Friday, September 26, 2014

Breed Focus: Airedale Terrier

The Airedale terrier is a very loveable and fun dog! This breed however may not be the fit for every family. Extremely intelligent and energetic, they need both mental and physical stimulation…and a lot of it! As the largest of the terrier group they are known as ‘King of the Terriers.’ Their playful personalities definitely live up to that nick name!
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As a member of the terrier group they do require grooming regularly, so be sure to account for this in your budget. Typically the bigger the dog the higher the price tag on the grooming. Another common characteristic of terriers is stubbornness. Again their size can make them seem even more stubborn! It is strongly recommended to start obedience classes as soon as your puppy is vaccinated (and typically starting them at home prior to this is a good idea!) This breed is also known as active diggers, so it is advised to not leave them unattended in your yard!
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Overall Airedale terriers are typically very healthy. As with many large breed dogs they are more prone to hip dysplasia. This is a genetic disorder of the hip joint that can cause discomfort. Ensuring that the parents have sound hips certified by the Orthopedic Foundation of America can decrease the risk of this condition in their offspring. Another condition to be aware of is dilated cardiomyopty. In this disease the muscles of the heart are not able to contract normally and therefore function of the heart is compromised.  There is no definitive test that will tell which dogs will contract this condition. Regular physical exams and x-rays can help assess the heart and hopefully catch this disease in the early stages. For more information on dilated cardiomyopathy you can visit this website.
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Airedale terriers are generally very sturdy and happy dogs! They will fit in well with families that have an active life style and can set boundaries for their behavior. If you thinks they will make a good choice for your family you can find more information about the breed here and here

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