I have always loved the look of these dogs so this had to be my choice for the beginning of my A-Z of dogs.
The Airedale Terrier is a breed of the terrier type that originated in Airedale, a geographic area in Yorkshire, England. It is traditionally called the "King of Terriers" because it is the largest of the terrier breeds. Bred from a Welsh Terrier and an Otterhound, the breed has also been called the Waterside Terrier, because it was bred originally to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the River Aire which runs through Airedale. In the United Kingdom this breed has also been used as a police dog. This one is an Australian and New Zealand Champion:
The Airedale can be used as a working dog and also a hunting dog. They exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and have a propensity to chase animals. They have no problem with cattle and livestock, however if they are not well trained they will agitate and annoy the animals. Like most terriers, they have been bred to hut independently and as a result, it is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, and stoic and can sometimes be stubborn. If children and Airedales are both trained correctly, they can be an excellent choice for a family dog. They can do well with cats and other small animals, especially when they are raised with them.
This Airedale is in its natural state with an undocked tail and to me looks just the ideal family pet.
I have never agreed that dogs' tails should be docked for any reason at all and I do hope that the hunting of otters has now ceased in Yorkshire. I know in North America the sea otters were hunted for their fur which is one of the finest furs there is but hopefully this trade has also ceased.
I just had to share these delightful pics with you. These dogs are real characters and I hope you will enjoy these photos as much as I have:
Aren't they lovely....they looked like clipped chenille.
ReplyDeleteThey surely are lovely and yes, nor you mention it their fur does remind me of my cuddly old chenille dressing gown or even the old chenille quilt we had years ago. Beautiful.
DeleteA is for alert, and awwww.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you about docking - or any mutilation of animals for our purposes - declawing cats for example.
Ah! as well perhaps? I've never agreed with interfering with any part of an animal although I of course believe in sterilisation for for the safety of the animal. I've even hear of dogs being de-barked. Why have a pet if you can't allow it to be its natural self?
DeleteI do eat meat and yet at times even feel I shouldn't. Was brought up doing it and being short of iron and Vit B12 I guess I need some red meat in my life occasionally. More's the pity.
Love the puppy photos! I remember the first time I saw an Airedale and asked what it was, I didn't believe it was a terrier because my only experience with terriers had been the smaller Sydney silky type and fox terriers.
ReplyDeleteI agree that tail docking is shameful and shouldn't be allowed. There is no reason for it. I believe horses used to have their tails docked too, so sad when they are unable to swish away flies.
Those puppies look so playful don't they? I think there dogs are rather special.
DeleteI too believe animals should not be 'interfered" with unless it is in the interest of the animal itself. Horses and cows need to be able to swish the flies away so to dock tails is cruel. It's certainly not done for the sake of the animal, but only the owner.