Frequently Asked Questions
Reprinted with permission from Kathy Dowd and Lori Valentine
Where can I find Airedale breeders in my area?
The Airedale Terrier Club of America maintains a membership list. Or, check with an Airedale Rescue Organization.
How should I choose a breeder? What should I expect from my breeder?
Choosing a breeder is equally as important as choosing a breed or a puppy. You should contact sources such as the ones listed above, go to dog shows, or talk to vets in the area. Talk to as many different breeders as possible. You should choose a breeder that is willing to work with you and help you choose the right animal for you. Your breeder should ask questions of you. He/she should be very concerned with the welfare of the puppy that is being placed in your care. If you can visit the breeder, you should. You should observe the interaction between the breeder and his/her animals. Do the animals seem happy, well-cared for, and clean?
]A good breeder will present you with health records, a pedigree and, in most cases, a contract. Most of these contracts will at a minimum stipulate that: a)the animal is in good health, b)the animal shall be kept up-to-date on vaccinations (and other health concerns cared for; i.e. heartworm, intestinal parasites, flea control, etc.), c)all local leash laws be obeyed, d)the animal shall be returned to the breeder, if for any reason, you are unable to keep the dog, e)the animal shall be replaced in the case of hereditary health issues that are debilitating to the animal, and f)the animal shall be spayed or neutered (unless there is a special agreement; i.e. potential show prospect). Many breeders will sell puppies only on a limited registration with the AKC, unless there is a special agreement. Your breeder should make himself/herself available to answer questions and try to help solve problems (should they arise) in the future. As noted in the 1998 ATCA Roster and Information Booklet, good breeders accept responsibility for dogs they produce and take them back if they need help, reevaluating and placing them in suitable new homes. Irresponsible breeders fail to live up to these expectations.
Limited Registration
With AKC, means that the dog is registered but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration. Limited registration means that the dog may not be entered in breed competition at AKC licensed events, but may compete in other licensed events such as Herding Trials and Obedience Tests.
Are Airedales good with children?
As is the case with all dogs, both the children and the dog must be taught to respect each other. Children must be taught that taking toys or bothering the dog while he/she is eating are not good habits. Also, the dog should be taught that jumping on people or "mouthing" are not acceptable traits. Every household will have a different set of rules (which should be carefully considered before getting any dog) which must be clearly and consistently conveyed to everyone (adults, children, and the dog). With proper training and patience, Airedales are wonderful with older children. I, personally, would never leave a young child and any dog together unattended.
It is very advisable to seek the advice of an expert in training when introducing your dog to children. It is very important for the dog to maintain the position of "dog" within the hierarchy without discounting the importance and needs of the dog.
Is a fenced yard "required" for owning an Airedale?
Although a fenced yard is not a requirement for owning an Airedale, it is a very big plus! Before bringing a dog in to your household, you should consider what you will do on days that you are sick, running late, or for some other reason unable to walk the dog. Many areas have some type of leash law and, for the health of the dog, you should never allow the dog to run freely, without some type of boundary. Remember that Airedales were bred to hunt and terriers, in general, will chase "furry creatures" with reckless abandon for fun.
Is it true that Airedales are good for people with allergies?
While it is true that many people that are allergic to some other breeds seem to have fewer problems living with Airedales, the fact that you have allergies is not a sufficient reason to get an Airedale. You are adding a member to your household and should consider the temperament, size, your schedule and many other things when selecting a pet. There are other breeds, (for example; Poodles) which are also "less allergic", which may suit you and yours better.
Are older Airedales adaptable into new environments? When is a rescue or older dog a good choice for me?
Airedales are very adaptable into new environments. Like most animals, they respond very well to loving and structured situations. Older dogs are sometimes more desirable for a specific situation than puppies. One example is a family or person that simply doesn't want to deal with housebreaking a puppy. Maybe you are a little older and want the companionship of a dog but not the energy of a puppy. What if you are a jogger and want a companion? (It is not advisable for a young puppy to jog!) There are lots of situations where an older animal may be a better fit into your home.
Older animals may include rescues (for whatever reason) or older animals that a breeder may desire to place into a good home. Always get as much background on an animal as possible. Medical information should be provided. If you think that an older animal is better for you, then you must also consider the "retraining" that may be needed. Training could vary to include housebreaking or teaching the animal that even though it was OK to sleep on the couch at the old house, the rules here are, on the dog bed in front of the fireplace.
Cindy Tittle Moore's "Your New Dog" has helpful hints and considerations if you think and older puppy or dog might be right for new.
Should I "crate-train" my Airedale?
In my opinion, crate training is a definite plus. It should not be used as a substitute for training your Airedale to have manners and live within the rules of the household but rather as a safe, comfortable "den" for your pet to rest in. It is also a safer way for your dog to travel. Teaching your dog that his/her crate is his/her space can be invaluable when company arrives, when he is being housebroken, and if your pet ever has to be confined for medical reasons. I have experienced having a dog which went in for major surgery and had to be sent home early, because she was "freaking-out" at being confined. I decided then that I will never own another animal that is not crate trained. For more information and opinions on "crate-training", please also read Cindy Tittle Moore's "Crating Your Dog".
Thanks to the following people who directly contributed their time and efforts toward this FAQ.
Kathy, Lori and the kids
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Copyright 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 by Kathy Dowd. All rights reserved. You may download and print a copy of this file for your personal use. Further distribution must be with the explicit permission of the author. NOTE: Airedale Terrier Rescue organizations may freely distribute copies of this document.
Kathy Dowd and Lori Valentine (MoonDance) are members of the Airedale Terrier Club of America, and work together to breed, train, and show (conformation and obedience) Airedale Terriers.
Special thanks to those people sending helpful corrections/additional information:
Please visit the K9web for lots of useful dog related information.
