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Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier or just plain "Airedale" is a breed originating in the Airedale area of Yorkshire, England. It was called the "King of Terriers" before the creation of the Black Russian Terrier because it was largest of the terrier breeds at the time. The Airdale was also called the Waterside Terrier, because it was bred to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the River Aire which runs through Airedale. In England the breed has been used as a police dog.
The Airedale weighs 25-30 kilograms (55-66 lb) and its height at the withers is 58-61 centimetres (23-24 in) for males, with females slightly smaller. 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."
With regular grooming, the Airedale may shed very little. Although the Airedale often appears on lists of dogs that do not shed (moult), this is misleading. Every hair in the dog coat grows from a hair follicle, and has a cycle of growing, then being shed, then being replaced by another hair in the same follicle. The length of time of the growing and shedding cycle varies by breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog. "There is no such thing as a nonshedding breed."
The Airedale Terrier is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and can sometimes be stubborn. The Airedale is a dog with a great sense of humor. For those who can laugh along with their Airedale, the dog can provide a unique and entertaining company. For those who don't appreciate being outsmarted by their dog, owning an Airedale can be a trying experience.
Airedales are very loving and always want to be in the middle of family activities. They are also known for expressing exactly what they are thinking, unlike more aloof breeds. The Airedale is a reliable and protective family pet. Airedales are exceedingly loyal and strong dogs; there is one story of an Airedale taking down a bear to protect its master. They are very energetic, and need plenty of exercise.
Some of the content on this page was originally published on Wikipedia.
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