Page 201 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

TERRIERS

Airedale Terrier WAR SERVICE

The Airedale Terrier gave invaluable service
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN to the British Army and the Red Cross during
22–24in 40–65lb 10–12 years World War I. On the battlefield, the dogs
(56–61cm) (18–29kg) were used to carry messages and mail, and
to find wounded soldiers. Some endured
grave danger and terrible injuries. One dog,
The largest of all terriers, this versatile dog makes a good named Jack was said to have saved a battalion
family pet but may be mischievous and boisterous by carrying a message through a swamp and
under artillery fire that broke his jaw and foreleg.
He just completed his mission before he died.
The tallest of the terrier breeds, the The Airedale Terrier became an all-purpose
Jack was posthumously awarded a medal for
Airedale Terrier is known as the King of dog that could follow trails and retrieve as his gallantry. Airedale terriers were trained
Terriers. This square, strong British breed well as pursue small game. Farmers used for service in World War II, too, seen below
originated in the valley of the Aire River the dog to herd and drive livestock and to at a training camp in 1939.
in Yorkshire. It was first developed in the guard property. Airedale Terriers also
mid-19th century by local hunters who featured in competitive rat hunts along the
wanted a robust terrier for catching vermin banks of the Aire River and its tributaries.
and larger game such as otters. Breeders From the 1880s dogs were exported to the
therefore crossed black and tan terriers US, where they were used to hunt quarry
with the Otterhound (see p.142), as well such as raccoons, coyotes, and bobcats.
as with the Irish Terrier (see p.200) and The breed’s subsequent uses have
possibly the Bull Terrier (see p.197). The included guarding, police and military
crosses produced a dog with a terrier’s work, and search and rescue, but it is
courage and an Otterhound’s skill in also a popular companion. Friendly,
the water. The breed was put to intelligent, and full of terrier character,
work along riverbanks, a practice this dog loves the thrill of the chase
that gave the dog its alternative and needs plenty of daily exercise. It
name, Waterside Terrier. The has a strong personality, so needs kind Long,
Airedale Terrier was officially and assertive handling, but responds flat head
recognized as a breed in 1878. well to training.

Drop ears
PUPPY
Tail carried
high when alert

Level back

Bearded muzzle

Wiry,
wavy coat

Grizzle
and tan
Dark grizzle
saddle

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