AIREDALE.

The Airedale is  a very large terrier weighing  up to 50 lbs.

It has a strong wiry coat that is an attractive mixture of black and a rich tan.

The name of the dog is an indication of its origin, as it originated in the Aire Valley in Northern England in the 1980’s.   It is a descendant of the otter hound, an animal that was bred to catch otters.  As would be expected because of it’s genetic background, the Airdale  is a very good swimmer.

The Airedale, like most terriers, is a brave, fearless dog and can be trained to be a good watchdog.  In the First World War, the British forces used the dog as a carrier dog.  There was considerable effort on the part of certain British breeders to promote the Airedale as an all-purpose dog, much in the same as the German Shepherd was promoted.

A well-known British breeder of Airedale, Colonel Richardson, wrote a book after the First World War, about the breed drawing attention to is many fine qualities and it’s versatility.  I remember reading the book as a child and being so impressed with the versatility of the breed as described by Colonel Richardson that I begged my parents to get me an Airedale, but there were no breeders in our area

The Airedale is an excellent family dog, friendly and affectionate and amenable to training.