History 
The Valley of the Aire in West Riding, Yorkshire, was the birthplace of the Airedale Terrier. The exact date is unknown but indications are that the breed began to be developed in the middle of the nineteenth century. They were bred as an answer to the average factory workers desire to hunt otter. To hunt this game properly required a pack of Otterhounds and a "Terrier" or two.
The Airedale is believed to be the "Old English Black-and-Tan Terrier," the "Broken-coated Working Terrier" and the "Rough-coated Black-and-Tan Terrier" outcrossed to the Otter Hound among others. All accounts of the "creation" of the point to a possible cross with a Border Collie or some other sheepdog. Some accounts also point to the Bull Terrier, while others insist that this outcross never took place.These dogs were known for their gritty ability to take on any adversary and give a good account of themselves. They were broken to guns and trained to retrieve. They were fierce competitors in the water-rat matches. Albert Payson Terhune sums up the Airedale concisely: "Among the mine-pits of the Aire, the various groups of miners each sought to develop a dog which could outfight and outhunt and OUTTHINK the other miner's dog.
Out of the experiments emerged the modern Airedale. He is swift, formidable, graceful, big of brain, an ideal chum and guard. There is almost nothing he cannot be taught if his trainer has the slightest gift of teaching. Every inch of him is in use. No flabby byproducts. A PERFECT MACHINE--a machine with a BRAIN, PLUS." The first Airedale known to come to America was Bruce brought over by C. H. Mason. Bruce was the sire of Bess, who was the dam of Airedale Jerry, root of the family tree.Airedales have successfully mastered everything from big-game hunting, coon-hunting, being excellent police dogs to obedience work.
Not every Airedale
excels in every area but over time many have done a variety of duties
very well.Today
Airedales are still used as hunting dogs, watch dogs and even obedience
and agility dogs, but they are, first and foremost, faithful, loyal and
entertaining companions.
Description
The Standard is the physical "blueprint" of the breed. It describes the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed otherwise known as type. Some characteristics, such as size, coat quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function for the dog. Other characteristics are more cosmetic such as eye color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all others. The Standard describes an ideal representative of the breed. No individual dog is perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the breeder to strive towards.
For many novice dog fanciers these standards are intimidating, abstract, and subjective. One good way to begin to understand this standard is to read books, such as The New Airedale Terrier, (referenced at the end of this FAQ), and study the pictures and drawings while reading the standard. Also, take a copy of the standard to dog shows and watch the breed. Talk to as many breeders as possible. Over time an "eye" for the breed will develop if you continue to question and compare the animal in front of you against the standard. The Airedale Terrier Club of America has a nice pamphlet, complete with sketches that is helpful in understanding the breed standard.
Airedale personality, as described in Your Airedale, is "cocky and brash, as he nonchalantly goes about his business with a swashbuckling air." He will protect his family to the death if need be. He is very patient with children, only moving away when he tires of their rough and boisterous play. He is very strong willed, while being gentle and affectionate with his family. The Airedale's curiosity is such that he will investigate any situation until he is satisfied. He is definitely a thinker. Airedales are people-oriented dog, where his owner is, there he wants to be. Choosing to own a Airedale is a wonderful, rewarding decision, but remember that a sense of humor is an absolutely necessary qualification for an Airedale owner.
Care
Food: Airedales do well on high quality foods. Some may have slightly dry "itchy" skin and can be supplemented with certain oils and kelp. Also many Airedales respond well to lamb and rice foods.
One thing worth mentioning here is how long to feed puppy food. Some research indicates that feeding puppy food for too long can increase the incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs that are susceptible to it. The theory is that the higher percentage of protein found in puppy formulas can accelerate growth before the developing skeleton can support the weight. Some breeders start feeding adult food very early. Most people tend to gradually switch to adult food at 8-10 months. Again, this is something to discuss with the breeder and your veterinarian.
Grooming: Many pet Airedales are clippered to the characteristic King of Terriers look. A good groomer should be able to provide this service. If not, contact a breeder in your area, many will be willing to provide grooming assistance on a limited basis. Airedales should be brushed with a pin brush on a daily basis to remove dead hair, since they do not "shed." Slickering their furnishings (leg hair and face hair) will also remove dead hair, allowing new hair to grow in. Airedales do "blow" their coat if it is allowed to grow out.
Dogs to be shown are stripped and trimmed. This is described in a couple of the books at the end of this FAQ. It is a very time consuming endeavor and somewhat difficult art to master. Housing: Airedales prefer to be with their families but also love to romp and play. A fenced area is great for exercise and play, while after play, they are ready to make great house dogs.
CAUTION: Airedales are lovers of digging. They are definitely "terre-iers." Always keep that in mind when preparing an exercise area. Crate training is a good idea for the young dog. As he gets older he may tend to use this as his "den" and has a secure area for travelling or your long days at work.
Exercise: Airedales are very active dogs and need lots of exercise. They need a fairly large area to romp and play. Daily walks are great exercise and fun time for both you and your Airedale.
General Health and Special Medical Problems
Airedales, in general, are very healthy and hardy animals. Some do have health problems, but in many cases, these are only minor.
Airedales, like all other larger breeds, have occurrences of hip dysplasia. These cases are not common but the possibility should be addressed. When selecting a puppy, always question the breeder about the condition of the parents' hips. Many breeders have preliminary hip x-rays done at a year of age (these x-rays cannot be sent in for an OFA number), prior to beginning a "show" career. More information on CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia) is available in the usenet RPD Canine Medical Info Part II FAQ.
Airedales, like many terriers, may have "itchy" skin. This could be a sign of many things. Sometimes it is nothing more than a dietary problem, and sometimes it is an symptom of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. All of the above can normally be treated and controlled easily. "Itchy" skin may also be a symptom of allergies. These allergies may be food or other. My experience has been that the first place to start is with the diet. Some Airedales do better on a quality lamb and rice food, others do not.
Always take the time to keep your Airedale's ears clean and dry (this helps prevent infections or irritations.), toe nails trimmed, teeth cleaned (doing this at home on a regular basis can prevent gum disease and other dental problems, and it is good practice for trips to the vet.), and remember to keep the hair trimmed between the pads.