Airedale Terrier

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Airedale Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, genetic screening is recommended. They can suffer from hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism. Genetic testing for conditions such as coagulation factor VII deficiency, degenerative myelopathy, hyperuricosuria, and protein-losing nephropathy can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs..

Personality and Behavior

Personality-wise, Airedale Terriers are known for their confident and outgoing nature. They are often described as being courageous, energetic, and playful. They are highly intelligent and trainable, but can also be independent and stubborn at times. Airedales are generally good with children and can be protective of their family. They have a strong prey drive due to their hunting background and may not be suitable for households with small pets, such as cats or rodents.

Airedales are active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They enjoy activities such as walks, runs, and play sessions. They are also known for their keen sense of smell and have been used as search and rescue dogs.

It's important to note that while general breed characteristics can provide insights into a dog's behavior, individual dogs may exhibit variations based on their genetics, upbringing, and training.

Terrier Lineage

A canine genetic lineage is a group of individuals or entire breeds that descended from common ancestors predating modern breed formation. Often these lineages are associated with a ‘type’ of dog with a unique historical working role and associated behaviors (e.g., herding, scent hunting, etc.).

Terriers were bred to hunt pests like rats, foxes, and badgers. Terriers are tenacious and fearless with high energy levels, strong prey drive, and feisty temperaments which all help in their hunting abilities. Terriers were used as mighty hunters in both urban and rural settings. Terriers have natural hunting instincts and protective tendencies.

Example breeds with ancestry from this lineage include Jack Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Fun Facts

The breed has been used for wartime guard, messenger duty, rodent control, and hunting birds and games. Airedales were one of the first to be used in Germany and Great Britain for police duty.

Many U.S. Presidents owned Airedale Terriers, such as Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, and Calvin Coolidge. Author John Steinbeck also had an Airedale Terrier as a companion.

References

Fogle, B. (2009). The encyclopedia of the dog. DK Publishing.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_airedale_terrier

https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/155/

American Kennel Club (AKC) - Airedale Terrier: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/airedale-terrier/

The Kennel Club (UK) - Airedale Terrier: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-breeds/airedale-terrier/

Airedale Terrier Club of America: https://airedale.org/