Airedale Terrier 2012

Most breeds have specialties, but Airedale Terriers have a broad range of skills. They can hunt birds, retrieve downed birds, and track and tree mammals, both large and small. Airedales were also the first breed used as police dogs in both Great Britain and Germany, and in wartime, served as guards and messengers. They were prized by both law enforcement and military because they retained their training well and would work through harsh conditions and discomfort.
The breed was developed in Aire, England, probably from the English Terrier. Some experts feel the Otterhound was crossed with the English Terrier to help create a waterproof coat and to add to the first breed’s hunting abilities. After the mid-1800s, the breed was known as the Working Terrier, Waterside Terrier, and Bingley Terrier.