The Airedale, King of the Terriers Quiz

Answer: saddle

The normal coat coloring for an Airedale terrier, according to the breed standard, is black and tan. However, there are variations such as all-black (I have three). Dogs to be shown must be the normal coat color and meet all the requirements of the breed standard.

Answer: otterhound

It is an arguing point amongst breeders as to exactly what breeds were crossed to arrive at what we now know as the Airedale terrier. However, most agree that the otterhound did indeed figure into the mix.

Answer: larger

This variety was originated and developed by Walter Lingo of LaRue, Ohio. Lingo owned an NFL team he called the "Oorang Indians" because they were all Native American players. The franchise did not survive long, but the Oorang Airedale terriers, descendants of "King Oorang 11", a show-winning Airedale, did.

There has been some arguement among those owned by Airedales as to the reality of the Oorang strain, but some breeders are still claiming this distinction.

Answer: England

Mine workers in the Valley of Aire in England wanted an all-around dog that would each be better than their co-workers dog. Airedale terriers were thus developed to be better hunters, swimmers, retrievers and companions.

Answer: dense and wiry outer coat with a softer undercoat

The soft undercoat and the dense, wiry outercoat are meant to protect the dog from the elements. Terriers are bred to "go to ground", and Airedales do love to dig. However, they are used around water as well and need the protection their dual coat provides.

Answer: No

Yellow eyes are considered to be one of many possible faults in an Airedale terrier in the show ring. Some others include: poor movement, undersize, oversize, white feet and hound ears.

Answer: John Wayne

Other celebrities owned by Airedale terriers include: U.S. Presidents Coolidge, Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt and author John Steinbeck.

Answer: police

Terriers in general can be hard to train for police-type work because of a lack of attention span and inability to "stay on task". However, Airedale terriers have been known to be very useful in this application.

Answer: Smithsonian

"Laddie Boy" even had his own special chair to sit in while overseeing cabinet meetings and was the host of a doggie birthday party in his honor.

Answer: Airedale Symphony Orchestra

The Airedale Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1898. It focuses mainly on classical music and plays to capacity audiences. Early in its history, the symphony was known as the Keighly and District Orchestral Society. The name change came about in 1983.

Well, gotta go now, time to feed Cassandra, Henry, Tressie, Ribbon and Handsome. I hope you have enjoyed this look at the "king of the terriers". In my humble opinion, this breed truly is #1.

Yes, Cassandra, I told them you are perfect. No, Henry, get down! Tressie, Tressie...(fade out)