Terriers Dog Group - Airedale Terrier

The Airedale is the king of the terriers, being the largest member of the terrier group. Named after the Valley of Aire in Yorkshire, England, it was the progeny of a working terrier and an Otterhound. It is an expert ratter and duck-catcher, can be trained to the gun, and is also a splendid guard.

Coat: Hard, dense, and wiry.

Color: Body-saddle, top of neck, and top surface of tail, black or grizzle; all othcr parts tan; cars often darker, shading may occur round neck and side of skull; white hairs between forelegs acceptable.

Features: Long, flat skull; small, dark eyes;V-shapc ears; deep chest; short, strong, straight, level back; tails set on high and carried gaily, customarily docked.

Size: Height: dogs 23-24 in, bitches 22-23 in. Weight: 441b.

Care: Needs plenty of exercise; will need to be hand-stripped twice a year for show.

Character: As a family pet, it is good with children, extremely loyal, and seems to adapt well to fairly cramped conditions.