Airedale Terrier dog breed: a bodyguard with the manners of an aristocrat

History of the breed

The historical homeland of the Airedale Terrier is located in the Yorkshire county of Great Britain, near the River Aire. The English workers who lived there were very fond of hunting river rats and otters. In this they were helped by a waterfowl hound dog - an otterhound. But one day the workers were no longer satisfied with some of its characteristics. They decided to cross the hound with a black and tan (Manchester) terrier.

The resulting breed was distinguished by its special endurance and at the same time uncontrolled aggression. To ensure that the dogs were ideal in all respects, breeders bred them with herding breeds. After a long time, the Airedale Terrier was bred, combining the best qualities of a dog: obedience, the ability to hunt on land and swamp, intelligence and beauty.

In 1880, representatives of the new Airedale terrier breed were exported for the first time - to the USA. Airedale Terrier Bruce then took first place in his class at the New York show. And in 1886, Airedale Terriers were registered with the National Dog Fanciers Club.

In Russia, the Airedale Terrier dog breed appeared during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). Representatives of the embassy of the Russian Empire appealed to London so that the British would send them service dogs for signalmen and orderlies. This is how Airedale Terriers arrived on Russian soil and took root here. Their assistance in the Russo-Japanese, World War I and subsequent wars was invaluable.

Until Airedale Terriers were included in official documents, the breed was called the “Great Bedlington”.

History of the origin of the breed

Terriers get their name from the Latin word terra, meaning earth. Terriers were bred to "burrow" or burrow underground to get rid of prey, like badgers and rodents; as a result, many are short in stature.

By origin, the Airedale Terrier is truly British. This species is considered to be relatively young, because the breed received official recognition only in the second half of the 19th century.

From childhood, the puppies had a stubborn disposition and playfulness, which contributed to the development of their interest in catching prey.

Due to the variety of creatures plaguing the area, local farmers decided they needed a multi-purpose dog that could do the work of many, a breed of the right size to catch both a small rat and a large fox that could hunt on land or in water.

The Welsh Terrier was bred to have the traits that made it valuable to the farm: courage, tenacity, intelligence, hunting instinct, natural swimming skills and gentleness around the family. By the 1900s, the dog was considered an all-around sporting dog. Thus, the dog was able to satisfy the requirements of a pointer, spaniel and retriever in one person.

For the first time, an Airedale terrier puppy was shown to a wide audience during an exhibition in 1864, and only after 22 years, information about the genus began to be entered into the Kennel Club's card index, which led to the further spread of the breed, which quickly gained its value. Even if hunting did not attract a person, the Airedale was ready to help with everyday needs. This behavior quickly aroused the interest of representatives of the intelligentsia.

Description of the Airedale Terrier

The International Cynologique Federation (Federation Cynologique Internationale) has developed a standard on which the description of the Airedale terrier breed is based.

1. Weight – males – from 23 to 29 kg, females – 18-20 kg.
2. Height at the withers – for boys – 58-61 cm, for girls – 56-59 cm.
3. The body of males is square, while that of females is elongated.
4. The back is short, not sagging, the lower back is muscular.
5. The skull is elongated, flat, tapering towards the eyes, the forehead is almost indistinguishable.
6. The muzzle is not upturned, without prominent cheekbones, wrinkles, or folds.
7. The jaws are powerful.
8. The bite is scissor-shaped.
9. The eyes are small, dark brown or black.
10. The ears are small, triangular in shape, close to the head, half drooping.
11. The nose is large and black.
12. The front and hind legs are straight and strong.
13. The tail is thick, elastic, set high and does not curl over the back.

Airedale Terriers have younger brothers - miniature Welsh Terrier dogs, whose height is no more than 38 cm and maximum weight is 10 kg. They are very similar because they share common ancestors in the breed's pedigree. These are also hunting dogs bred in Great Britain. Sometimes they are confused as dwarf Airedale terriers. But mini Welshies are completely different dogs.

Airedale Terrier - description of the breed

Bitches are shorter than males and weigh less, but the differences are insignificant, within 5-8%. The Airedale Terrier's body is muscular, strong and resilient. They have a penetrating look and a harmonious build: when you look at them, it does not seem that they are too tall or long.

The breed standards are:

• The head is small, the skull is flat and elongated, harmoniously blending into the front part;
• The jaws are very strong, making the muzzle seem quite massive. The jaw bones should not be overdeveloped;
• The nose is medium-sized, the nose is black;
• The eyes are quite small, it is desirable that the color of the iris be as dark as possible. Gray color is considered undesirable;
• Small triangular ears. They should not hang or be too high;
• The neck is muscular, of medium length;
• The body looks compact and has a smooth top line. The loin is muscular and the chest is deep but not wide;
• Straight legs, shoulder blades pulled back. The thighs are massive, their muscles provide the ability to push strongly with the hind legs;
• It used to be customary to dock the tail, but now breed standards require it to be left on. It should be longer than average and raised;
• The coat is hard and thick, with a short undercoat - it is much softer.

Deviations from these standards are recognized as defects, but if they are very pronounced - disqualifying defects.

There are a number of shortcomings that are immediately considered vices, among them:

• Malocclusion;
• Eyesore;
• Lack of undercoat;
• Deviations in behavior - excessive aggression or cowardice;
• Significant deformations in the dog's constitution.

Character and appearance of the Airedale Terrier

Character

Airedale Terriers are sociable animals, smart and understanding. Some people consider them stubborn, classifying this property as a disadvantage. The fact is that dogs of this breed have an independent character, which is why they need thoughtful and long-term education.

Airedale Terriers love to take long and frequent walks, play, and learn new things. Despite their gambling, hot temperament, and emotionality, Airedale Terriers are balanced, patient and obedient. They can be friends, even babysit children and will become favorites of all family members.

The characteristics of the Airedale Terrier breed include the dog's amazing hunting instinct. She has everything for this: quick reaction, strong grip, developed limbs and a keen sense of smell. But due to their excellent hunting qualities, Airedale Terriers will not get along with other pets.

When you get such a dog of this breed into a family with small children, you can be sure that he will love them. But it’s worth explaining one important point to kids: you can’t take a dog’s toys or touch its food bowls, since such animals are often possessive.

Appearance

From the Manchester Terrier, Airedale Terriers inherited the main colors: tan and black. They have a dark back, with the color spreading evenly down their sides. This color of the breed is called “shabrack”. The limbs, muzzle and belly are sandy in color. White hairs on the chest are acceptable.

Airedale Terriers have a soft, fluffy undercoat. The texture of the dog's guard coat resembles a stiff wire. She should not be curly or shaggy.

The calling card of the Royal Terrier breed is bushy eyebrows, a lush mustache and a beard, which makes them uniquely charming.

Airedale wool has water-repellent properties. This useful feature appeared thanks to the genes of the otter hound.

Character of the Airedale Terrier

This is an amazingly positive and energetic animal. An inexhaustible imagination makes the Airedale Terrier a favorite of children and adults who do not lack a sense of humor. The breed is not suitable for nervous, tough and unsociable people. Family ties are extremely important for a dog, as are friendly relationships between household members. They love affection, but are not servile. Mentally healthy individuals have no problem remaining alone for a short period of time.

Attitudes towards strangers are different. Some specimens are wary, trying to keep them in place by barking, others rush, like best friends, for a portion of affection. It is not upbringing and character that play a big role here, but the main aspect – heredity.

Because of the hunting instinct, it is difficult for a dog to get along with small animals: cats, mice, birds and other animals. But they love the company of their own kind. The Airedale's excellent memory will preserve all the insults caused in childhood. You shouldn’t be surprised if your dog “suddenly” flares up in hatred towards the neighbor’s dog. There are definitely reasons for this.

The Airedale's patience with children is truly limitless! But a small child should hardly be left alone with him. A restless dog may accidentally drop the baby or step on it without meaning to. But for older children, the Airedale Terrier is a friend, comrade and brother. If you want, he will play football too. And what? The main thing is to run!

Breeding Airedale Terriers

It is recommended to breed Airedale girls no earlier than one and a half years, during the third heat cycle. Boys are ready for insemination at 12 months. Before mating, the dog needs to undergo a medical examination. It is also necessary to drive away worms from terriers. As a rule, dogs are mated 3 times during heat.

The female's pregnancy lasts approximately 2 months. To understand whether she has conceived, the owner should pay attention to the behavior of the pet: the dog becomes lethargic, passive, and refuses long walks. For an accurate determination, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound, which will show pregnancy already on the 22nd day after mating.

A dog in a delicate situation requires special care. Toxicosis and deterioration of health are possible. It is not uncommon for Airedale Terriers to carry more than nine puppies, making it difficult for the expectant mother. The owner should think about the dog’s nutrition, increase the amount of protein, and add a vitamin and mineral complex to the diet. It is important to protect the female from stress.

A week before the expected date of birth, you need to prepare a place away from drafts where the dog will give birth and care for the puppies. It is advisable to arrange in advance with the veterinarian so that he can come to your home if necessary.

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In large bitches, childbirth occurs without complications, and owner intervention is not required. But force majeure is possible. Typically, the process of giving birth to puppies lasts from 30 minutes to several hours. Sometimes it can take a day.

In order for the owner to be informed about the progress of childbirth and preparation for it, one should read the relevant literature or consult a specialist.

Feeding the Airedale Terrier

The diet can be either natural or prepared food. Industrial dry food must be of high quality, not lower than Premium class.

With a natural menu, food should only be freshly prepared:

• Meat (except lamb and pork).

• Vegetables.

• Fruits (in season).

• Porridge (rice, buckwheat).

• Low percentage fermented milk.

• Fish (sea fish only).

• Vitamin and mineral supplements.

Feeding an adult dog strictly on time twice a day. Puppies up to 4 months eat 6 times, up to 6 - 4 times, by the year they move up to 3 meals a day.

Raising and training Airedale Terriers

To prevent the young Airedale from becoming an anarchist destroyer, the puppy must begin to be raised in the second month of life. Moreover, the main thing in this matter is the owner’s patience. It is unlikely that a dog will be able to perceive an overly emotional person as a real owner and leader. In addition, the owner will benefit from self-discipline and respect for the pet.

The ideal relationship between owner and dog is friendly, partnership. But, naturally, order and obedience are mandatory. Training in norms of behavior should be carried out by the owner in an affectionate manner, without shouting or physical force.

The first lessons should be given in a calm home environment so that the Airedale puppy is not distracted by unfamiliar smells and sounds. Before training, be sure to feed the dog and make sure it is in good health. Classes should not be long or tire your pet.

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Five important nuances of effective training of Airedale Terriers:

1. You need to scold your child strictly and firmly, but not in a raised voice. You can shake the dog by the scruff of the neck when he does not perceive words.
2. If your Airedale terrier puppy commits illegal actions, for example, chewing wallpaper, you should try to distract him with an interesting game. This is more effective than any punishment. When the dog's attention switches, you need to praise the Airedale.
3. It is highly not recommended to beg your puppy to follow a command. The maximum number of repetitions is 3 times. If the third terrier refuses to obey, you should use a trick, and then reward the dog “for obedience.”
4. Without consistency you can't go far. Having established rules, the owner should never allow the dog to break them. Otherwise they have no meaning.
5. Training an Airedale Terrier for each skill should be divided into several small stages. It will be easier for the dog to gradually move from simple to complex. You can move to the next level only after successfully mastering the previous one.

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When the Airedale puppy gets stronger, you need to take him out into the fresh air. An Airedale's exercise should last at least 1.5 hours. Royal terriers are simply a bundle of energy inside. It is vital for dogs to use up this reserve.

Training on a special site, combined with communication with relatives, would be appropriate. It is also good to consolidate the completed exercises and play active games outside.

Lifespan and reproduction

The Airedale Terrier is a beautiful and faithful pet that will serve its owner for at least 13-14 years, if well maintained, of course. Reproduction of representatives of this breed requires high-quality selection of individuals: male and female. Firstly, they should not be relatives, even distant ones, and secondly, their compliance with the standard is mandatory.

Remember ! A breeder will never get even $100 from a puppy if it is not born purebred.

The female should be slightly shorter than the male. The dogs selected are mature, well built and active. Experts recommend crossing them from the age of 2. During the female's estrus period, 4 days are counted - this is a prerequisite for mating. So, the probability of conception is much higher.

How to understand that a bitch is pregnant? Earlier than a month after mating with a male dog, pay attention to her tummy. If it is noticeably rounded, then in about 70 days you can expect a replenishment.

Care and maintenance

If we are talking about a private house, then it is worth setting up an enclosure for the dog. In the apartment, the dog’s main habitat will be a comfortable lounger.

Airedale Terriers are easy to care for - this is one of the important advantages of the breed. But, of course, you cannot do without attention to the dog. In order for the dog to always delight its owners with tireless energy, cheerful disposition and excellent health, you need to pay attention to some points.

Wool

The coat of Airedale Terriers does not cause allergies and does not have an unpleasant odor. Also, King Terriers do not shed. Caring for their coat is minimal: you only need to comb the dogs once a week with a natural bristle brush or a metal comb with even teeth. Or better yet, use both instruments in turn.

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Washing Airedale Terriers is often completely unnecessary, since their fur repels dirt. It is enough to bathe the dog only once a month, using a mild shampoo. After a walk, it is advisable to wipe the dog's paws and belly.

It is also recommended to take your Airedale to a zoo groomer twice a year (in spring and autumn) for hygienic trimming - painless plucking. This is necessary because in dogs with coarse hair, dead hairs do not fall out on their own.

After trimming, the Airedale Terrier will look well-groomed and neat. Between hygiene procedures, cosmetic trimming can be done to maintain the dog’s beautiful image.

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You should not trim Airedale Terriers: this will cause their coat to lose its natural structure and stop repelling water. The normal ratio of the soft undercoat and the coarse outer coat is disrupted.

Ears

To clean your ears, you need to drop 1-2 drops of a hygiene product into each ear canal. Then carefully, with a slight rotational movement, insert a cotton swab for a few seconds. Periodically, to ventilate and prevent infection, it is necessary to bend the tips of the ears over the cartilages.

If a dog owner plans to take his pet to events, it is important for the Airedale Terrier to develop the correct ear position at an early age. To do this, the ears are glued with special glue or massage is used.

Eyes

Once or twice a week you need to clean your Airedale Terrier's eyes by wiping them with a cotton pad soaked in chamomile infusion. Excessively long hair around the eyelids should be trimmed to prevent hairs from getting into the eyes.

Teeth

Airedale Terriers' teeth require careful weekly hygiene. If they are not cleaned, plaque and a strong odor from the mouth may appear. At the pet store you need to purchase a dog teeth cleaner in the form of a paste or gel.

Claws

When Airedale Terriers are often taken for a walk, their claws themselves grind down on the surface of the ground or asphalt. But once a month, it is still advisable to cut them with a special tool, and then file them with a large file to remove unevenness.

Mustache and beard

After the dog has eaten, it is necessary to wipe the fur on its face with a damp cloth so that no food particles remain there. Since the Airedale Terrier's mustache and beard consist of the same thick hair as on the body, they must be combed. To avoid snags, the dog needs to trim long hairs near the lower lip and corners of the mouth.

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Anna Abramenko

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Veterinarians recommend treating your Airedale Terrier with a flea and tick preventative every month. After this, the animal cannot be washed for 10 days.

Maintenance and care of Airedale terrier dogs

General content:

• The dog is suitable for living in a city apartment, which is also facilitated by its qualities: lack of shedding and unpleasant odor, hypoallergenic wool. In addition, the dog does not require too much space.
• An adult Airedale Terrier should have walks at least 2 times a day, at least an hour each. It is highly desirable that every walk be active. They can also be used for learning in a playful way.
• A dog can live in a country house, however, it is worth considering that in winter it needs an insulated house, an enclosure, etc. You cannot keep a dog in a regular kennel in cold weather.
• The Airedale Terrier requires communication and considerable mobility. It is important to give your dog enough time.

Wool:

• Dogs of this breed do not shed, but, naturally, old hair must be removed. Usually they are not cut, but trimmed (plucked). It is recommended to do this 2-3 times a year. Preferably in autumn and spring. It is advisable to use the services of a professional groomer who will perform the procedure quickly and without pain.
• Brush the entire pet 3-4 times a week. Soft brushes made of natural bristles are ideal because they stimulate blood circulation and remove dust. Metal slicker brushes with frequent curved teeth made of hard wire should not be used in everyday life - they are intended for exhibitions to arrange the wool in a certain way. They can injure the skin.
• It is advisable to brush the face and paws daily to remove dust and food debris. If the hair growing around the lips bends inward, jams can form, which affects the oral cavity and teeth, and creates an unpleasant odor. To avoid this, carefully trim the hair around the lips and in the corners of the mouth.
• It is better to bathe Airedales no more often than once every 10 days; of course, this does not apply in cases of extreme necessity, if the dog is very dirty. At the same time, after a walk, it is recommended to wipe with a damp cloth or rinse the animal’s paws, genitals and hairy face with a shower, since its curly hair can become an incubator for bacteria.
• Treatment for parasites is carried out according to standards common to all dogs. Usually this is a preventive flea treatment once a month, with additional measures during tick season. Deworming is carried out once every three months using conventional anthelmintics for animals.

Eyes:

• Airedale Terriers are characterized by healthy, shiny eyes, without souring. For prevention, it is recommended to wipe them once a week with a very clean, lint-free cloth.

  
  soaked in a weak tea solution.

• If there are any abnormalities or the appearance of pus in the eyes, you should contact your veterinarian.

Claws:

• If the dog does not walk sufficiently on a hard surface (asphalt), and natural grinding of the nails does not occur, they need to be trimmed. This is usually done once a month, using a sharp nail clipper for large dogs.
• Dear pet owners! Don’t skimp on nail clippers; cheap Chinese devices will cause a lot of pain for both you and your dog.

Ears:

• A healthy Airedale Terrier's ear has a pinkish tint, the skin is smooth, and there is no unpleasant odor.
• If there are any visual abnormalities, or if the dog shakes its head, immediately contact your veterinarian. Even if the reason for this is a banal sulfur plug, a specialist will do a much better job than you. And you’ve probably already heard about the dangers of ear diseases in dogs.
• You need to inspect and wipe your dog’s ears 2-3 times a month. For wiping, it is better to use a clean, fiber-free cloth, dry or soaked (and then wrung out very well!) in a special dog ear lotion. Do not use water or improvised means under any circumstances. It is best to trust your veterinarian's advice.

Feeding the Airedale Terrier

You should adhere to the basic nutritional standards for dogs, using diet calculations for medium and large animals, depending on their activity, age and lifestyle.

The dog should have at least 2 bowls (for food and water), which are always kept clean and located in a designated area for feeding. The dog must have continuous access to water at any time of the day or night.

It is advisable to immediately, and for the entire life of the dog, make a choice between ready-made balanced food, dry or wet, or natural food.

A veterinarian or your kennel club can help you develop a diet. When feeding natural foods in your diet, it is important to include:

• Meat (except pork and lamb) is the basis of the diet, making up at least 80%.
• Eggs.
• Cereals (for example, buckwheat, in small quantities).
• Neutral vegetables and fruits (not too sweet or too sour).
• Sea fish (boiled only).
• Low-fat fermented milk products.
• Vitamins and mineral supplements.

Dogs are strictly prohibited from:

• Any bones.
• Sugar.
• Salt (you can salt food, but about 10 times less than you would salt for yourself).
• Bread.
• Any “human” sweets, incl. and dietary ones with sweetener.

In terms of the number of meals per day, Airedale terrier puppies are fed the same as others:

• From 0 to 4 months - 6 times a day;
• From 4 to 6 months – 4 times/day;
• From 6 to 12 months – 3 times/day.
• After a year, the dog is gradually transferred to two meals a day.

The volume of food is calculated individually, but many owners come to the desired amount gradually - if you see that every time after feeding the dog is looking forward to the supplement, increase the amount. If you don’t eat all the food before licking the bowl, reduce it.

It is important to adhere to the regime and feed the dog at a strictly defined time. It is advisable not to prepare a large amount of food at once so that it is fresh. Do not give your dog very hot or very cold food.

Diseases of Airedale Terriers

In general, these are healthy dogs that are not prone to diseases, however, characteristic problems can be present in all purebred dogs:

1. Hip dysplasia;
2. Hot spots (raw eczema);
3. Demodectic mange;
4. Melanoma;
5. Hyperadrenocortism (Addison's disease);
6. Hypothyroidism;
7. Dilated cardiomyopathy;
8. Von Willebrand's disease;
9. Entropion (inversion of the eyelid);
10. Pannus (chronic superficial keratitis);
11. Progressive retinal atrophy;
12. Dystrophy of the cornea of ​​the eye.

Read the current Airedale Terrier Breed Standard FCI No. 7

Nutrition

In the first months, it is advisable to feed Airedale Terriers natural food with a puree-like consistency. Up to six months, you should give your puppy food in small portions 5-6 times a day. Then he is transferred to four meals a day. By the first year, the dog should eat only 2 times a day. The owner must avoid unscheduled feedings that violate discipline.

Table of permitted and prohibited products:

If a dog owner wants to give his adult pet ready-made food, you need to know the following:

1. Only high-quality premium or super-premium products are acceptable (read more here).
2. It is necessary to purchase specialized food for large dogs.
3. The food already contains vitamins, no additional additives are required.

Airedale terrier diet

You can choose both dry food and natural products. In the second case, the Airedale Terrier's menu will be similar to what is recommended for other dogs.

The diet should include:

• Meat;
• By-products;
• Sea fish;
• Salads with carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, pumpkin;
• Cereal porridge;
• Dairy products.

Meat should be given to your dog raw and cut into pieces, preferably lean. Usually beef or lamb is used, sometimes you can replace it with chicken or rabbit. You can feed your pet meat every day, but fish should not be given more than once a week. The seeds are removed from it in advance.

You can also feed your Airedale Terrier salads every day, but in small quantities - they should only complement the meat. It is worth giving no more than two eggs per week. The more varied the food, the better, and pets themselves usually do not like to eat the same thing for several days in a row.

Feed is given twice a day. If natural products are used, you need to add vitamins to it. In the case of dry food, this is not necessary, but you need to take premium food - they contain the right amount of substances necessary for the breed.

Products that are not recommended to feed your Airedale Terrier:

• Roast;
• Smoked;
• Spicy;
• Pasta;
• Sugar - you can replace it with fruits and berries, as well as honey.

Pay special attention to the puppy’s nutrition, because the first months are the most important period, and the general health of the dog in the future depends on how balanced the diet is, as well as how high-quality its coat will be. Meat, fish and dairy products are introduced into the diet from childhood.

Important fact: The Airedale Terrier needs to be fed especially often in the first months, up to 6 times a day. This regime continues until he is 4 months old, after which he will need to be fed 4 times a day for up to six months. Then up to a year - 3 times. After this, he is transferred to two meals a day.

Airedale Terrier Health and Lifespan

This breed has enviable health. These are hardy and strong dogs. They are less susceptible to diseases. But the owner of the dog must vaccinate him on time, deworm him and send him for routine examinations.

Health indicators:

• the wool does not lose its natural appearance and beauty;
• the dog’s energy and activity during games and walks;
• cool wet nose;
• excellent appetite;
• sparkling eyes.

The absence of these signs, and especially the dog’s apathetic behavior, is a reason to urgently consult a veterinarian. Diagnosis of the disease at an early stage facilitates rapid treatment.

What ailments occur in Airedale Terriers:

• hip dysplasia;
• dislocated knee;
• demodicosis;
• melanoma;
• hypothyroidism;
• allergies.

Typically, Royal Terriers live 9-15 years. But attentive attitude and love for the dog will definitely prolong its existence.

Diseases and treatment

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by genetically good health. However, the lifespan of an Airedale Terrier largely depends on the maintenance, care, nutrition and attentiveness of the owner. An intelligent, proud dog will not show its suffering and will try to hide its poor health. Therefore, any changes in your pet’s behavior and habits should alert you.

The most common diseases found in Airedales are:

• hip dysplasia;
• arthritis;
• raw eczema;
• melanoma;
• hypothyroidism;
• demodicosis;
• retinal atrophy;
• entropion of the eyelid;
• corneal dystrophy;
• lymphoma;
• dilated cardiomyopathy;
• hyperadrenocorticism.

Sick puppies with obvious defects are discarded by breeders. This is why it is important to purchase a dog from trusted kennels. Before sale, puppies must undergo a medical examination and receive age-appropriate vaccinations. Health is an important factor in choosing a puppy.

Pregnancy and childbirth

It is recommended to breed a bitch in her third heat, i.e. at about a year and a half. Males can be bred from 12-15 months. Airedale whelping lasts an average of 63 days and is no different from other breeds. Two to three weeks after mating, it is recommended to do an ultrasound to verify pregnancy and find out the number of puppies. Before breeding dogs, three conditions must be met.

1. Health. Parents must be completely healthy, without any pathologies. In advance, pets undergo a medical examination, take an anthelmintic, and are routinely vaccinated. At the time of mating, the bitch must emerge from adolescence and become an adult. Otherwise, bearing offspring may have a bad effect on both the pet and the puppies.
2. Pedigree. Only purebred individuals of the breed class are allowed to mate with the permission of the club. Breeders are strongly against tying up dogs without papers. Firstly, it spoils the breed and genetics. Secondly, often deceived owners (they wanted a cute Airedale, but got an aggressive mixed breed) throw the animal out into the street. Most of the shelter's "guests" are unsuccessful breeding experiences. Mongrel dogs are not in demand, and many people cannot afford to keep several constantly growing pets.
3. Expenses. Childbirth is not a cheap “pleasure”. Medicines, vitamins, nutrition for a pregnant bitch and puppies, medical examination cost money. Considering that Airedales can produce nine or more puppies, the costs required are colossal. If there is no “extra” money, then breeding a bitch makes no sense.

The myth that every dog ​​needs to experience the “happiness of motherhood” often becomes the reason for the deterioration of the health of your beloved pet. Spayed bitches are less likely to develop cancer than females who have whelped. Unfortunately, pregnancy does not improve health, but undermines the immune system and requires large resources of the body. The dog will not be offended by the owner if he deprives her of the opportunity to become a mother.

Selection rules and cost

It is better to buy a royal terrier from a kennel. There the owner will be given a veterinary passport and a puppy card with the necessary information. Subsequently, it can be exchanged for a pedigree, which is the dog’s passport. In addition, the nursery will tell you about raising a puppy and provide advice on questions of interest.

The Airedale Terrier breed can be used in different ways. Therefore, it is necessary to consult with the breeder which dog to choose for specific tasks. Already from 1.5-2 months you can understand the potential of an Airedale puppy. Usually it is at this age that the babies are taken away from the female. It is important to look at the parents of the chosen puppy and the character of the dogs.

The cleanliness of the baby's fur matters. At birth, his hair should be black and tan. With age, the color changes.

The paws of an Airedale terrier puppy are allowed to be straight, the head is flat, there should be no discharge or redness in the eyes, ears, nose, anus and genitourinary openings. Healthy puppies are also lively and curious.

Sometimes Airedale Terrier dogs suffer from genetic diseases. It is advisable to ask the breeder for test results for hyperuricosuria and degenerative myelopathy.

Prices for Airedale terrier puppies vary from 25 to 70 thousand rubles. depending on the place of purchase and the quality of the dog.

Interesting facts about the Airedale Terrier breed:

1. Airedale Terrier Jack rescued a British battalion in 1918. He went through fire, was seriously wounded, and still completed the mission. The dog was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross and a monument was erected in her honor.
2. Airedale terriers Wolf and Prince served in the British police.
3. At Arkansas High School, the Airedale Terrier has become a permanent symbol of the school.
4. Nobel Prize winner Konrad Lorenz said that Airedales are considered among the most loyal.
5. The royal terrier Chingiz starred in the Soviet film “The Adventures of Electronics.”
6. Airedale Terriers were adored by some American presidents. Even Theodore Roosevelt loved them. And monuments were erected to Warren Harding's pets.
7. To breed the “black terrier” breed, Stalin’s dogs included Airedale terriers.

Requirements for maintenance and nutrition

The breed is well suited for living in an apartment or a comfortable house with a private plot. There won’t be much trouble if you raise and maintain your dog correctly. Airedale is relatively hypoallergenic, as it practically does not shed. However, a person may be allergic to dander or pet saliva.

Keeping an Airedale Terrier outside in winter is only possible if you have a well-organized kennel or a warm enclosure. Erdel is ready to protect the territory and property of the owner, especially if he has been trained for this since childhood. It should be remembered that representatives of the breed are very curious and exhibit hunter instincts. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of neighbors and other people’s pets: install an impenetrable fence, fence off a walking area on the property.

Physical exercise

The Airedale is an energetic animal bred for hunting and physical labor. The pet will be happy only if it is sufficiently busy. The large size of an adult, bored Airedale Terrier will make itself felt in the whole apartment. If there is no way to burn off energy outside, the dog will do it at home. Using excellent intelligence, the pet will find something to do while the owner is missing at work.

It is recommended to walk for at least two hours a day. Walking does not have to be exclusively on leash around the yard. Games, the opportunity to run around, dig through leaves, perform fetch, and take children on a sled ride will satisfy an active pet, at least until the next day.

Airedale Terriers only need clothing in extreme cold. In rainy weather, it is recommended to dress the animal in a raincoat or raincoat. In hot weather, you need to monitor your pet’s condition, give plenty of water and not overexert yourself in the sun.

Let your dog off the leash only if the pet follows all commands and obeys the owner. Otherwise, the hunter will be carried away by unfamiliar smells, running animals, and unknown places. You need to be on guard when walking in the vicinity of other bully dogs eager to compete for dominance. Erdeli are always ready to demonstrate their superiority in fights.

Diet

Energetic Airedales need a balanced calorie diet. Dogs are fed either dry or wet food of the highest quality. A veterinarian will help you choose a drying option. Wet meals include natural foods that are selected and prepared by the owner. For any type of feeding, food must contain the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and microelements. The table provides a list of what to feed your Airedale Terrier.

Table - Menu for Airedale

Puppies are fed exclusively natural food, gradually adding “crackers” to the diet when switching to “drying”. Growing Airedales eat little, but often - five to six times a day. All food should be pureed at room temperature. At six months of age, puppies are given four meals a day. Adults (from eight months) feed twice a day.

Care

The Airedale sheds “calmly”, without abundant tufts of wool throughout the apartment. Due to the nature of the pet's coat, it is necessary to periodically trim it. This type of haircut (essentially plucking) is common to many wire-haired breeds. The procedure can be carried out at a hairdresser or independently using a trimmer. It is not advisable to cut an animal with a machine or by hand. This makes the hair soft, wavy and unpresentable for exhibitions. The basics of caring for a dog are presented in the table.

Table - Airedale Terrier Grooming Basics

A dog should be accustomed to cosmetic care from childhood. Otherwise, the adult dog will actively resist, making the procedures difficult.

Reviews

Oleg, 41 years old: “My wife and I recently decided to buy a dog – an Airedale girl. Since we have small children (3 and 5 years old), we were afraid that problems would arise. But it's okay. The dog is playful and sociable. The Airedale Terrier treats children kindly.”

Elena, 54 years old: “Our family has not changed the Airedale terrier breed for more than 15 years. Such dogs are intelligent, self-sufficient, independent, fearless. They themselves will not start a fight, but they know how to fight back against offenders. Sometimes dogs can be disobedient, we need a competent approach.”

Video

* We invite you to watch a video about the Airedale Terrier . In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given dog breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what an Airedale Terrier looks like.

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The Airedale Terrier is a very lively and spontaneous pet; its character has both independence and devotion to its owner. To gain authority in the eyes of your pet, you need to take his wishes into account, but at the same time, not allow him too much. But if you manage to find an approach to him, he will become an excellent family pet.

Photo and video review

Photos and videos of these charming Airedale Terriers will certainly help doubting people make the right decision about choosing a dog.

Airedale Terrier breed standard

The Airedale Terrier looks like a king, which was one of the reasons for the popularity of these dogs. To understand what an Airedale terrier dog looks like, you need to know about the following features:

• General appearance : the dog looks large, active, muscular.
• Skull : the ears are close to each other, the shape of the skull is flat, the muzzle is elongated.
• Neck : strong, medium in thickness and length, tapering closer to the head.
• Body : strong, fairly short, smooth and muscular. The ribs are slightly convex and the chest is strong.
• Eyes : dark, small in size, located far apart, at the level of the tips of the ears.
• Paws : medium length, feet small, pads well developed, compact.
• Coat : to the touch – hard, thick, slightly wavy, looks compact on the body due to its length.
• Tail : thick, high in relation to the body (if the owners wish, it can be docked).
• Ears : small, bending above the level of the skull.
• Teeth and oral cavity : the jaws are strong, the teeth are large, the lips are connected to each other, there is a black border.

The color of Airedale Terriers is saddleback, with some parts of the body painted black or gray.

Black color variations:

• golden red;
• reddish-gray;
• yellow-brown.

White color in dogs of this breed is found only on the chest in small quantities.

Size and weight

Erdel is recognized as the largest dog of the family. Despite this, he remains muscular, strong and compactly built. Males are 60 cm tall and weigh 30 kg. The female is smaller than the males both in height and weight: the weight is no more than 20 kg.

There is a similar breed of Welsh Terrier (mini Airedale).

How to properly care for an Airedale Terrier

Any breed requires specific care. This includes the Airedale Terrier, for which proper grooming procedures are mandatory if you want to maintain the dog’s solid breed appearance. By the way, the breed you are looking for is considered an exhibition breed, therefore, by properly caring for it, you can also qualify for first places at exhibitions.

There are rules for caring for an Airedale Terrier; if you avoid them, you will not be able to provide your dog with decent care.

Table 1. How to properly care for your Airedale Terrier