The Airedale Terrier, the largest member of the terrier group, is known to admirers as the King of Terriers, but he could just as easily be recognized as the King of Hearts who received his crown for his size, broad versatility, intelligence, and unswerving loyalty. The Airedale Terrier was developed in his native England as a companion and hunter for the working class citizens of Yorkshire. Today the breed is loved around the world for it prowess in the military, police forces, the Red Cross, the duck blind, and other venues, including the family home. The Airedale Terrier is a relatively modern breed. The breed first appeared in the latter half of the 19th Century when Yorkshire men crossed smaller terriers with Otterhounds to produce a larger terrier with a keener nose and an ability to take to the water in the river valleys. Fame came in World War I when he served in both the British and German armies. As messengers, Airedales were renowned for their ability to withstand devastating injuries and still deliver dispatches. As ambulance dogs, they saved lives by helping to locate wounded soldiers from among the casualties on the battlefield. Following the war, the Airedale Terrier gained immensely in popularity. Presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren Harding, and the proverbial ‘people next door’ owned and admired the breed for its courage, intelligence, and adaptability. With the success of movies starring Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart, both German Shepherds, and Lassie, a rough-coated Collie, the Airedale Terrier lost his place as the most popular dog in America. In 2000, the breed ranked 46th in individual registration with 3431 dogs enrolled that year and 60th in litter registrations with 797 litters. Today, the Airedale Terrier can be found in nearly every place on earth with active fancies in Australia, Europe, and South America. Unlike some others, this breed still possesses strong working instincts and is favored by many families seeking a devoted and protective family dog. In Germany, the Airedale has long been admired for these same qualities and is one of a select group of breeds trained in schutzhund, the discipline that displays canine skills in obedience, tracking, and protection. Airedale Terriers are natural athletes and can also be found working in search and rescue teams in Europe. They can also be found in obedience and agility competitions with owners who have the perseverance to work through their high-spirited hi-jinks and somewhat stubborn terrier character.
