McLennan - Airedale Terrier

Physical Characteristics of the
Airedale Terrier

(from the American Kennel Club
breed standard)

Skull: Long and flat, not too broad between the ears and narrowing very slightly to the eyes.

Head: Well balanced with little apparent difference between the length of skull and foreface.

Ears: V-shaped with carriage rather to the side of the head.

Eyes: Dark, small, not prominent, full of terrier expression, keenness and intelligence.

Foreface: Deep, powerful, strong and muscular.

Nose: Black and not too small.

Lips: Tight.

Teeth: Strong and white. Bite either level or vise-like.

Neck: Of moderate length and thickness gradually widening towards the shoulders.

Shoulders: Long and sloping well into the back.

Chest: The depth of the chest should be approximately on a level with the elbows.

Forelegs: Perfectly straight, with plenty of muscle and bone. Elbows should be perpendicular to the body, working free of sides.

Feet: Small, round and compact with a good depth of pad, well cushioned; the toes moderately arched.

Body: Back should be short, strong and level. Ribs well sprung. Loins muscular and of good width.

Tail: The root of the tail should be set well up on the back. It should be carried gaily but not curled over the back.

Hindquarters: Strong and muscular with no droop. Thighs should be long and powerful with muscular second thigh, stifles well bent.

Coat: Hard, dense and wiry, lying straight and close, covering the dog well over the body and legs.

Color: The head and ears should be tan, the ears being of a darker shade than the rest. The legs up to the thighs and elbows and the under-part of the body and chest are also tan and the tan frequently runs into the shoulder. The sides and upper parts of the body should be black or dark grizzle.

Size: Dogs should measure approximately 23 inches in height at the shoulder; bitches, slightly less.

Contents

Meet the largest of the British terriers, a wiry-coated black and tan fellow that hails from the valley of the River Aire, whence comes his name. Learn about the Airedales natural versatility, seen through the prism of time, as a working terrier, police and military dog, guard dog and home companion.

Discover whether or not you are an Airedale person and worthy of owning the King of Terriers. See how the Airedale is not only a competent protector of property but also an accomplished hunter, a vigorous playmate and an oversized lapdog!

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Airedale Terrier by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Airedale Terrier puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Airedale Terrier every day: feeding the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog identification.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Airedale Terrier , including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Enter Puppy Kindergarten and introduce the pup to his collar and leash, and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Heres how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and whats required for your dog to become a champion. Also take a leap into the realms of competitive obedience, agility and tracking.