As the world changes, so do the roles we expect our dogs to fulfil. However, it’s crucial not to breed out the instincts that define versatile breeds like the Airedale Terrier. High-impact studies by Swedish ethologist Kenth Svartberg show that traits such as boldness, curiosity, and playfulness are highly heritable. These traits help dogs excel in traditional working roles and also make them outstanding family companions. Whether in hunting, obedience, working trials, agility, or IGP (formerly IPO) – where obedience, endurance, and mental focus are showcased – these qualities remain essential.

Historically bred for hunting, Airedales are known for their intelligence, drive, and stamina, making them exceptional working dogs in fields like Search and Rescue (SAR), detection work, and different types of protection work. Even though we may rely less on them for hunting today, their natural instincts still serve essential purposes. Traits like confidence, problem-solving, and focus make Airedales highly adaptable in working and family environments.

The Importance of Heritable Traits in Airedales

Kenth Svartberg’s research highlights that key traits like boldness, curiosity, and sociability are highly heritable and should be preserved through careful breeding practices. These traits are not only vital for working dogs but also make Airedales well-suited for family settings.

For example, boldness – necessary for navigating new and challenging environments – ensures that Airedales are not easily frightened by loud noises or sudden changes, making them calm and dependable at home. Sociability, another highly heritable trait, helps Airedales bond naturally with humans, allowing them to thrive in family environments, especially with children. These qualities, essential in working dogs, contribute to a mentally stable and affectionate family companion.

Breeding out their hunting instincts to make Airedales purely companion dogs risks losing the very traits that make them versatile and mentally stable. Instead of eliminating these qualities, we should preserve and adapt them to modern needs – whether in sports like IGP or as balanced family dogs. Their hunting background contributes to their boldness and adaptability, qualities that remain invaluable today.

The Role of IGP in Showcasing Working Traits

IGP (formerly IPO) is a well-rounded sport that tests obedience, endurance, tracking, and protection skills, showcasing the qualities that make working dogs like the Airedale so versatile. Contrary to the misconception that IGP is only about protection work, it challenges a dog’s ability to focus, follow commands, and handle stressful environments – traits inherited from generations of selective breeding. These qualities not only help dogs perform in demanding roles but also ensure they remain calm and focused at home, making them adaptable and well-suited to family life. Although some may misuse the sport, most trainers and handlers approach IGP with the right mindset, pursuing it as it should be.

In some countries, like the Nordic countries, IGP is not as popular as in Germany, where it has a larger following. Instead, dogs in the Nordics more often participate in agility, obedience, rally obedience, Nosework and the Nordic Working Dog Programme, emphasising precision, partnership with the handler, and various working tasks tailored to Nordic environments.

The Balance of Working Traits and Family Life

The adaptability of the Airedale is what makes them valuable as both working dogs and family companions. Traits like boldness and sociability, which Svartberg’s research shows to be heritable, contribute to a dog’s overall mental stability, allowing Airedales to thrive in high-energy roles while smoothly transitioning into calm and affectionate companions at home. A mentally stable dog is not easily disturbed by loud noises like gunshots or thunderstorms – qualities that make Airedales reliable and steady family pets.

In the photos below, you’ll see an Airedale female born in 2020. She is bold, curious, and playful – traits that make her an exceptional family dog. Her love for children runs deep, and she is endlessly patient. Fearless in the face of gunshots, thunder, or other sharp noises, she will protect her family when necessary but will sit on a stranger’s lap if no threat is present. Her strong hunting instincts remain intact – she’ll chase down a rat, hare, or even bay an elk if given the opportunity. Whether in Obedience, Barn Hunt, Nosework, IGP, Nordic Working Trials, SAR, or Agility, she’ll work tirelessly. She may not excel as a top-winning show dog – but why should that ever be a priority?

In the top right photo is a male Airedale born in 1979, with the fitting pedigree name Doctor Lavin, from the Kresent, Riverina, and Tintara lines imported to Norway in the 1970s. He was a loyal guardian until he passed at age 13. Bold, full of stamina, and drive, he worked as a SAR dog with my father and participated in numerous SAR missions, some of which resulted in locating both missing children and adults. He also kept the backyard of my father’s workplace at the Ambulance station in Oslo free of rats and stray cats and once took down a full-grown badger. He pulled my sledge as a child and accompanied us for miles on bike rides or horseback. He was a true versatile Airedale, never showing fear or timidity, no matter how stressful the situation.

A lot has changed over the past 40 years, but Airedales were always meant to be bold, versatile, and fearless. Unfortunately, many Airedales today no longer possess these traits. While the world has advanced with urbanisation and societal changes, our core expectations for dogs have remained unchanged. We still look for dogs that demonstrate intelligence, drive, and courage, whether they are working in the field, living as family pets, or taking on demanding roles like SAR dogs.

At the same time, modern life has brought new challenges and expectations. Today’s dogs need to be well-adjusted and able to thrive in environments full of stimuli – whether in busy urban areas or unpredictable outdoor settings. In addition, many countries now have stricter laws regarding dog ownership, making it even more important to breed dogs with stable temperaments. This makes mental stability more crucial than ever. A dog must not only be bold and brave but also adaptable and composed, capable of handling both work and family life with ease.

Breeding for Function

Some breeding programs have emphasised producing dogs that conform to a “perfect outline” based on breed standards. While breeders often claim to “breed for function” or focus on dogs that are “fit for function,” the reality is that in many cases, the emphasis on appearance has come at the expense of the breed’s original working abilities. Essential traits like boldness, drive, and problem-solving ability – the capacity to independently think through and overcome challenges – are sometimes overshadowed by the pursuit of aesthetic qualities favoured in the show ring.

Preserving the Airedale Legacy

As the Airedale Terrier adapts to modern roles, we must preserve the versatility and working qualities that have defined the breed for generations. Breeding solely for appearance, as is sometimes seen in certain breeding programs, risks diluting essential traits like drive, boldness, and problem-solving ability. Instead, breeders should prioritise these inherited qualities to maintain the Airedale’s legacy as both a working dog and a family companion. This balance makes Airedales so remarkable, and preserving this balance for future generations is crucial.

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Note: This text was initiated and written by the author, with AI tools used to enhance language and readability
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References:

Published on the Facebook group European Airedale breeders, September 24, 2024 (link)
Published on my Facebook profile, September 24, 2024 (link)