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You would like to know more about Airedale Terriers? Here
you'll find some information about looks and character of these lovely
companions. Of course it is impossible to write down all one's information
and experience and it would not make any sense either.
That's why the information on this page is fairly general
and brief. Because nothing can replace a personal conversation with an
Airedale owner and breeder and the personal impression of and experience with
these animals. Therefore I'd like to ask you to contact or - better than this
- to come and see me if there are any questions. You will find my e-mail
address and telephone number in "contact".
This is the only way to get an idea what life with an
Airedale is like and to find out something about these four-legged friends'
unique character and animal spirits. Should there be any questions about
feeding, upbringing, training and also care of the
coat (trimming) I'll be very glad to help you.
General facts:
origin:
This
breed came into being more than 100 years ago in the English
size:
dog:
about 59 to 62 cm
bitch: about 56 to 59 cm
weight:
depends
on size, sex and type. On average about 20 - 30 kg.
character:
very
lively, always taut and attentive, full of expectation, quick movement and
full of expression because of the posture of tail and ears which always
should be carried high and gaily.
head and skull:
should
be long and flat, not too broad and narrowing very slightly to the ears and
eyes, black nose
eyes:
almond-shaped,
full of Terrier-expression, intelligent, faithful, lively
ears:
should
be V-shaped with carriage rather to the side of the head, not pointing to the
eyes. The topline of the folded ear should be above
the level of the skull
body:
short
and strong back, ribs well sprung, deep chest, should not be limp
tail:
always carried gaily, should not be curled over the back
coat:
should be hard and wiry, lying straight and closes, should
not be frizzy, at best it is very weatherproof, doesn't let water trough
easily and dries very fast
colour:
head
and ears except some marks and the front and legs are tan, the rest is black
or dark grizzle
If you think of buying an Airedale Terrier I'd like to
congratulate you on your choice. Then you will be among the hopefully growing
amount of people who see an Airedale as what it really is: a faithful
companion, a loving family dog which suits perfectly into a family with
children, it is an excellent guard which announces every stranger and
everything strange without being a yelper, but most of all it is still a
working dog which can take on a German shepherd or Doberman any time and
which is absolutely unique.
An Airedale is extremely quick to learn, very willing to work and keen on it. Above all it is very affectionate and faithful. Of course, you must not forget that this is a Terrier. And he will let you know if you are a beginner at dog-sport. Because an Airedale is to be trained differently from a German shepherd for example. With pressure and obligation you will only bring out its typical Terrier stubbornness. That way you won't get anywhere.
Many people shrink from the image of pigheaded Terriers, which could admittedly be a problem for a beginner in dog sports. But with proper advice from other Airedale owners or - better than that - from the breeder, who should know everything about its breed, there should not be any problems.
If you work with it using its natural play instinct or
with food (Airedales love food and will do anything for a little snack) you
and your dog will be a perfect team soon.
That's why it is very important that an Airedale novice consults other owners of this breed or - still better than that - the breeder himself. Then nothing will stop a lasting friendship between you and your four-legged friend.
Another aspect for many people is the care of the coat. This breed should be trimmed regularly to obtain a perfect coat and appearance. Like that, an Airdale will shed hardly any hair and will be very resistant. And trimming can be learned or you can contact the breeder, who should know how to do it.
An Airedale Terrier loves to be in its owner's company as much as possible. Even if there is little room in your car or if your dog has to lie in a corner all day long, it will take it on only to be with you.
This breed belongs to those, which need a long time to get grown up. While a German shepherd is grown with 2 years and also behaves accordingly, it takes an Airedale about 1 or 2 years longer. But at the same time it will remain young and playful until fairly old. Typical complaints of old age will not be noticeable until a fairly advanced age. The colour will also stay the same, it will hardly turn white around the nose. My first bitch Elly for example was already more than 10 years old and working at dog school. A lot of people could not believe that she was that old and sometimes I had to remind her of it myself.
Of course it is very important that your dog gets the right food, does not get fat and has enough exercise. Jogging or cycling would be perfect.
If there are any questions about purchase, feeding,
training and care (trimming) please let me know. Take the opportunity to come
and see me and my dogs. Together we can also try to manage your problems and
worries. I am looking forward to your call/e-mail.