The Airedale Terrier has a long, flat skull surrounded by small V-shaped ears. The height at the withers is 58 to 61 cm for males and 56 to 59 cm for females. The coat is hard, dense and said to be “wire”. The coat is black or gray at the top of the neck and at the level of the upper region of the tail. The other parts of the body are tan.

The Airedale Terrier is classified by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale among large and medium sized Terriers. (1)

The Airedale Terrier probably originated from the county of Yorkshire in England. It owes its name to the valley of the Aire river. It would be the result of a cross between a Terrier with an otter dog or otterhound in the mid-1800s. The breed of Terrier used for crossbreeding is still debated. Dogs from this cross were used by Yorkshire workers to track rats. Rodent stalking competitions were even organized in this region until the 1950s.

The years of breeding have endowed the Airedale Terrier with extraordinary flair. This remarkable ability has been used across the globe for research assistance and notably by the Red Cross in war zones. The Russian and British armies also used it as a military dog.

Airedale Terriers are intelligent and active. They are quickly bored dogs and it is important to keep them occupied, otherwise they can exhibit destructive behavior. They are generally sociable and very playful. They are extremely courageous and are not aggressive.

The Airedales love to be in the action and are always up for some family fun. They love to frolic with the children and, despite their friendly nature, make excellent watch dogs.

The Airedale Terrier is a healthy dog ​​and, according to the UK Kennel Club’s 2014 Purebred Dog Health Survey, more than half of the animals studied were unaffected by any disease. The leading causes of death were cancer (type not specified) and renal failure. (3) These dogs also have a certain predisposition to the development of tumors and in particular cutaneous melanomas, tumors of the bladder, as well as of the urethra.

They can also, like other purebred dogs, be susceptible to developing hereditary diseases. Mention may in particular be made of hip dysplasia, congenital dislocation of the elbow, umbilical hernia or deforming spondylitis. (3-5)

Coxofemoral dysplasia

Coxofemoral dysplasia is an inherited disease of the hip. The joint is malformed, and with age, abnormal displacement of bone in the joint causes painful wear and tear on the joint, tears, localized inflammation, and osteoarthritis.

An x-ray of the hip is used to visualize the joint to make the diagnosis, also to assess the severity of the dysplasia.

The administration of anti-inflammatory drugs helps reduce osteoarthritis and pain, but in the most severe cases, it is possible to perform surgery or the installation of a hip prosthesis.

Most of the time, good medication is sufficient to significantly improve the dog’s comfort. (3-4)

Congenital dislocation of the elbow

Congenital elbow dislocation is a relatively rare condition. Its causes are unknown, but a genetic origin is possible. The disease is characterized by displacement of the radius and ulna in the joint, associated with ?? to ligament damage.

Clinical signs appear as early as four to six weeks and an X-ray can confirm the diagnosis. Later, osteoarthritis can develop as well. Treatment then consists of returning the joint to a physiological (ie “normal”) position by surgical intervention followed by immobilization of the elbow. (3-4)

Umbilical hernia

A hernia is caused by internal organs protruding outside their natural cavity. Umbilical hernia is a birth defect that accounts for 2% of hernias in dogs. It is due to the non-closure of the abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus. The viscera therefore emerge under the skin.

Umbilical hernia appears in puppies up to 5 weeks old and can resolve spontaneously if the hole is small. Most often, the hernia evolves into a hernial lipoma, that is, a mass of fat. This prevents the passage of an intestinal loop and limits the risk of complications. In this case, the inconvenience is rather is mainly aesthetic.

A large hernia can include the liver, spleen, and intestinal loops. In this case, the prognosis will be more reserved.

In the case of an umbilical hernia, palpation is sufficient for the diagnosis and makes it possible to assess the size of the latter and the organs that have protruded. Surgery closes the opening and replaces the internal organs. (3-4)

Deforming spondylitis

Occasionally, deforming spondylitis occurs in the Airedale Terrier. It is an inflammatory disease that affects the spine and is characterized by the formation of bone growths in “parrot beak”. The growths are very painful and debilitating for the dog.

The x-ray can visualize the parrot’s beaks to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is primarily aimed at reducing the inflammation and osteoarthritis caused by the disease. Euthanasia may be considered if the pain becomes too intense and impossible to control. (3-4)

Regular, fun exercise and plenty of family time are essential to the happiness of Airedale Terriers.