blueboyluca:This, the largest of the terriers, is also one of the finest all-around breeds of canine
blueboyluca:This, the largest of the terriers, is also one of the finest all-around breeds of canine developed by man. They are strong water dogs, good hunters, excellent guard and police dogs, useful as guides for the blind and fine war dogs. They excel as big game dogs in Africa, India, Canada and America. The author well remembers the old Oorang Kennels, advertising dogs up to 90 pounds for big game hunting, trained by Sac and Fox Indians under the direction of the great Indian Olympic athlete, Jim Thorpe.The author’s early contacts with the breed as a boy was an enriching experience. I remember the Airedale as a powerful, prideful animal who would step aside for no dog and could lick anything that walked for miles around. During a recent jaunt through Europe I was pleased to see many fine Airedales on the streets indicating from their numbers, the breed’s popularity in France, Germany, Holland and even Spain.Many terriers, specifically an old, extinct black and tan terrier popular in the valleys or rivers Colne, Calder, Warte, and Aire, combined with the Otterhound, formed the original basis of the breed. Proof of the fine physical finish to which the Airedale was brought by master breeders can be found in the breed’s consistent Best in Show wins both here and in England.Called by several names during its early forming into a breed (the Working, the Waterside, and the Bingley Terrier) it took the name by which it is known today after being shown in 1879 at the Bingley, Yorkshire, Airedale Agricultural Society Show.The patriarch of the breed, champion Master Briar (end of the 19th century) left prepotent sons who passed on his genetic qualities. In more modern (yet old enough to be called “foundation”) breeding, we find Ch. Warland Ditto, the Cragsman King family and the animals of the Warland Kennels.The Airedale is at its best as a house dog. Sweet in disposition, yet aloof with strangers, dependable and handsome, he makes the finest of companions.— Ernest H. Hart, Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds (1968) -- source link
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