The evening Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1918-1920, 1919-01-07
THE AIRDALE
Game Terrier, with Almost Unrivalcd
Fighting Powers. Valuable
/ Watch Dog

The Airdale is peculiar dog, and
his origin is not easy to trace. Ia
all probability he is the result of
crosses between the old rough Scotch
terrier, the bull-terrier and the otter
hound. Certain characteristics of
the latter breed are very prominent
in the Airedale of today. About 40
years ago the golfers of the Valley
of the Aire enjoyed almost a
monopoly -of these dogs, which were
highly. priced for their fighting
qualities, general ruggedness, keen
intelligence and loyalty to their
owners. The golfers we're a; rough,
hardy set, ready for anything, and
their favoritc dogs were bright
disciples OF the school of hard
knocks.
Those accustomed to associate the
name terrier with small dog are apt
to be somewhat puzzled by
the appearance of this latest addition
to the recognized breeds. He, as q
rule, is what may be termed a "big
little dog" choice specimens some
times weighing as much. as 60 pounds
which, means dog as large as a
heavy pointer.
The appearance of the Aircdale at
fonce reminds one of the Irish and
Welsh terriers; in fact, the dog at
first glance looks like a very large
and somewhat coarse Irish terrier. A
closer examination, however, will
prove that he has no useless lumber,
that he is all dog, and a very smart
type of dog. at that. To the, otter
hound he owes much of his bone,
strength, and his peculiar head, The
mark of the hound, too, is apt to
show in the ear and the narrOwness
Of the skull. Careful breeding has
iabout eliminated these undesirable
features, and the Vshaped ear, larger,
j but of the same general type as that
of the fox terrier, has become o fix
ed characteristic
The size and all the valuable quail
tiles of the Airedalei1make him one Of
the best of dogs for the country, as
they unfit him for life in Ii city. Be
/ ing very powerful he requires plenty
of exercise. He should have his
freedom, for a couple Of jaunts daily
upon a chain are by no means suffi-
cient for HIM or for any other ac.
tive. dog. AS companion during
tramps about the country, on. with the
run of large suburban place, or up
on a. farm, this dog is one of the
most desirable OF all the canine race
/ lie is game to the last gasp, o:
! becomes one3 of his blended blood
From the Scotch and bull terriers h,
fde1ives bis keenness for yerllin ant
lsssest fighting powers
while from the otter-hound he deriv
red marked hunting instinct and read
Ilness5 70 work eheerfully in water, M
T matter how, cold it may be- In hi
knowing-looking head is rare gooc
| se6 of brains, and his nose is excel
lent. No deg is fonder of a rougI
froilc, and none is keener to tackl,
any wild creature, from rat to ia
coon. But strong and ready as he is
ne is blessed with sweet dispositiol
NSNASA 80 sfe+ittCi-4thES IdltHIu1HGSS. III
viii fight till he dies, for hesdoess no
understand what fear is, yet he lis ii,
bully. A generous friend and a fai
: foe, he asks no odds of any dog, an,
as he is a glutton to take punishment
land an artist in administering ii, b
usually can give an excellent accom-
OF himself if attacked by mucl
larger dog
About an American country lioln
he IS sure to prove useful and in ev
cry way reliable. He is one of tn
, best watch-dogs, and he is lare
enough to command the respect Q
unsavory intruders. AS verlni,
. destroyer he has no superior, sue
large quarry as woodchucks an,
coons falling comparatively easy vic
inns to his dashing method of attack