Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight: Airedale Terrier
The “King of the Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is not only the largest of the terriers, but has been called the dog who can do it all. Plus, isn’t he just adorable!? Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Airedale highlights the regal, unique looking yet beautiful English breed and we know you’ll love learning about this terrier.
History & Background: First called Waterside or Bingley Terriers, the modern Airedale looks very different from the Airedale of the past. The breed originates from the Valley of Aire, a dale in West Yorkshire, England where the river Aire flows through the land. The first Airedale’s were used as all-purpose working terriers. This dog was mostly a hunter and was bred by crossing a black and tan terrier, bull and terrier dogs, and otterhounds. Hunters soon noticed this dog was adept at almost all hunting aspects; speed, quickness, cornering, following a scent and was even great in water.
When the World Wars came to Europe, the Airedale was again used in a myriad of ways. They carried messages to soldiers, transported mail, guarded camp, and found wounded soldiers on the battlefield. After their work in war, the Airedale transferred to police work. Before police forces started adopting German Shepherds for their work, Airedales were used extensively.
Airedales came to North America in the 1880s, but increased in popularity after WWI. The tales of Airedale bravery on the battlefield inspired dog lovers to have this breed in their own home. Another reason for gain in popularity was the Presidential owners of Airedales including Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding. It’s said President Harding’s Airedale, Laddie Boy, was the first celebrity White House pet. Mr. Harding even had a custom chair made for Laddie Boy to sit in during important Cabinet meetings. By the 1920s the Airedale was the most popular dog breed in the USA and continued to peak until 1949.
The Airedale is mostly a companion dog today, but is still used as a working dog in some parts of the world. The AKC recognized the Airedale in 1888, and the breed standard was approved in 1959. Read more
