The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-04-09
AIREDALE TERRIER

With the possible exception of the wire-haired Fox Terrier, the Airedale is the nearest approach to the real sporting terrier we have. In him the rule that good mixtures produce good results is certainly borne out for this mngling of Hound and Terrier has produced a com bination of nose and spirit that has yet to be equalled in any of the terrier fam fly. To the initiated the first sight of an Airedale and especially an untrmmed one, may not be very promising, yet it only takes a little cvmpanionship and the knowledge that is sure to come with it, to make a new Airedale owner a lover of the breed. There is no doubt but that when untrimmed, and therefore unkempt, he is rather rough looking. Trim him up, however-for any Airedale coat should be stripped at least twice a year-and he Will present clean outline. Among many people the poor old Bulldog has a terrible reputation, owing almost entirely to his homely face and distorted legs and body, yet it is fact that he is really one of the best natured of dogs. Where
 the lines of a Bulldog are uneven those of the Airdale are trim as terriers should be.
 The popularity of the Airdale in this country really dates from 1898, as it was in that year that the Westminster Kennel club first opened classes for them. In that year also the stud book showed 12 regis trations, while 10 years later, in 1908 it showed 596 registered, and today I have not the figures but it runs into the thou sands.
 The facts that the Airedale is easy to raise, is generally obedient, is an excel lent companion for children, that he gives good sport in the woods, field and streams and is a wonderful watch dog, have gone far to establish his reputation as the best all-round dog. Granted that he is best in the country, he also does well in town. He is not as nervously constituted as the Fox Terrier. which, perhaps will account for his generally indifferent at t1utde toward other dogs he may meet on the street, yet if bothered or pestered by others, he will resent it, usually to their discomfort. This habit of minding his own business is peculiarly an Aire- dale trait, and is most attractive one
 He is usually close-mouthed, seldom bark ing without good reason.
 As show dog the Airedale has easily taken his place among the leading ter riers. The breed as a show dog has been largely in the hands of an enthusias- tic crowd of gentlemen in the north. Much credit is due those gentlemen who have rom time to time, imported some of the best Airedales produced abroad, and have thus given the small breeders here the opportunity of using good stud dogs For the past two years with one exception not many importations have been made most exhibitors prefering to breed their own winners if possible. a& If looks and quality count for anythlax, the Airedale has come to stay, for LSX{ {&| particularly attractive to those who vs1Xf what is commonly known as "one-1 1<1 dog" By this is meant the dog x< while adopting an attitude of general G31z eration toward people in general, look < but one person as his real master Ta are few more endearing traits than t1k Combine it with good looks, even ITS 7 position and general usefulness and ts have not paragon. but a good dog- fa Airedale. E