Airedale Terrier

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN England.

MOST SUITED AS Originally used for hunting otters and other animals, now mainly a family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder height is 58 - 61cm (221/2 - 24in) for dogs and 56 - 58cm (22 - 221/tin) for bitches.

COAT
The hard wire-haired coat is smooth. The most common colour is tan with a grey-black "saddle."

CARE REQUIRED
The Airedale Terrier requires little grooming under normal circumstances. The hair should be plucked about twice per year, but for dogs that are to be shown much more intensive grooming is needed. When necessary, trim excess hair between the pads of the feet.

CHARACTER
The Airedale is tough on itself, loyal to its own people, but stubborn, tends to be playful, watchful, active, intelligent, and resolute. An Airedale does not often bark.

TRAINING
The Airedale Terrier is intelligent enough to perceive quickly what is required of it. Try to ring the changes in its training, because if con­sistently given the same instructions it is liable to become stubborn. It is best to make the exercises a challenge. With the right handler, Airedale Terriers can do well in various dog sports including defence dog trials.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Gn general, Airedale Terriers get on well with cats and other household animals, and they are very patient with children. They can be rather dominant towards other dogs, but this greatly depends upon their training and the individual dog.

EXERCISE
The Airedale Terrier has an average demand for exercise and will be happy with three cir­cuits of the neighbourhood a day plus playing in the garden. Most of them love to play with a ball, swim, or retrieve objects, and once fully grown will happily run alongside a cycle.