In that good sporting county, Yorkshire, for many years a broken-haired, rough-and-ready terrier was much in vogue among the working-classes before he came to be classified as a variety under the name at the head of this page. The Airedale is a big dog, so big indeed that to call him a terrier is a misnomer. A manufactured breed, in which the Otterhound has played a considerable part, he has been in existence long enough to come true to type, and he is a smart, good-looking tyke with many admirable qualities.

His Work

He is a hardy, tireless worker, ready for any vermin, and well suited for working the rough banks of the streams in his native county. It is no wonder that he has become very popular of recent years.

His Points

Head long, with flat skull, narrowing slightly from between the ears to the eyes; scarcely any stop in front of the eye; jaws powerful; ears V-shaped and small; eyes dark and small, and full of expression; neck moderately long, free from throatiness, and widening towards the shoulder; shoulders sloping, and chest deep; back short, ribs well sprung; hindquarters strong and muscular; hocks well let down; legs straight, with plenty of bone; feet small and round. In colour the head and ears should be tan, with dark markings on each side of the skull; legs also tan; body black or dark grizzle. Weight of dogs, 40 to 45 lbs.; bitches a little less. The Airedale Terrier Club lays great stress upon size.