An Airedale Terrier with the right owner makes a happy and rewarding match.

      The hereditary factor of gunshyness has been a source of arguments for years among those who hunt their dogs. Unreasonable shyness should be looked upon as a more serious breed fault than houndy ears, bad tail set or a soft coat, all of which may be faulty in show circles but perfectly acceptable in a lovable pet. A steady, friendly outgoing temperament, however, is of paramount importance in the family Airedale, as it should be in a show dog, working dog and obedience dog.

       THE AIREDALE AT WORK AND PLAY

      In Cynographia Britannica (1800), Syndenham Edwards wrote of terriers as a whole, “As his courage is great, so is his genius extensive; he will trace with the foxhounds, hunt with the beagle, find with the greyhound or beat with the spaniel. Of wildcats, martens, polecats, weasels and rats, he is the vigilant and determined enemy; he drives the otter from the rocky clefts on the banks of rivers, nor declines combat of a new element.” It is a sad state of affairs that dogs bred to hunt are no longer allowed this pursuit in their native land, but such are the laws today. In the US, however, the reverse is happening as more and more people are becoming actively involved in breed-specific sporting activities, including carting trials for Bernese Mountain Dogs, sledding races for Huskies and, of course, earthdog trials for Scotties, Dachshunds, etc.

      When we speak of working or hunting dogs versus show or breeding stock, we are not referring to different types of Airedale Terriers. There is only one type, the one described in the breed standard. A dog earning hunting, obedience or agility titles may not be up to snuff for the show ring from a “beauty” standpoint (ears, coat, etc.), but still retains type and, in order to work, must be sound. Conversely, there is no reason why a show dog could not add other titles to his conformation championship, and many are doing just that.

      There are numerous stories, especially in the US, of Airedales’ taking down bears and mountain lions. Their heroics have not gone unnoticed worldwide by the hunting Airedale enthusiasts, nor has that group been reticent to laud the breed’s natural accomplishments over those achieved in the show ring! As a result, dogs bred for show, including those that actually are conformation champions, are becoming increasingly involved in field work.

      The Airedale’s working attributes have gone far beyond anything perceived by the breed’s creators. In the early 1900s, American fancier Walter Lingo began to breed and train Airedales for hunting. Oorang Airedales (he never called them Airedale Terriers) were not AKC registered, ranged in size from 35 to 100 pounds, came in any ancestral color and were without any adherence to type! He advertised them as hunters, but was hardly original in his claim. As Gladys Brown Edwards, noted breeder, author and artist wrote, “In fact, it is harder to keep an Airedale from hunting than it is to find one reluctant to hunt.”

      Will Judy, writing in Dog Encyclopedia (Chicago, 1936), raved about the dog’s capabilities, including success as a police dog and on the battlefield, as a hunter of wild game (lions and tigers) in Africa, as a retriever in icy waters, as a sled dog in the frozen North, etc. High praise indeed, but he also noted that the Airedale Terrier wears his heart on his sleeve, is sensitive and demands attention and praise, but “all with a loveable terrier nature.” He was right on the mark!

      Before considering the Airedale as a family pet, one must consider the breed’s instinctive working traits. Potential owners must realize that these are active dogs, not hyperactive dogs, but are working terriers with a will and a need to be given something to do. The alternative is to get into mischief. Small jobs are perfectly acceptable. Such tasks as carrying in the morning paper or toting a basket of tools about the garden qualify as gainful employment, so long as you remember that the dog also needs sufficient physical exercise.

      During an off-season, show dogs and hunters are often trotted alongside bicycles to keep them in top condition. For the pet, a brisk walk, retrieving games or perhaps the Airedale’s favorite—a run in the fields adjacent to an irresistible stream or pond—will do nicely. City dogs can make do with similar excursions in the park.