Airedale Terrier: Breeder selection and lines

When choosing a Airedale Terrier, verify the named records and the issuing scheme before relying on a breeder's description. Treat the record as background information, not proof of how this individual dog will respond. Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine. Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.

What to verify before choosing

Airedale Terrier's recommended parent-club health tests is recorded as ['Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Kidney Disease Screening (CHIC)']. Here, that matters because it identifies a record to verify, not a diagnosis of the dog in front of you.

Read the record, not the promise

  1. Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine.
  2. Keep the recommended parent-club health tests in view (['Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Kidney Disease Screening (CHIC)']) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
  3. Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.

Walk away or pause if

Do not proceed on verbal assurances when required records are missing, unverifiable, or inconsistent.

References

Height: 23 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height

Weight: 50-70 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight

Life expectancy: 11-14 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy

Grooming: The Airedale has a short, wiry coat that needs relatively little maintenance. Weekly brushing keeps the coat looking good and has the additional advantage of removing dead hair that would otherwise be shed around the house. (Some people with dog allergies have found that they can share a living space with a well-brushed Airedale without suffering any…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy

Exercise: Terriers are generally known for their high energy levels. Given that the Airedale is the largest of all terriers, that energy must be channeled into safe outlets. Fortunately, Airedales love to play with other family members. A daily play session of moderate length, in addition to walks (or backyard time) several times a day, should be enough to satisfy…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy

Training: Because of the Airedale's size (he is a medium-sized dog, but the largest of the terrier breeds), strength, and rambunctiousness, obedience training is highly recommended. At a minimum, an Airedale should learn basic obedience commands such as come, sit, and stay. The breed's intelligence and the fact that they bond closely with family members can make…
AKC page Training > official section copy

Official breed description: His size, strength, and unflagging spirit have earned the Airedale Terrier the nickname 'The King of Terriers.' The Airedale stands among the world's most versatile dog breeds and has distinguished himself as hunter, athlete, and companion.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description

Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Kidney Disease Screening (CHIC)']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club

Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AiredaleTerrier.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard

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