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Airedale Shepherd |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain <> Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
German Airdale Terrier |
A brief presentation of the Airedale Shepherd |
| The Airedale Shepherd is a cross between the Airedale Terrier and the German Shepherd. This large hybrid has a long, rough coat. Its shape is very similar to that of the German Shepherd, while its muzzle and ears resemble those of the Airedale Terrier. These hybrid dogs are known to be good with children as well as with other animals. Airedale Shepherds are vigilant, alert, curious and obedient, making them ideal guard, companion and protection dogs. They need to be trained from an early age, and have been found to be easy to train. Dogs of this mix can be seen in the colors black and tan. |
History of the Airedale Shepherd |
| As the Airedale Shepherd is a very modern breed, historical information is limited. |
A little of the Airedale Terrier |
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| The Airedale Terrier is a large dog that has always been kept in England as a versatile farm dog with guarding abilities. They are highly prized for their elegant appearance and outgoing, independent nature. The Airedale Terrier is reputed to be the tallest of all Terriers, reaching over 60 cm in height at maturity. It takes its name from its place of origin, the Aire Valley in Yorkshire, northern England. Most experts agree that they are a cross between the Black and Tan Terrier and the Otterhound. By the mid-1800s, the breed had become established and, a few decades later, was exported to America, where it was used for a variety of purposes, including livestock breeding and protection. Interestingly, the Airedale Terrier was one of the real stars of the First World War, and its popularity grew in the years that followed, as people told stories of their courage and usefulness. Today, most are kept as pets, and the number of breeds has declined in recent years. | ||
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| Standard of the Airedale Terrier | ||
A little of the German Shepherd dog |
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| The German Shepherd is one of the best-known and most easily recognized dog breeds in the world. Their popularity has been earned. Owners appreciate their reliable nature and fierce loyalty to their families. The German Shepherd is by no means an ancient dog, having only been around for around 150 years. Developed in Germany from a number of shepherd breeds, it was a man named Max von Stephanie who is credited with actively establishing the breed. His aim was to achieve a dog that was complete, loyal, easy to train and athletic. He succeeded in his efforts, and the resulting German Shepherds were widely used in both world wars. While German Shepherds are sometimes referred to as Alsatians, Kennel Clubs prefer to use the title German Shepherd. The health of the German Shepherd has received a great deal of attention in recent years, particularly hip conformation. In fact, the Best of Breed dog at Crufts in 2016 was a German Shepherd with very sloping hips, which drew much criticism from vets and associations, including the RSPCA, concerned about the breed's welfare. | ||
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| Standard of the German Shepherd dog |
Appearance of the Airedale Shepherd |
| The Airedale Shepherd is a hybrid of the Airedale Terrier and the German Shepherd; most of its shape resembles that of the German Shepherd, while its muzzle and ears are typically those of the Airedale Terrier. German Shepherds are large, athletic and muscular, longer than they are tall. The breed's front legs are straight and the thighs muscular. Dogs of this breed have compact feet with arched toes, thick pads and nails that are generally dark and short. The head is proportionate to the body, and the eyes are generally dark and almond-shaped. A muscular neck and strong back are characteristic of the breed. The German Shepherd has a double coat of different colors. The Airedale Terrier's face is long and strong, and the breed has a medium-length coat of tan and black or grizzle (a mixture of tan and black). Your Airedale Shepherd will take on the characteristics of its parents, moving towards an appearance in line with that of both parents who possess the dominant gene. |
Temperament of the Airedale Shepherd |
| The Airedale Shepherd is renowned for being good with children and other animals. Notably easy to train, this breed is known for being vigilant, alert, curious and obedient. Much of its temperament comes from the German Shepherd, known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Popular for its loyalty and courage, the German Shepherd loves his family and is wary of strangers, barking if necessary to let his family know that something is wrong. For its part, the Airedale Terrier is bold, adventurous and playful. Although the breed is intelligent, this dog can often be obstinate and stubborn. Like many other dogs, the Airedale Shepherd needs to be trained from an early age. Easy to train, some commands will be learned quickly (e.g., sit and stay). Behavioral training will be necessary to ensure that your hybrid doesn't pick up bad habits. It's important that you don't become impatient while training your dog, and that you maintain a firm but gentle demeanor. Often, during an obedience class, owners will have to repeat a command several times, and negative reinforcement is not recommended. Do your best not to let your frustration show in your voice. Your dog will sense your growing frustration and may associate training with your displeasure. |
Needs and activities of the Airedale Shepherd |
| The Airedale Shepherd, like the Airedale Terrier and German Shepherd, has a lot of energy and needs a lot of physical activity. This active, eager-to-please companion will do well in a garden where he can run around, but prefers to accompany you on walks, runs and bike rides. To give your Airedale Shepherd the activity it needs, you'll need to take it for at least two walks a day. |
Maintenance of the Airedale Shepherd |
| Maintenance is necessary for German Shepherds and Airedale Terriers, and will be necessary for your hybrid. The German Shepherd has a double coat that sheds small amounts at any one time; regular brushing, once or twice a week, is useful. The Airedale Terrier has a dense, hard coat that requires more brushing, trimming and shaping, possibly with the help of a groomer. German Shepherds should be bathed rarely and only if necessary (once or twice a year), so as not to lose the essential oils in your dog's skin. Mental and physical challenges are important for both Airedale Terriers and German Shepherds, and you'll want to offer these challenges to your Airedale Shepherd on a daily basis. German Shepherds tend to be inactive when indoors, which is why they are well suited as indoor dogs. Time spent outdoors is very important for both breeds, which makes a yard in which the dog can run and play very useful. If there's no yard, as long as there's plenty of outdoor activity, Airedale Shepherds will do fine. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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