SYRIUS Airedale  Terrier Kennel

AIREDALE TERRIER
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Copyright 1991, United Kennel Club, Inc

History                                                          

The Airedale is the largest of all the Terrier breeds. Its origins date back to the mid-1800s, when authorities on the breed believe it was developed as a result of the cross of the Otterhound and the now-extinct Black & Tan Terrier. They were developed in the valley of the River Aire in south Yorkshire, England. These early crosses were called Working, Waterside or Bingley Terriers. They were used for hunting fox, badger, weasel, otter and river rats, plus other small game.

The patriarch of the breed is considered to be Ch. Master Briar (1897-1906). Two of his sons, Crompton Marvel and Monarch, also made important contributions to the breed. The latter was imported to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Airedale Terrier was recognized by United Kennel Club in 1914.

General Appearance                         

The Airedale is the largest of all Terriers, and was bred as a hunting and working dog. It has a harsh, tight coat that is black and tan in color. It has a moderately long, erect, docked tail.

Considered the King of Terriers, it is now used for multiple purposes, from police work to family pet. All characteristics related to the breed's versatility are to be maintained.

Characteristics                                  

Airedales are above all fearless, and majestic in appearance. Their courage is unquestioned, but they are not quarrelsome. The Airedale's proud character is denoted in the carriage of ears and tail. They have quick movement and are always ready for action. They are alert and are a good protection and family dog.

Head                                                 

The skull should be long and flat, not too broad. The stop is hardly visible. The scalp is free of wrinkles. There is little apparent difference between the length of the skull and the foreface. The foreface should be deep, powerful and muscular. The lips are tight.

TEETH - A full compliment of strong, white teeth meet in a level or vice-like (pincer) bite. A slightly overlapping or scissors bite is permissible, without preference.

EYES - Dark and small, not prominent. Full of keenness, intelligence and terrier expression.

NOSE - Black. Not too small.

EARS - V-shaped, with a carriage rather to the side of the head, but not pointing to the eyes. Small and in proportion to the size of the dog. The topline of the folded ear should be above the level of the skull.

Fault: Hound-type ear.

Neck                                                   

Should be clean with tight skin. It is one of moderate length and thickness, gradually widening toward the shoulders.

Forequarters                                      

The shoulders are long and well laid back. The shoulder blades are flat. The depth of the chest is on an approximate level with the elbows.

FORELEGS - The forelegs are perfectly straight with plenty of muscle and bone. The elbows are perpendicular to the body, working free of the sides.

Body                                                   

The body is short, strong and level. The ribs are well sprung. The chest is deep but not too broad.

The loins are of good width and muscular. There is little space between the last rib and the hip joint.

Hindquarters                                      

The hindquarters are long and muscular, without drooping.

HIND LEGS - The thighs are long and powerful, with muscular second thighs. The stifles are well bent. The hocks are well let down and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear.

Faults: Stifles turned in or out.

Feet                                                    

The feet are small, round and compact. They have a good depth of pad, and the toes are moderately arched.

Faults: Toes turned in or out. White feet.

Tail                                                     

The tail is docked to a fair length. It is of good strength and substance and is carried high.

Fault: Tail curled over the back.

Coat                                                    

The coat is hard, dense and wiry. It is straight and close, covering the dog close well over the body and legs. Some of the hardest coats are crinkling or just slightly waved. At the base of the very stiff hair is a shorter growth of softer hair (undercoat).

Faults: Coat too long or ragged. Soft outer coat.

Color                                                   

The head and ears are tan, the ears being a darker shade. Darker markings on either side of the skull are permissible. The legs, thighs, elbows and underside of the body and chest are also tan.

The sides and upper part of the body are black or grizzled. A red mixture is often found in the black and is not considered objectionable.

A small white blaze on the chest is characteristic of certain strains of the breed.

Disqualification: Artificial coloring. Artificial stiffening of the hair coat. Albinism.

Height and Weight                                            

Males, approximately 23 inches at the shoulder. Females, slightly smaller.

Both sexes are sturdy, well muscled and well boned. Weight is commensurate with height.

Gait                                                     

Movement is free. When viewed from the front, the forelegs should swing perpendicular from the body and free from the sides. The feet are the same distance apart as the elbows. When viewed from the rear, the hind legs should be parallel with each other giving a well balanced stance and movement.

Fault: Poor movement.

Disqualifications                                

Movement is free. When viewed from the front, the forelegs should swing perpendicular from the body and free from the sides. The feet are the same distance apart as the elbows. When viewed from the rear, the hind legs should be parallel with each other giving a well balanced stance and movement.

Fault: Poor movement.