For those of you unfamilar with this breed, it is an Airedale Terrier. They were bred in England to help keep the chalk trout streams clear of otters. They had the size of a hound, and the heart of a terrier. They were brought to this country and trained as bear dogs, as they had no fear(or brains!)This one is Clara, our third Airedale in a row. They are great guard dogs, friendly to the people you are friends with, don't shed alot, loyal and generally thought of as very willful dogs. This one is a big female, about 80lbs. , and a bit taller than show quality. She is also much darker than most of her breed, generally as adults their faces are tan
. We got her through Airedale Rescue, a non profit nationwide group dedicated to getting these abandoned or turned in dogs a good home. Alot of people get Airedales thinking they look cool, then find out what a load these screwballs can be! Our dog was in at least 5 homes before she was 2-1/2yrs old. All she needed was someone familiar with the breed(advertised as a pushy female Airedale). We had 2 before her and knew she just needed to know who was boss. It was love at first sight, and she went home with us-forever. At first we had a few issues(guarding food, aggressive towards other dogs, not a fan of our cats, etc.) It all got better once she figured out she was finally home for good. Now she's a big cookie, belly rubs, licks, and bitey mouth are all things she enjoys. She's 7 now, which is a good age for an Airedale. Unfortunately, they live shorter lives than the smaller dogs, usually around 12yrs is about it. Many breeds have rescue chapters, if you ever look for a dog, be sure to look with them first. Enjoy your week-ends, everyone!
. We got her through Airedale Rescue, a non profit nationwide group dedicated to getting these abandoned or turned in dogs a good home. Alot of people get Airedales thinking they look cool, then find out what a load these screwballs can be! Our dog was in at least 5 homes before she was 2-1/2yrs old. All she needed was someone familiar with the breed(advertised as a pushy female Airedale). We had 2 before her and knew she just needed to know who was boss. It was love at first sight, and she went home with us-forever. At first we had a few issues(guarding food, aggressive towards other dogs, not a fan of our cats, etc.) It all got better once she figured out she was finally home for good. Now she's a big cookie, belly rubs, licks, and bitey mouth are all things she enjoys. She's 7 now, which is a good age for an Airedale. Unfortunately, they live shorter lives than the smaller dogs, usually around 12yrs is about it. Many breeds have rescue chapters, if you ever look for a dog, be sure to look with them first. Enjoy your week-ends, everyone!
25 comments:
ahhhh she si sweet... clearly another child! lol
She's a cutie!! I would love to have a dog, but in my small apartment with no yard and crazy schedule I think it would be inhumane to do so.
I always admired the breed from a far. She is lucky to have found an experienced owner. I'm sure she has brought your family a lot of happiness and fun!
What a wonderful story!
I'm sooooo happy that you found each other! ;-)
True dog lovers!
Hi Clara! What a sweet face.
Rescued dogs are always the best dogs because they know how good they have it! All but one of my dogs have been rescues.
Have a wonderful weekend!
what a sweet baby!!! She is gorgeous!
Its funny how different breeds of dogs are so different.
I dont know what we would do without our doggies, although they are all mad at us tonight because it was nail trim night :)
Hi Uncle Buff,
I can totally relate to this story. My parents took home a "rejected" dog as well. He is a lab-beagle mix and he's four and though he still does rambunctious things and is incredibly HYPER, he has a very sweet disposition and LOVES to play. All he needed was someone to give him a chance.
Clara is so adorable!
--snow
Oh she's adorable!
She's adorable. Aren't you lucky to have such a sweet member of your family.
Craig and I only own rescue dogs. I can't imagine spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a puppy when there are so many desperate creatures in need of a good home full of love...and they are the best pets ever.
I love her sweet , expressive face and her little beard. She's a doll, and looks full of spunk!
Dogs add so much to our lives, don't they?
Awww! she is sooo sweet! :)
One thousand one hundred and eleven belly rubs for her!
aww, she has the cutest, happiest face! do you watch the dog whisperer?
I'm not a dog lover ... I may think some are cute (yours is one) ... but I don't have the patience.
PS You have an award m'dear, please call by to collect it. :)
I had an airdale once and goy did he like to dig..
Kate- Spoiled worse than a kid...
jen- She's a little big for an apartment!
har- a woman in our neighborhood has two males, and when she's walking them it looks like someone lost their chariot...
Nancy- We do love dogs- they are alot of company...
Finn- More people are becoming aware of these groups-although we've never talked anyone into adopting an Airedale!
mel- our groomer(2 Airedales) always waits for help on Claras nail clipping-I do the headlock, she does the clipping...
Snow-To us, a dog with no wiry coat looks a little naked...
ake- Thank-you!
MichelleAnn- You are 100% right!
Beth- The breed "looks" happy almost all the time. You can look at her and start chuckling some days..
Mona- And she'd love everyone of them!
Pink- Sometimes I think I am the dog whisperer!
Paul- I'm alot more patient than I used to be!
DogB- Our first Airedales nickname was "Ditchwitch"! They got the paws for it too!
What a great post. It's so great that you got Clara from a rescue--and that you pointed out that your family understood the breed. I love how she's smiling for the camera. She's got it made, that's for sure.
I feel that pit bulls are also misunderstood. Many people are afraid of them, because of all the bad PR they get, but all in all, they are good, smart dogs that just need someone who understands their traits and who can spend time with them. I was watching a pit bull for the rescue I volunteer for, and 1 toddler walked right up to it. Instinctively, I held the dog back, but had nothing to worry about. Wagging its tail, the dog just licked the kid's face and made him squeal with laughter.
UrbanV- Airedales were used as guard dogs by the British(like German Shepards) during WWI, for obvious reasons! They, like pit bulls(which are both Terriers) have been used in dog fighting over the years. Dogs are dogs. They have instincts. I am convinced people can make a dog, any dog- mean. I'm convinced dogs are smart enough to overcome any bloodthirsty intent. when in a good home. Humans are pretty mean when caged, underfed, and forced to fight, too....
I love airedale's, where I lived before our neighbour had one called Abbie,she would visit me everyday. Aren't our pets great??
O.M.G. she is absolutely sweeeeeeeettttt!!! If I didn't have to work fulltime I would SO get a dog myself. We've always had dogs at home and I luv 'm!
I had a rat terrier for ten years of my life. I loved that dog. He was VERY hyper, though. I know not all terriers are hyper. I think rat terrier has some chihuahua in him! That's just asking for energy.
I had a jack russell myself, he was like a best friend to me before he passed. It's amazing how one would miss a dog like one would a human being.
Queenie- They do like to mooch treats off anyone that's got them!
DutchBabe- Her size makes her hard to avoid in the house!
Steph- If it says terrier- it's hyper, at least for 3 yrs!
Jake- Welcome to the blog! Jack Russells are quite popular around here- or at least there are alot of breeders...
awww...i love her already. can i beat her?
TanyaK- Running joke with our Airedales(past and present) "Shape up or we will beat your wires flat!" We never have, and we never will...
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