Breed History
This dog was bred to be ready for anything....
Several breeds went into the creation of the Airedale Terrier, starting back in the 19th century. Hunters in Yorkshire wanted a breed of terrier that could swim well and had a keen sense of smell. The English Terrier was a primary contributor, sometimes called a Black and Tan Terrier. So was the Otterhound, a fantastic swimmer with a powerful nose. For cosmetic purposes, Irish and Bull Terriers were added into the mix, which resulted in the Airedale Terrier that we know and love today.
This breed found plentiful opportunities for employment at rural farms in Britain. In pursuit of even more work, some migrated to America and gained recognition from the AKC in 1888. In America, the Airedale has been a smashing success. Showered with awards and accolades, the dog has been a perennial winner of the highly sought-after Best of Breeds title in all-breeds dog shows. The famous Master Briar whose very name summons an image of a wiry-bearded, stern, hardworking Airedale Terrier is considered the forefather of his breed. Beyond farms and families, Airedale Terriers have found work as police dogs, hunting big game in Africa, and in deployment on the battlefield. Wow. But dont let their impressive resume give you the wrong impression: with a strong leader, this amazing dog makes a fantastic addition to any home with a big yard and lots to do.