| | | | | | | | Airedale Terrier GiftsSometimes known as the water dog, because they were bred for hunting otters, the Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terrier breeds. They were bred in, and garnered the name from a valley in Yorkshire, England. In the mid-19th century the rough-coated terrier was crossed with the otter hound, to produce the Airedale, which stood higher on its legs and was larger in the body than most terrier breeds. While this kept them from going to ground after their game, it enhanced their ability in water, and they also gained a very keen sense of smell. (continued at bottom)
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The Airedale has a short, soft undercoat, and a topcoat that is hard and wiry and lays close. It is not so long as to appear raggedy, nor so short to be of little use to the dog while hunting in the cold and wet.
Dogs will measure up to 23 inches at the shoulder, and females slightly under, with weights of 45-70 lbs. They are tan in color with black or grizzled gray markings, with some dogs evidencing red tints to the coat and certain lines having a white streak to the chest.
As with other terrier breeds, the Airedale was bred to hunt, and remains a superb working dog today, who excels at pursuits such as obedience and agility trials. They are highly intelligent which can be misleading when they refuse to continue with training in a given area. What they have already learned, is boring for them, and requires patience and variety in your approach. They are a lively and fiercely loyal, not aggressive but fully capable of defending their territory. Their energy goes well with a family of children who will keep them busy. © DogDecor.com | | | | |