Description

The Airedale is the largest of the British terriers. They weigh 19–25 kilograms (42–55 lb) in fit condition and have a height at the withers of 58–61 centimetres (23–24 in) for males, with females slightly smaller. The American Kennel Club standard specifies a very slightly smaller dog. Larger Airedales, up to 55 kilograms (121 lb) can sometimes be found in North America. They are sometimes referred to as "Oorangs" as this was the name of a kennel in Ohio in the early 1900s that produced this much larger variation.

The Airedale has a medium-length black and tan coat with a harsh topcoat and a soft undercoat. They are an alert and energetic breed, "not aggressive but fearless."It has been claimed that the larger "Oorang" type Airedales are more eager than the smaller, breed standard Airedales, but this is not necessarily so. The large type have been used for big game hunting and as family guardians or as pets, but usually do poorly in AKC (American Kennel Club) conformation shows. This larger type is also significantly more prone to hip dysplasia than the standard Airedales.

Like many terriers, the breed has a 'broken' coat, which is hard and wiry. It is meant to be kept not so long as to appear ragged, and lies straight and close, covering body and legs. The outer coat is hard, wiry and stiff, the undercoat softer. The hardest coats are crinkly or just slightly waved. Curly soft coats are highly undesirable.

The coat is hypoallergenic, tending not to generate allergic reactions in people.

Airedales bearing undercoats are generally groomed by hand stripping where a small serrated edged knife is used to pull out loose hair from the dog's coat. Most Airedales require frequent (6 to 8 weeks) clipping or stripping as they do not shed.

The AKC breed standard states that the correct coat color is either a black saddle, with a tan head, ears and legs; or a dark grizzle saddle (black mixed with gray and white). Grizzle that is a mix of red hair in the black, often on the area of back before the tail are often the best and harshest coats. There are, however, examples of non-standard black-coated and "red" (tan) coated Airedales, (the solid colored Airedales are NOT able to be AKC registered, since they are deviations from breed standard and have yet to be proven 'purebred' Airedale Terriers.) There are also the short coated "Redline" type Airedales, they appear to be genetic throwbacks in looks to the Airedale's early days when the breed's coats were much shorter than today's Airedale. Even with their shorter coat they still have the same hard wiry outer coat with a soft under coat and fall well within the criteria of the breed standard and therefore can be AKC registered and most are registered.

Traditionally the fluffy tail is long and erect. In most European countries and Australia it is illegal to dock dogs' tails unless it is for the dog's benefit (e.g., if the tail is broken). This has resulted in the emergence of a spitz tail in some dogs. Selective breeding should see this change over time and the required slightly curled tail set high on the back again become common.

In other parts of the world the Airedale's tail is commonly docked within five days of birth, but this is not considered a breed standard custom. To show an Airedale in the United States, the official AKC standard states "The root of the tail should be set well up on the back. It should be carried gaily but not curled over the back. It should be of good strength and substance and of fair length."

Airedales weigh approximately 50-80 pounds, being active and agile enough to perform well, while not too small to function as a physical deterrent, retriever or hunter. Some breeders have produced larger Airedale Terriers, such as the 'Oorang Airedale', developed in the 1920s.

Ex-Army captain and Airdale breeder Walter Lingo's monthly magazine "Oorang Comments" (#25, page 81), stated that "When full grown your Airedale dog will weigh from forty to fifty-five pounds and if a female will weigh slightly less. This is the standard weight, but when required, we can furnish oversized Airedales whose weight will be from sixty to one hundred pounds."

Because Lingo tried to fill orders for everyone, the Oorang strain size was never standardized. Airedales weighing from 40 to 100 pounds were produced, but for the most part they were approximately 50 pounds and 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. In the United States, the male Airedales measure 40 to 70 pounds, with the Oorang strain typically in the 80 to 120 pound range.

The Airedale can be used as a working dog and also as a hunting dog. Airedales exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and have a propensity to chase animals. They have no problem working with cattle and livestock. However, an Airedale that is not well trained will agitate and annoy the animals.

The Airedale Terrier, like most terriers, has been bred to hunt independently. As a result, the dog is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and can sometimes be stubborn. If children and Airedales are both trained correctly, Airedales can be an excellent choice for a family dog. Airedales can do well with cats and other small animals, especially when they are raised with them.

Albert Payson Terhune wrote of the Airedale: "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 dogs. Tests of the first-named virtues were made in inter-mine dog fights. Bit by bit, thus, an active, strong, heroic, compactly graceful and clever dog was evolved – the earliest true form of the Airedale.

He is swift, formidable, graceful, big of brain, an ideal chum and guard. To his master he is an adoring pal. To marauders he is a destructive lightning bolt."

Group

Terrier Group

Country Of Origin

England

Size

 Medium Dog Breed

Color

The dense double coat may have some crimping; the outer layer is wiry while the undercoat is soft. Colors are black and tan with specifically distributed markings. A small white mark on the chest is not penalized.

Coat

 Hard, dense, and wiry with a soft undercoat.

Grooming

 Brush daily. Clip every two months or hand strip three times a year.

Life Expectancy

 10 to 14 years

AKC Group

 Terrier Group

UKC Group

Terrier

Height

• Female 22" (56 cm)
• Male 23" (58.5 cm)

Weight

• Females 40-48 lb (18-22 kg)
• Males 45-70 lb (20.5-32 kg)

Use Today

 Hunting, working, obedience, agility

Points Of Conformation

The head is long with a minor stop, the ears are V-shaped and carried folded. Eyes are dark and small with keen expression, and nose is medium and black. Other points include moderate length neck, chest deep but not broad, topline level and back is short. Legs are straight, tail is carried high, and feet are compact and small. Overall, they are characterized by good bone and athletic appearance, with a solid straight way of going, including good stride length and freedom of movement.

Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits

Breed Traits Ascribed Include: Renowned for being exceptionally loyal devoted companions, good protectors of home and farm, and are noted to be aloof with strangers. Their training should start early. The mix of hound and terrier leads to independent thinking traits, and they have high intelligence. They need close human contact, and may chew or dig if left alone for extended periods. The hound component means that they tolerate other dogs much better than typical terriers.

They are low shedders, low allergenic dogs and need regular grooming. They are considered high-energy dogs. They are suitable for both town and country as long as regular exercise is provided.

Inherited Diseases

Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 11.4% affected.

Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow arthritis. OFA reports 11% affected.
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD): Autosomal recessive Type I vWD is reported in the Airedale Terrier. This disease causes a mild bleeding disorder. A genetic test has not been developed in this breed.

Hemophilia B (Factor IX Deficiency): Severe, x-linked recessive bleeding disorder documented in this breed. A genetic test is available.

Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited laxity of patellar ligaments, causing luxation, lameness, and later degenerative joint disease. Treat surgically if causing clinical signs. Too few Airedale Terriers have been OFA evaluated to determine an accurate frequency.

Disease Predispositions

Heart Murmur: Reported at a frequency of 13.3% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001. Atrial septal defect, pulmonic stenosis, subaortic stenosis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and ventricular septal defect are reported to occur in the breed.

Allergic Dermatitis: Presents with pruritis and pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spots). The Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001 reports 11.4% allergic to fleas, 7.7% to inhaled allergens, and 5.0% to food.

Hypothyroidism: Inherited autoimmune thyroiditis. 8.8% positive for thyroid auto-antibodies based on testing at Michigan State University. (Ave. for all breeds is 7.5%). Reported at a frequency of 7.5% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001.

Cataracts: Anterior cataracts are the most frequent in the breed. Identified in 6.94% of Airedale Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005. Reported at a frequency of 8.3% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001. CERF does not recommend breeding any Airdale Terrier with a cataract.

Persistent Pupillary Membranes: Strands of fetal remnant connecting; iris to iris, cornea, lens, or involving sheets of tissue. The later three forms can impair vision, and dogs affected with these forms should not be bred. Identified in 5.78% of Airedale Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.

Distichiasis: Abnormally placed eyelashes that irritate the cornea and conjunctiva. Can cause secondary corneal ulceration. Identified in 5.20% of Airedale Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.

Cancer: The following frequencies for cancer were reported in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001: Melanoma 4.0%, adenocarcinoma 3.3%, hemangiosarcoma 2.7%, lymphosarcoma 2.5%, osteosarcoma 1.2%, mast cell tumor 1.2%.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas causing vomiting and peritonitis. Can be life threatening if severe. Reported at a frequency of 3.7% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001.

Corneal Dystrophy: Causes opacities on the surface of the cornea. Age of onset of 9-11 months, which may progress to vision impairment by 3-4 years of age. Sex-linked inheritance suggested in one report. Identified in 3.41% of Airedale Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 1991-1999, with none reported between 2000-2005.

Retinal Dysplasia: Focal folds and geographic retinal dysplasia are seen in the breed. Focal folds were identified in 2.89%, and geographic dysplasia in 0.58% of Airedale Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.

Inherited Epilepsy: Grand-mal seizures. Control with anticonvulsant medication. Reported at a frequency of 2.3% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001. Unknown mode of inheritance.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA): Autoimmune destruction of red blood cells. Clinical features include pale mucous membranes, weakness, lethargy and collapse. Treat with immunosuppressive drugs. Reported at a frequency of 2.3% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001. Reported 45.3x odds ratio versus other breeds. Reported 22.5x odds ratio for concurrent AIHA and ITP.

Missing Teeth: Reported at a frequency of 2.3% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001. Unknown mode of inheritance.

Umbilical Hernia: Congenital opening in the body wall from where the umbilical cord was attached. Unknown mode of inheritance. Reported at a frequency of 1.9% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Inherited degeneration of the retina resulting in blindness. Age of onset around 3 years of age. Mode of inheritance presumed recessive. Reported in 1.83% of Airedale Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 1991-1999, with none reported between 2000-2005.

Entropion: Rolling in of eyelids, often causing corneal irritation or ulceration. Entropion is reported in 1.73% of Airedale Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.

Cryptorchidism (Retained Testicles): Can be unilateral or bilateral. Reported at a frequency of 1.7% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001.

Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP): Autoimmune destruction of blood platelets. Most common presentation is in middle aged females. Reported at a frequency of 1.5% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001. Reported 22.5x odds ratio for concurrent AIHA and ITP.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Can present with ventricular arrhythmias, progressing to heart failure. Increased incidence reported in the breed. Two to one ratio of affected males to females. Reported at a frequency of 1.4% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001.

Gastric Dilation/Volvulus (GDV, Bloat): Life-threatening twisting of the stomach within the abdomen. Requires immediate veterinary attention. Reported at a frequency of 1.0% in the Airedale Terrier Health Survey 2000-2001.

Seasonal Flank Alopecia: Bilateral, symmetrical alopecia affecting the flank, dorsum and tail. Affects primarily spayed females, in the Spring or Autumn. Mean age of onset is 3.6 years.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Skin disorder presenting with greasy skin and haircoat. Dorn reports a 2.06x odds ratio of developing seborrheic dermatitis versus other breeds.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC, bladder cancer): Increased incidence of this bladder cancer cited in the breed. TCC is a malignant cancer that can be controlled with surgery and piroxicam treatment.

Diskospondylitis: Vertebral bone infection, possibly with an immune component in the breed. There are multiple case reports in related Airedale Terriers. Thought to be due to immunosuppression from decreased immunoglobulin A production.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CCA, cerebellar ataxia): Disorder causing hypermetria, a high stepping gait, and incoordination. Onset in this breed is 12 weeks of age. Clinical signs usually progress slowly throughout the life of the dog, however some can progress more rapidly to constant stumbling. Occurs at a low frequency in Airedale Terriers.
Chromosomal Intersex, Demodicosis, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, HyperlipoProteinemia, Hypoadrenocorticism, Intervertrbral Disk Disease, Laryngeal Paralysis, Myasthenia Gravis, Narcolepsy, Panosteitis, Pannus, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Portosystemic Shunt, and Sebaceous Adenitis are reported.

Isolated Case Studies

Pituitary Carcinoma: A 6-year-old Airdale terrier presented with a one month history of progressive behavioral and neurological signs, including proprioceptive deficits, circling, anisocoria, and head pressing. A large, invasive, pituitary carcinoma was diagnosed at post mortem.

Multiple Myeloma: Identified in a 10-year-old neutered male Airedale Terrier with inappetence, weight loss, and lameness. Multiple myeloma was diagnosed based on bone marrow plasmacytosis, multiple lytic bone lesions, and hyperglobulinemia with a clonal gammopathy.

Mixed Germ Cell Tumor: Identified in the lumbar spinal cord of a two-year-old, female Airedale terrier with a history of progressive paraplegia. It was composed of three different types of cells: small round germ cells, large eosinophilic cells, and a rarer differentiated epithelial cell.

Unilateral Horner's Syndrome and Masticatory Muscle Atrophy: Seen in a 9-year-old, spayed female, Airedale Terrier diagnosed with polyradiculoneuritis and ganglionitis that was most severe in the trigeminal nerves.

Genetic Tests

Tests of Genotype: Direct test for Hemophilia B is available from HealthGene.
Tests of Phenotype: CHIC Certification: Required testing includes hip radiographs, congenital cardiac examination, and renal disease testing. Optional recommended testing includes CERF eye examination, thyroid profile including autoantibodies, and elbow radiographs. (See CHIC website; caninehealthinfo.org). Recommend patella evaluation.

Miscellaneous