PRODUCT OF YORKSHIRE

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3783, 17 July 1936, Page 11

PRODUCT OF YORKSHIRE

ALL-ROUND UTILITY AIREDALES. From a general potpourri of terriers and sporting dogs in and around the dales of the river Aire more than 70 years ago the Airedale terrier was produced'. Yorkshiremen at that perriod wanted an all-round dog, useful for hunting and unearthing otters, retrieving waterfowl, or scenting upland game. Although classified by the Kennel Club, England, as a terrier because of his points, looks, and character, no other terrier approaches this variety in general utility. Weighing 401 b. to 451 b., he is a companionable and easily trained dog, embodying a naturally quiet and reserved temperament, with one that is up and doing when called on. He can hunt, retrieve fur or feather, also drove and shepherd, and has been proved in England and on the Continent of Europe to be one of the most adaptable guard, police, and army adjuncts. The breed is popular in India and America, but has gone off somewhat in Australia. Many very excellent dogs were imported, but just as many “done” dogs have been dumped here, which has rather, discouraged adherents. Airedales should have a clean-cut terrier appearance, handsome in the placement of their richly contrasted black grizzle and tan colouring, coupled with dignity of bearing and self-contained activity. The physical make up must be uniformly put together to permit of speed. He requires straight legs, with plenty of bone, shoulders long and sloping, flat blades, deep chest, well-sprung ribs, small round feet, and good sound pads. The head should be long, with flat skull, stop hardly visible; deep, powerful jaws; strong, level teeth; tight lips; small dark eyes; V-shaped ears, with side carriage; moderate length neck, free from throatiness; short, strong, and straight back; muscular hindquarters; hocks well let down. The tail is docked, set on high but not curled over back. The coat should be hard, wiry, and weather resisting, but, unfortunately, fluffy jackets will persist in developing, stripping and trimming being necessary to put the dog in competitive show shape, an art open to abuse.