| Keen of
expression with a swashbuckling attitude,
the Airedale Terrier is the largest of the
terrier breeds and often
referred to as the King of Terriers.
The Airedale is the most
versatile breed, having been bred to hunt
fur and feather, retrieve over land and
water, used as a pit fighter, ratter, herder,
police dog, guide dog for the blind,
messenger dog, rescue dog, companion,
therapy dog and sentry during the First
World War. The Airedale Terrier is multi-skilled
and adept at every thing that interests him.
 The
very qualities that make Airedales “the only
breed” for many of us can also makes them
less suitable or
desirable for others. When an Airedale Owner
describes the wealth of admirable qualities
in his chosen breed, we may describe them
with the phraseology used in Column A …
whereas another person might choose the
description in Column B!
Column A
An Airedale Owner’s Description |
Column B
Observations from Non Airedale
Owners |
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Airedales are very
devoted companions. |
They want to be
an equal partner in your life, a
family member and a friend, and will
be unhappy with anything less.
They are not
happy if excluded from family
activities. (Be prepared to even
have company in the washroom.)
They are not
backyard dogs.
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|
Airedales are great
with children.
Airedales are “the only breed that
babysits.” |
Trained adult
dogs secure in their environment can
be unbelievably sweet with small
children.
Young dogs and
young children should never be left
together unsupervised.
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|
Airedales “think
outside of the box.” |
They possess the
ability to think and process thought.
They are able to
problem solve.
They will often
outsmart their owners.
They do not
accept unreasonable or repetitive
commands.
They are smart
and very curious. If you mind being
outsmarted, you may not be enchanted
with an Airedale.
If you want a dog
who never questions your judgement,
you should consider another breed.
They have
opinions – sometimes even about
furniture placement
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Airedales have
personality plus! |
Airedales have a
clownish streak that both amuses and
exasperates their owners.
Many will perform
for laughs, knowingly embarrassing
their owners who have told the world
“how well trained he is”.
They are
unforgiving of harsh treatment.
An Airedale
never forgives.
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Airedales can do
anything and do it well.
|
Airedales want to
work with you, not for you.
Obedience classes
are strongly recommended.
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Airedales are
courageous and brave. |
Airedales can be
aggressive to other dogs.
The Airedale
seldom starts the fight, but he will
always finish it.
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Airedales are active.
|
Airedales are
terriers and like to dig. An
underground cavern with en suites is
considered an admirable
architectural accomplishment by an
Airedale.
Airedales are
non-stop motion machines.
Some have strong
hunting and prey skills – your
squirrels may be harassed.
Airedales need
one good walk per day.
A fenced backyard
is a prerequisite for keeping
Airedales.
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Airedales are non-allergenic
and non-shedding. |
This is true for
many people, but some people are
allergic to Airedales’ dander.
If groomed four
to six times a year, Airedales do
not shed.
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Airedales are hardy
and have few health problems.
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Airedale stoicism
is a blessing and a curse. Many
veterinarians have missed symptoms
because “the dog still wags his tail
to the end.”
Breeders should
screen for hip dysplasia, von
Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding
disorder) and low thyroid function.
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The only thing better
than one Airedale is two!
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Comments from
non-Airedale person edited …
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For more insights, see
The Many Faces of the
Airedale Terrier – Pet and Family Member.
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