Hunting breeds of dogs in some people cause confusion why such a pet is needed at home. But the airedale is a universal dog, and its purpose should not be limited to one hunt.
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Description and characteristics of the breed
Erdelei is easily recognized among other breeds thanks to its rectangular head and body, smart dark eyes and wavy coat in pleasant “non-marking” colors. They are very sociable and philanthropic, easy to train.
Males weigh up to 30 kg with a height of 61 cm, and females do not grow more than 59 cm, their weight reaches only 20 kg. Based on these data, the dog can not be called miniature, but it is quite well adapted for life in the apartment.
Airedale Terrier Origin
The breed cannot boast of an old status, such as sharpei or chow-chow. It was officially registered in 1886, although the airedale appeared back in the beginning of the 19th century, they simply bore different “folk” names: “bingley”, “coastal terrier” and others. England is the homeland, although already in 1880 the breed began to spread around the world. That year, the Airedale Terrier named Bruce was transported to the United States.
The name of the breed is associated with the place where it was bred. In England, the Air River flows, and the eponymous valley is located nearby. “Valley” is translated into English as “dale”, hence the name “Airdale”. When the word began to be applied to animals, it was transformed into a softer and more comfortable-sounding “airedale”, and the second root “terrier” showed which group of dogs the breed belongs to.
Initially, local residents used dogs for protection and hunting, especially on the water, which was especially convenient due to the proximity of the river. But immediately after official recognition, representatives of the new breed began to be shown at exhibitions, as well as at competitions in catching game, where dogs showed excellent results.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Airedale terriers became service dogs, faithful companions of police officers.
Due to the fearless nature, the breed found its application during the First World War. Erdelei was used by paramedics to locate the wounded on the battlefield, and they also delivered messages to different points of the front.
There are several stories about dog heroes of that period. One of them was named Jack. He was able to run through a field under enemy fire and deliver a message attached to his collar. Right after that, Jack died of bullet wounds.
The breed was in greatest demand in the 1945-1950s, but now its popularity is kept at an average level.
The purpose and nature of the dog
Initially, dogs were faithful hunting companions: they could drive game in the forest, catch waterfowl or small mammals. They did not fit only for pulling animals out of the holes, since the size of the airedale does not allow him to make his way into narrow spaces.
Now that hunting is not so popular, these dogs are used in law enforcement agencies as four-legged helpers or guards. But more often the breed can be seen at an exhibition or at an obstacle course.
Airedale terriers are also great pets. They have the character of extroverts: they are peppy, curious and sociable. They rarely hide in corners and close in themselves, their emotions are usually easily recognized not only by their movements (wagging tail or position of their ears), but even by the expression of their eyes.
Airedale get along with children and other pets. Despite the hunting roots, they do not show aggression unless they are deliberately angered or set against someone. At the same time, they can bravely protect the owner and his territory.
Breed standard and puppy selection
There are certain standards that you need to pay attention to when choosing an animal.
Namely, to see how the puppy matches the description of the breed:
- A long, narrow skull resembling a rectangle.
- Strong neck of medium length.
- A square body with a chest of medium width, close in size to the shoulders.
- Small paws.
- Ears are regular triangles with a “top” hanging down.
- Round, wide-set eyes of dark chestnut color.
- Thick and hard coat. On the outside, it is longer, and on the stomach and inside of the paws it is softer and shorter. It lays down in a wave, but does not curl.
- The main color of the coat is sand, on the back and neck there is black or gray blanket.
- The tail is straight.
- Wool on the face, if not trimmed, grows into a thick beard.
A few tips will help you choose an Airedale Terrier puppy:
- It is better to look in nurseries that specialize specifically in Airedale terriers.
- The breed is used in many ways, therefore it’s important to understand why a dog is being bought, and only then to choose a puppy with specific predispositions (the seller / owner should tell about them).
- It is necessary to check the puppy's health data and its compliance with the standard.
- Owners of really good, thoroughbred puppies will not refuse to see their brood parents.
Well, if documents from the pedigree are attached. They need to be carefully studied.
Maintenance, care and feeding
The dog Airedale is unpretentious and suitable for living in an apartment.
The main difficulty is to care for the coat:
- The pet should not be allowed to walk with wet undercoat, especially in a draft. After rain or bathing it needs to be dried.
- It is necessary to comb the animal at least 3 times a week using a metal brush.
- In case of contamination of the coat, the dog must be bathed in running water at a comfortable temperature. It is convenient to use a shower for this. This also includes wool on the face. After eating, crumbs remain in it, which must be washed off or removed with a damp cloth.
- Bathing with shampoo is enough to spend every 3 months.
- To keep dirt out of the way during bad weather, some owners purchase special dog raincoats.
- Before the exhibition trimming airedale. This is the procedure for trimming long hair on the legs and face. If there are no events planned, trimming is not necessary, but conducting it will make daily grooming much easier, and a dog with a haircut looks more well-groomed.
You can feed the dog as a store feed, and natural products. For young puppies, the second option is recommended, in order to avoid the development of diseases due to malnutrition.
Raw / cooked meat and fish, cereals, stewed vegetables will benefit. If the menu is half or more from raw foods, you need to add calcium to the food.
An adult dog (starting from 8 months) is given 2 times a day. Serving weight about 600 g, where half are protein products.
Airedale puppies under the age of 1 month do not need feeding, they get nutrients from mother’s milk. Further, babies should adhere to a fractional diet, and eat 5 times a day. Gradually, the number of meals is reduced to 2 per day.
Portion of a puppy depending on age:
- From a month to 60 days: a bowl of milk, a little cottage cheese, a finely chopped piece of meat and a handful of fresh vegetables.
- From 2 to 4 months: a plate of cottage cheese, a little porridge with meat and fresh cabbage.
- From 4 to 8-9 months: 400 g of meat, vegetables, kefir / milk can be.
It is important not to overfeed the animal, obesity leads to serious health problems.
How to train and educate an airedale
Training of any dog should be carried out when the pet is in a good mood, alert and fed, but not immediately after eating. So the training process will be effective, bring joy to both the dog and the owner.
The more training begins at a younger age, the better. Usually, breeders begin with the simplest “sit” command, which is well received by the puppy from the age of two months. The kid should not be overloaded with lengthy activities, you must not forget to praise him for success, and at the end of the lesson you can say some word that will mean that the dog is free, for example, "Walk!". So 2 teams are unlearned at once. It is good to start training in the apartment / house so that the puppy is not afraid of an unfamiliar environment and is not distracted.
In order for an airedale to grow up, it is impossible to encourage the selection of food from the floor or the destruction of objects. A strict tone without corporal punishment is effective. For cultural nutrition, there is the command "Eat!" Or "Eat!", Which is given after filling the bowl. So the dog will get used to take food only with the permission of the owner, and will not beg for it.
The next steps to learn are “Lie down!” And “Come to me!” Erdel will understand the more complex team “Place!” From only 4 months. From six months you can work out any other teams.
Pros and cons of the breed
Airedale Terrier Pros:
- gets along well with people and with children in particular;
- does not show hostility to other domestic animals, except for dominant dog breeds;
- smart;
- likes to play;
- always ready to protect the owner;
- dare;
- does not have a specific smell.
Minuses:
- very active, therefore, requires regular walks and training;
- careful hair care is needed, including trimming;
- the presence in a limited space of 2 males of dominant breeds leads to fights, a struggle for territory and a caress of the owner.
The Airedale will become a good and loyal friend if you grow it, showing attention and care. But do not forget that the animal takes time and loves outdoor activities, so before buying a dog, you should carefully consider the pros and cons.
