Under New Ownership - Caring Fur Canines

The Airedale Terrier began to be imported into the US in the mid 1880’s and was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1988.  A further insurgence of the Airedale into North America in the early 20th century brought expanded hunting opportunities for the breed.  The Airedale’s outstanding performance, both as an efficient farm dog and as hunter of “big game” such as bear and wildcat, soon shaped the breed’s reputation.  However, early accounts of Airedales hunting also regularly included references to the breed’s abilities as a gun dog, used to flush and retrieve a variety of upland birds and water fowl.  In the May 1909 issue of Country Life in America, Airedales were described as “having a very strong hunting instinct, with few dogs better equipped for shooting over in the cover or in the open. The Airedale’s speed, endurance, and imperviousness to climactic conditions fit him for bird hunting. He loves the water and can stay in it by the hour on the coldest winter day, making an ideal dog for snipe or to retrieve ducks and geese”.  While traditional sporting breeds such as retrievers and spaniels shaped public perception of a “gun dog”, there have always been a number of fanciers who continued to use Airedales as bird dogs.

By the mid-1980’s some of these fanciers met through their participation in Airedale Terrier Club of America (ATCA) activities.  They determined that there was significant interest among fellow breeders in preserving and developing the Airedale’s hunting abilities.  So, in 1985, the ATCA Hunting/Working Committee (the HWC) was formed by the club’s board of directors.

One of the first acts of the HWC was to apply to the AKC for them to hold a three-in-one test for Airedales.  The request was denied.  Instead, the AKC encouraged the HWC to develop and hold its own club hunt tests.  So, in 1986, the HWC held its first national Hunting Working Weekend in Ohio.  The event was improved in 1989 when the HWC instituted AKC approved guidelines for their club tests.  It was improved again in 1993 when official ATCA Hunt Tests and Hunt Titles became a reality.  These ATCA tests showcased the Airedale’s ability to flush and retrieve as well as track and trail fur bearing game. Dogs who successfully completed tests at ATCA sanctioned events received Flushing, Retrieving, and Fur titles from the Airedale Terrier Club of America.

Training Day Fun

As Airedales have trained and competed side by side with Spaniels breeds, they have earned respect and acceptance within that community. The Spaniel community has been exceptionally welcoming and helpful to Airedale handlers. Their mentoring of the ATCA Hunting and Field Committee has been noteworthy and generous. To find AKC Spaniel Hunting Tests or Clubs near you, see the AKC website and search ‘Spaniel Hunting Tests’ or ‘Spaniel Clubs’ under the “Events Search” button.

Years of hard work and perseverance by many ATCA members paid off in July of 2009, when Airedales became eligible to earn AKC Hunting Test titles through their upland hunt tests for Spaniels program.  With this one decision by the AKC to include our breed, a whole new world opened for Airedales as they instantly became recognized by the entire hunting public as legitimate gun dogs!  Today there are many training and testing opportunities open to Airedales that were not available prior to 2009.