Sometimes known as the water dog, because they were bred for hunting otters, the Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terrier breeds. They were bred in, and garnered the name from a valley in Yorkshire, England. The Airedale Terrier is also highly intelligent and can be a quick learner, but true to his terrier heritage, he is often stubborn and unforgiving of harsh treatment. The way to his kingly heart is firm, consistent training – rough handling and punishment will get you nowhere fast. The Airedale Terrier is a great dog, whether it’s used for hunting, show or just as a family pet. If you have children, you are probably concerned about what kind of pet the Airedale will make for your children and your entire family. The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terrier breeds. The Airedale’s coat is tan with black markings on the sides and upper parts of the body.

Yes, the Airedale Terrier is deemed an “alpha” breed but once trained he makes an exceptional addition to just about any home. In addition, this breed does quite well with children and smaller, submissive dogs. Like many terriers, the breed has a ‘broken’ coat. The coat is hard, dense and wiry, not so long as to appear ragged, and lies straight and close, covering body and legs. This breed has a curious nature, which means it loves to investigate. It is important that you provide your dog adequate outdoor time everyday, not just for doing his business but also for play and training. Club members are interested in breeding quality dogs for conformation and obedience show rings and for tracking and fieldwork. Talk to as many breeders as possible. Over time an “eye” for the breed will develop if you continue to question and compare the animal in front of you against the standard. The breed developed in the Aire River valley of Yorkshire, England around the middle of the 1800′s. While there’s some disagreement over the exact mix of breeds involved, it’s generally agreed the pool included now-extinct English Black-and-Tan Terriers crossed with the Otterhound. Despite adversity, reputable breeders have slowly but steadily improved breed quality over the years. Today Airedale Terriers have all the intelligence and ability originally sought, but with a more stylish, majestic look.

However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds: Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally — produce a snowstorm of loose hair — some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed, or relax your standards. The Airedale’s tail is usually docked (surgically shortened) within five days of birth, but this is not a requirement of breed standard authorities. To show an Airedale in the United States, the tail is expected to be docked, while in the UK it is illegal to dock dogs’ tails unless it’s for the dog’s benefit (e.g., the tail is broken, if clipped). The breed has a thick coat of wiry, bristled hair that is lined with a soft, fluffy undercoat. Predominately tan in color, an Airedale Terrier’s coat also has black markings and, in some cases, bits of red.

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Even as small dogs, the Affenpinscher is observed to have a terrier-like personality. But in contrast with terriers, the Affenpinscher is more sociable, able to get along well with other dogs. Happily, the Affenpinscher is a relatively sturdy little breed with fewer serious genetic disorders than many other breeds. While most toy breeds were developed specifically as companions, the Affenpinscher shares with the Yorkshire Terrier a unique distinction among toy breeds; both were developed to perform a working function for their owners. Sharing qualities with the terrier breeds, the Affenpinscher is a family dog that can be playful, stubborn, mischievous and inquisitive. He can be just as happy playing with you in the living room as he is on a warm weather camping trip.

The Affenpinscher is generally quiet but can become excited when threatened and is fearless toward any aggressor. Affenpinscher is quiet and very devoted to his owner. Although small, Affenpinscher is a very sturdy dog. In France the Affenpinscher is known as the ‘diablotin moustachu’ meaning the -mustached little devil- or the ” Monkey Dog” because it produces a monkey-like expression! Affenpinscher is derived from ‘affen’ meaning monkey and ‘pinscher’ meaning terrier. The total overall appearance of the Affenpinscher is more important than any individual characteristic. He is described as having a neat but shaggy appearance. The affenpinscher is generally quiet, but can become vehemently excited when threatened or attacked, and is fearless toward any aggressor. Affenpinschers are well-suited for a family that likes entertainment and can keep its sense of humor about the affenpinscher’s penchant for antics.

Sturdy, smart, and alert, the Affenpinscher is an excellent watchdog who fears nothing. He’s not normally loud, but he is excitable. Another great thing about grooming an Affenpinscher is that the shaggy, unkempt appearance is the look that you should be going for. Not that hard to do considering Affenpinschers naturally look scruffy and untidy. The Affenpinscher is known to be somewhat stubborn, moody, and independent at times, creating difficulty in training. This breed learns quickly but its stubbornness might make it difficult to train. Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. On the other hand, the Affenpinscher’s very terrier like attitude will make him a difficult partner for the trainer that feels they can strong arm or bully the dog into a stellar performance. Instead, the Aff is a natural entertainer and keeping the entire endeavor fun, happy and playful will make it successful in many ways. Some Affenpinschers can be difficult to housebreak, so crate training is recommended. Your Affenpinscher will be ready to come home with you by eight weeks of age, and will require a brief socialization period in your home.

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