Unlike a number of species of other domestic Dog, the origins of the Airedale Terrier are well known. This breed was created 150 years ago by working class farmers in a valley in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Cross-bred from a Welsh Terrier and an Otter Hound, the Airedale Terrier quickly became the Terrier of choice and was officially recognized in 1886. The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all Terrier breeds and was originally bred as a hunter of small animals, particularly rats. Although the large size of the Airedale Terrier meant that it cannot actually go underground, they were very efficient at catching the rats once they had surfaced. The Airedale Terrier has many desirable traits, including being very intelligent meaning that they have also been used as messengers and police Dogs.
The Airedale Terrier has a large square body which is only emphasised by it's incredibly straight front legs and a deep, wide chest. It's long head and muzzle are both broad and flat, and it has small pointed ears which are almost always folded down. The stiff, slightly curved tail of the Airedale Terrier is usually docked and tends to most commonly be black in colour. The majority of this breed's stocky body is tan in color (including it's ears), with black and sometimes reddish colored markings. Their double coat of fur is waterproof with a coarse and wiry layer, that is lined by softer warmer fur (a characteristic of the OtterHound). The Airedale Terrier also has a very keen sense of smell due to it's combination of Hound and Terrier.
| Name: | Airedale Terrier |
| Origin: | Great Britain |
| Group: | Dog |
| Average Size (H): | 58cm (23in) |
| Average Weight: | 20kg (44lbs) |
| Average Life Span: | 12 years |
| Average Litter Size: | 8 |
| Type: | Terrier |
| Colour: | Black, Tan, Brown |
| Temperament: | Friendly, adaptable and courageous |
| Training: | Fairly Easy |
| Distinctive Features: | Long muzzle and square body |
