The objectives of the club are to promote and encourage responsible Airedale ownership and to maintain and improve the quality of the Airedale Terrier.
Our member breeders make every effort to breed only true to type Airedales after all relevant health assessments. Contact the club for more information and for puppy referral, Jan Hatton on 9408 1343. The club also has a rescue service and memorabillia of the Airedale sales...see web site!
Conducting social events at the beach, in the bush and by the billabong for Airedalers and their Airedales is a very important focus as is the club Championship Show and Open Show.
About Airedale Terrier
Background
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the Terrier breeds, and was created in the Aire Valley, Yorkshire, England during the 1810s-1870s. The Otterhound was crossed with the now extinct Old English Black and Tan Terrier. This produced an intelligent all round dual purpose working dog, capable of hunting with the Miners and guarding the women and children when the men were at work. The head, throat, shoulders, thighs and legs are tan in colour. The back of the neck, back and inside tail is black or grizzle, the grizzle will have a mixture of black, tan and white hairs. Remember that puppies are born black with tan points and can be six months old before developing an adult colouring.
Average Lifespan
The average lifespan of an Airedale is 12 - 14 years. Though some reach 16 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
This is linked to the dogs development. They are an all rounder, possessed of sound temperament, great intelligence, an instinctive desire to protect their family from any percieved danger. Airedales were used in the First World War to carry messages through enemy lines and as Police dogs and guard dogs. In other parts of the world they are used for hunting and retrieving. The Airedale Terriers primary purpose is as a companion and fmily dog. Their active minds have enabled them to succeed in Obedience and Agility trials. Some have qualified fo Pets as Therapy Program.
Compatibility with other pets
An Airedale Terrier puppy will happily settle in with other pets such as cats, rabbits etc. This bonding does not extend to pets outside the family home. It is recommended that when two animals are kept they be of opposite sexes. This may prevent any problems of dominance on maturity.
Care Requirements
Airedale Terriers have a hard wiry outer coat and a shorter undercoat of soft hair. This coat protects them from becoming chilled when wet. The hard hair also protects the dog from seeds or burrs. A good brush and comb once a week will keep the coat in good condition. Use a hard bristle or wire brush and a metal wide toothed comb. Pets are normally clipped two or three times a year. Show dogs are hand stripped. The Airedale does not shed hair continuously, but will after the winter need thorough brushing to remove the thick dead hair. Do not let your dog become infested with fleas and check for ticks regularly if they are in your area. The Airedale is an active energetic dog and needs regular exercise and play, including training. They are equally at home in a suburban backyard or a large property. Boredom may result in hole digging or the removal of washing from the line and a garden hose lying around will provide much fun for a young dog.
In Conclusion
There have been Airedale Terriers in Australia since the 1890s making the Breed well known. If you decide this is the Breed of dog for you ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have
a) Secure fencing?
b) Commitment and time to exercise and train the dog?
c) The ability and desire to provide your dog with the human companionship it
needs throughout its entire life?
If you answer these questions with a yes your next step is to contact the relevant body in your State for further information about Breeders and Clubs listed with them.
