Airedale terriers

[Capt caveman]

Not sure wether this is the appropriate place, but does anyone have experience with using Airedale’s as a working dog?

 

[CarlW]

Not sure wether this is the appropriate place, but does anyone have experience with using Airedale’s as a working dog?

What type of work? Apparently, they used to make rather good police dogs, but I haven't seen any on the IPO /Schutzhund scene, or indeed in security roles. I suspect their genes are a little more gentle these days.

If it's for blood-tracking deer, they'll do fine: anything from a Pitbull to a Poodle can do it if you put a bit of time in.

Kind regards,

Carl

 

[Capt caveman]

I was thinking for a rough shooting dog and to take stalking. I spoke to a lady who rescues Airedale’s and she pretty much laughed at me and said they’re too independent? By all accounts they trial them in America but I don’t know if the uk it’s a show breed now.

 

[Buchan]

No experince of working with them, but most I've met haven't been what one would call biddable

 

[Jon P]

I read an article on them a few years ago and they exported a lot of standards to America for hunting bear, however they did not last long as they had the typical terrier mentality. I think they would make a good deer dog if you got the right one, may be hard enough to hang in to an injured deer if required. I used to do the terrier work for a few hunts when I was younger so know that bold dogs don’t get to old dogs though.

 

[Siggy]

Airedales where used as police dogs back in the days before German Shepherds and used to be really popular as working dogs. I heard once that they went into the original make up of the German Wirehaired Pointer. I’ve heard that they work them on hogs and coyotes in the states, but I don’t think there are any working lines left because the type of hunting they were for is gone by the by, and the showing fraternity have really done a number on them. You may be lucky and get throw back to the old lines but you could make your life a lot easier by trying a more typical choice of breed.
All that said, it would be one hell of a project - I’ve always admired the breed, and I suspect they would make great companions - I wish you luck

 

[Capt caveman]

Thanks gents it’s certainly a teeth dryer. It may be the fact that I’m from Airedale and it was the originally bred by working men as a working dog, I find it sad that they aren’t used for the purposes they were bred for. Just pets and to prance round dog shows. Might have to be a realist and get a springer.

 

[pux]

Thanks gents it’s certainly a teeth dryer. It may be the fact that I’m from Airedale and it was the originally bred by working men as a working dog, I find it sad that they aren’t used for the purposes they were bred for. Just pets and to prance round dog shows. Might have to be a realist and get a springer.

Sorry to drag up an old thread. Did you ever go down the Airedale route for a working dog? I have had them all my life...the most pig headed dogs ever! But far to lovable, the truly do have a sense of humour. They are stubborn but loyal and brave dogs though. Would not be with out one.

 

[Capt caveman]

I got myself a springer for beating and rough shooting and he does everything I need him for for that.
I’m moving to a house with loads of space and a good bit of land and my plan is to get an Airedale (not that the Mrs knows about the latter yet!). They seem to be few and far between to find and at the moment an absolute fortune.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Thanks gents it’s certainly a teeth dryer. It may be the fact that I’m from Airedale and it was the originally bred by working men as a working dog, I find it sad that they aren’t used for the purposes they were bred for. Just pets and to prance round dog shows. Might have to be a realist and get a springer.

My pal from Berlin called me yesterday and he has just got one. He said they were originally bred for otter hunting???

 

[Capt caveman]

Yes as I understand Airedale’s are a mix of Black and Tan, bull terrier and otter hound. They used to hold competitions on the river aire for water rats and otter control.
Is your mate going to use it for working?

 

[pux]

This is Sky who is sat down & Fred who is in the snow picture. Unfortunately Fred passed away two years ago. He was my shadow. Sky just tolerates me like an annoying older brother.

 

[Dogtra UK]

As an old dog training mentor said to me.

“Every dog can follow scent easily. But does it have the brain and desire to do it”?

No reason why it shouldn’t be fine. Try find someone who does obedience or agility with the parents. Then start doing tracking games from an early age.

Good luck.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Yes as I understand Airedale’s are a mix of Black and Tan, bull terrier and otter hound. They used to hold competitions on the river aire for water rats and otter control.
Is your mate going to use it for working?

He is a hunter north of Berlin a retired cop (he spent all his time standing guard outside a Jewish old folks home in Berlin, yeah) there are roe, boar and geese on his lease. He said the reason for airdale was that they do not drop much hair in the house. His wife is a retired CID from Berlin.

 

[llwynog]

When I was younger you saw the occasional Airedale worked. The few I saw were exceptionally hard.

 

[levigsp]

I used Airedales as drawing dogs and general vermin dogs. not had any since the 70s

 

[Brittany boy]

Didn't know Airedales were artistic

 

[landkeeper]

Id say the airdale of the 70s was a different beast to whats about today!
Its hard to get a good reliable game lakey these days let alone a airdale

 

[levigsp]