeds used as police dogs in Germany and Great Britain and, in several wars, Airedales were used as dispatch dogs. During the first part of the 20th century, the Airedale breed had an almost legendary popularity. The breed was first brought to North America from England in the early 1880's and by the early 1920's, the Airedale was the most popular breed of dog in America.
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the Terriers—known as the King of the Terriers. He is a medium-sized, muscular and squarely-built dog. Always a terrier in appearance and attitude, he should stand alert with his head and tail held high. The Airedale is an active dog with quick movement and a keen expression, outgoing and confident, friendly, courageous and intelligent.
Not only is the Airedale a keen hunter and family protector, he is playful, fun-loving and a wonderful companion. While he can adjust to various living situations, he does require regular and daily exercise. The Airedale is eager to learn and has a very good memory, often learning a task on the first or second try. They do, however, get bored from repetition and may refuse to repeat a task repetitively. Positive reinforcement training is the ideal method for this versatile breed — whether training for companionship, conformation, hunting, obedience, agility, search and rescue, tracking, agility, flyball or other.
All Airedales are black and tan, with only slight variations of shades. They have a hard, wiry outer coat and a softer wooly undercoat.
Health Issues
In general, the Airedale Terrier is known to be a healthy breed; however, like all breeds certain genetic disorders have been known to occur, such as: Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's Disease, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Recommended Health Screening: The Airedale Terrier Club of America recommends that breeders screen for genetic problems, including hip and elbow certifications, CERF, thyroid testing, and cardiac evaluation.
Required testing indicated by the CHIC* include: Hip Dysplasia; Congenital Cardiac evaluation; and Renal Disease. Eye Examination by a board Ophthalmologist; Autoimmune Thyroiditis; and Elbow Dysplasia are optional.
If you are considering the adoption of a Airedale Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Canine Inherited Disorders Database — Airedale Terrier
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- Official UKC Breed Standard (Revised April 15, 2007)
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Standard No. 7
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Training Tools & Equipment
Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com
Additional Information
- Is an Airedale the Right Breed for Your Family?
- Airedale Terriers: A Comic with a Heart
- Is Your Airedale Breeding Quality?
- AiredaleTerriers.org — Airedale Terrier Information & Referral Resource
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed:
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