CATXDOG

Appearance: The Airedale Terrier is a large terrier with a harsh wiry coat, long flat head, and a deep chest. Like many terriers, it has a 'broken' coat, which requires regular hand stripping to maintain the coat and distinctive square terrier shape. A broken coat is a harsh, wiry topcoat with a soft, fur-like undercoat . The correct coat color is a black saddle, with a tan head, ears and legs; or a dark grizzle saddle (black mixed with gray and white). The Airedale's tail is usually docked (surgically shortened) within five days of birth, but this is not a requirement of breed standard authorities and in some countries even forbidden. However, to show an Airedale in the United States , the tail is expected to be docked. Airedales generally have black gums, a condition that would indicate asphyxiation in many other dog breeds. Additionally, Airedales' teeth are the largest among Terriers.

History: In the mid 19th Century, working class Britons created the Airedale Terrier by crossing the old English rough coated Black and Tan Terrier with the Otterhound. It happened in The Valley of the Aire in West Riding, Yorkshire. Result was an intelligent, hardy dog adept in the water, on land, at work, or with the family; their goal to create an all-purpose dog was fulfilled. The Airedale was extensively used in World War I to carry messages to soldiers behind enemy lines and occupying the trenches. They were also used extensively by the Red Cross to find wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Their courage and stalwart character in the face of danger was legendary; there are numerous tales of airedales delivering their messages despite terrible injury. Before the adoption of the German Shepherd as the dog of choice for law enforcement and search and rescue work, the Airedale terrier often filled this role. Post-WW1, the Airedales' popularity rapidly increased thanks to stories of their bravery on the battlefield and also because Presidents Theodore Roosevelt , Calvin Coolidge , and Warren Harding owned Airedale Terriers. 1949 marked the peak of the Airedales' popularity, ranked 20th out of 110 breeds by the AKC. The breed has since slipped to 50th out of 146.

Temperament: The Airedale can also be used as a working dog and also as a hunter and retriever. Airedales exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and have a propensity to chase animals. They have no problem working with cattle and livestock, however, an Airedale that is not well trained will agitate and annoy the animals. The Airedale Terrier is typically an independent (stubborn), strong-minded dog with a great sense of humor. For those who can laugh along with their Airedale, patience will be rewarded as they have been known to reach great heights in competitive obedience. They are also very loving. The Airedale is also a reliable and protective family pet. Due to Airedale stubbornness, they can often be difficult to train, and require constant re-inforcement, or they may soon forget. Young Airedales exhibit a general lack of common sense, and require much training. They are also very energetic, and need plenty of exercise. This breed generally gets along well with household cats and other animals, but they sometimes try to dominate other dogs. But otherwise are great with children, not small ones. They are courageous and protective, pleasant to the family and to strangers which approach them openly