Wayosi

There’s much discussion in the Airedale Terrier community – and other breed communities, for that matter – about white markings on the chest, toes, or tail tip – often seen as imperfections. But before we rush to exclude these dogs from our gene pool, let’s take a closer look at what these markings represent and why excluding such dogs might be doing more harm than good.

Colour Genetics of Airedales

Airedale Terriers coat colour is primarily controlled by the agouti (A locus) gene, which controls the distribution of dark (black) and light (tan) pigmentation. The A locus is located on chromosome 24 in dogs, very close to the RALY gene, which has been identified to affect the saddle tan pattern.

In many breeds, the S locus controls white spotting and involves genes like MITF and KIT that regulate pigment distribution. However, in Airedales, the S locus is not associated with the small residual white patches occasionally seen on the toes, chest, or tail tip. Instead, residual white is believed to occur due to the incomplete migration of pigment cells in the early stages of development rather than to the genetic mechanisms responsible for more extensive white spotting seen in other breeds.

What is Residual White?

During early development, all mammals, including dogs, start as genetically “white.” Pigmentation occurs as melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) migrate to various parts of the body. Occasionally, this migration is incomplete, resulting in small, unpigmented areas, typically on the chest, toes, or tail tip.

Residual white can occur for several reasons and sometimes linked to minor environmental factors during pregnancy, while other times it appears randomly. These markings are relatively common and can vary in size and location, depending on a dog’s genetic makeup, but they don’t indicate any health or functional issues.

Although some dogs may seem predisposed to these markings, there’s no known inheritance pattern for residual white, meaning we can’t predict whether a dog will pass it on to its offspring. So, should these markings really be a reason to exclude a dog from breeding? 

Think about it: Does a small white patch impact a dog’s health, temperament, or ability to perform? The answer is no. Residual white doesn’t affect these important qualities. So why do we place so much importance on something that most likely doesn’t matter in the long run?

The Russian Fox Experiment: Could White Markings Link to Temperament?

In the Russian Fox Experiment, researchers bred wild foxes for tameness. Over generations the foxes became more friendly, but they also developed physical changes including floppy ears, curly tails, and white patches on their fur. These traits appeared as a side effect of selecting for temperament.

This raises an interesting question: Could residual white in dogs be linked to temperament? There’s no clear evidence that white markings in Airedale Terriers influence behaviour, but the fox experiment shows that traits like white patches can emerge alongside behavioural changes during the domestication process. In dogs, residual white could simply be a natural by-product of domestication and genetic variation, as seen in many breeds today.

It’s worth noting that the old Ridgeback breeders often said that residual white should never be bred out, as they believed it was linked to temperament. Could there be some truth to this, and could it also apply to Airedales?

The Genetic Crisis in Airedale Terriers

Airedale Terriers are already facing a genetic bottleneck, with a Genetic Coefficient of Inbreeding (gCOI) on average of 38%, according to Embark – an alarmingly high number. This shrinking gene pool directly results from inbreeding, and excluding dogs for minor traits like white markings will only worsen the situation.

Are we willing to risk the future health of our breed for the sake of minor cosmetic features? By focusing too heavily on cosmetic traits, we risk losing genetic diversity, which increases the chances of hereditary health issues. In fact, we are already seeing signs of lost genetic diversity in the breed, and health problems are beginning to emerge.

And no, breeding dogs with small residual white patches won’t turn Airedales solid white. The risk of white spreading throughout the gene pool is minimal. These markings occur sporadically and are not heavily inherited, and the number of dogs bred with residual white will likely be too small to have any significant impact. If residual white is indeed polygenetic or influenced by incomplete penetrance, it’s even less likely that the trait will become widespread in the breed.

So, Should We Breed Dogs with Residual White?

The short answer is yes, as long as the dog is healthy, structurally sound, and has a good temperament. Breeding dogs with residual white can help preserve genetic diversity, which is critical for the long-term health of the breed. In fact, these white patches are likely a natural part of the breed’s genetic variation and should not be dismissed lightly.

That said, it’s understandable that some breeders want to adhere to breed standards, which may limit the amount or placement of white markings. The key is finding a balance between preserving the breed’s conformation and ensuring genetic health. Instead of focusing primarily on aesthetic traits, we should place greater emphasis on what truly matters, which I’m sure everyone agrees is maintaining the breed’s health, temperament, and functionality to ensure its vitality for generations to come.

Diversity for a Sustainable Future

White markings are a natural part of the genetic landscape in Airedale Terriers. In a breed where genetic diversity is already at risk, excluding dogs based on minor superficial traits like white patches is not only unnecessary, but it also poses a threat to the breed’s health. Do we want to be the generation that narrows the gene pool further by chasing superficial standards? Or the generation that ensures a healthier, more resilient breed for the future?

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Note: This text was initiated and written by the author, with AI tools used to enhance language and readability. The featured photo is AI created. 
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References:

• Karlsson (2007). Efficient mapping of mendelian traits in dogs through genome-wide association. https://www.nature.com/articles/ng.2007.10
• Scmutz et al. (2007). Genes affecting coat colour and pattern in domestic dogs: a review. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2052.2007.01664.x
• Trut et al. (2009). Animal evolution during domestication: the domesticated fox as a model. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bies.200800070 
  Dugatkin (2020). The Silver Fox Domestication Experiment. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12045-020-1014-y
• Coats and Colors. https://coatsandcolors.com/residual-white/

The Nordic Dog Mentality Assessment (DMA) tests are designed to evaluate a dog’s temperament and behaviour in various controlled situations. Called MH (Mental Behaviour Dog), BPH (Behaviour and Personality Assessment) or MT/FA (Mentality Test), the tests consist of a series of “moments,” or scenarios, that measure how a dog reacts to different stimuli, providing a comprehensive look into its personality.

Although MH, BPH and MT/FA are separate tests, they measure similar traits and behaviours. Some of the key moments in these tests include:

Playfulness: A dog’s willingness to engage in play, especially with a stranger, offers valuable insight into its openness and confidence. Playfulness reveals how relaxed the dog feels in unfamiliar situations and around new people. A playful dog is often more adaptable, social, and less stressed when exposed to novel environments. This is an important trait, particularly for family pets, as it indicates a dog’s ability to form bonds easily and enjoy social interactions, promoting a positive relationship between the dog and its owners or trainers.

When a dog shows eagerness to engage in pulling or interactive play, such as tug-of-war, it demonstrates not only its energy levels but also its drive and motivation. This willingness is especially important in working dogs or dogs used in sports, as it reflects their determination, focus, and cooperative nature. For service dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, or even highly active family pets, these traits are essential for maintaining motivation during tasks, training, or play. It shows their resilience and mental sharpness, making them suitable for roles that require persistence and physical engagement.

Social behaviour: How the dog reacts to strangers – friendly, indifferent, or cautious. This moment shows a dog’s sociability and level of comfort with unfamiliar humans.

Reaction to sudden stimuli: In this test, the dog is exposed to unexpected events like sudden noises or objects appearing. The way a dog reacts helps assess its sensitivity to environmental changes and ability to handle stress. A dog that quickly recovers after being startled shows resilience and adaptability, key traits for both everyday life and working roles.

In contrast, a dog that reacts with anxiety or avoidance may be more sensitive to stress, possibly needing extra training or careful handling. As a breeder, I will exclude dogs like this from breeding. The ability to stay calm and recover quickly is crucial for dogs in high-pressure roles, but maybe more importantly, as family pets and companions.

Courage and fearfulness: A dog’s courage is evaluated by presenting situations that challenge its confidence. These might include encountering a stranger dressed in unusual clothing or facing unfamiliar objects, such as large, oddly shaped items that appear suddently. The way a dog responds in these scenarios helps assess its bravery and willingness to approach or investigate something potentially threatening. A courageous dog may cautiously but confidently approach the stimulus, indicating that it can handle fear-inducing situations and recover quickly from stress.

Conversely, a more fearful dog might avoid the object or person, showing signs of hesitation or retreat. While some level of fear is natural, especially in situations that seem strange or intimidating, the degree of fearfulness displayed can give valuable insight into the dog’s emotional resilience. For working or service dogs, courage is crucial, as they may face high-pressure situations where confidence and quick decision-making are needed.

Curiosity: The dog’s curiosity is another important trait measured in these tests. When presented with new or unusual objects, sounds, or situations, the dog’s interest in exploring or investigating them reflects its openness and adventurous personality. A curious dog will approach and examine the new stimulus, demonstrating an eagerness to learn about its environment. This trait is linked to problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a positive attitude toward new experiences – qualities that are highly valued in both family pets and working dog

For most dogs, a balance between caution and curiosity is desirable, showing the dog can assess risk without being overwhelmed by fear. For many working dogs, one would like more curiosity than cautiousness, and breeders of working dogs would often choose these dogs as their pick of litter for working and breeding.

Personality Traits and Heritability

Swedish ethologist Kenth Svartberg and colleagues have studied the results from these tests for over two decades and found that several key traits, such as playfulness, sociability, curiosity, and courage, are highly heritable. The research has shown that these traits can and will be passed down from generation to generation, making them crucial factors for breeders who want to maintain or improve their breed’s mental health and personality.

Svartberg’s work has significantly impacted dog breeding practices in the Nordic countries. Breeders can now use these tools to select dogs with desirable personality traits, such as calmness, confidence, and sociability while avoiding breeding dogs with excessive fearfulness or aggression. This research has led to more informed and responsible breeding decisions, resulting in dogs that are mentally stable and well-suited to their roles – whether they are working dogs, show dogs, or family companions.

Svartberg’s findings have also expanded the scientific understanding of animal behaviour genetics, illustrating inheritance’s important role in shaping a dog’s temperament. This means that a dog’s mentality is not just influenced by its environment but also by the traits passed down from its parents, making these tests a powerful tool for improving a breed’s overall mental health.

A BPH Test Result Explained

Overall, this test aligns well with what we know of this dog and suggests that it possesses the qualities I as a parent, owner,  working dog handler and breeder consider important.

Here are some examples of Wayosies doing DMA, and more videos can be found on my YouTube Channel.

Airedale Nani – BPH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3VzzgVbtDo
Airedale Vips – BPH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sty72Ar514
Airedale Iagan – BPH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcpmfMp4ArM
Ridgeback Navi – BPH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4jVSIAYQUU
Ridgeback Buck – BPH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxi7d5ot2L4
Airedale Uno – MH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVJFSlTADyg
Ridgeback Buck – MT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv9rtELZmP4&t=8s 
Airedale Allie – MT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJzs3Vn2Y6s
Ridgeback Buck – FA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yf4SQQTDYo

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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:

• Svartberg & Forkman (2002). Personality traits in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159102001211
• Svartberg (2002). Shyness–boldness predicts performance in working dogs. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016815910200120X
• Svartberg (2005). A comparison of behaviour in test and in everyday life: Evidence of three consistent boldness-related personality traits in dogs. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159104002187
• Behavior and Personality Assessment in Dogs (BPH). https://www.skk.se/en/dog-health–breeding/bph–behavior-and-personality-assessment-in-dogs/
• Mental Behaviour Dog (MH). https://brukshundklubben.se/media/2zojm1xm/anvisningar_mentalbeskrivning_hund_engelska_2017.pdf 

Published on the Facebook group European Airedale breeders, September 26, 2024 (link) 

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:

• Svartberg & Forkman (2002). Personality traits in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159102001211
• Svartberg (2002). Shyness–boldness predicts performance in working dogs https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016815910200120X
• Svartberg (2005). A comparison of behaviour in test and in everyday life: Evidence of three consistent boldness-related personality traits in dogs. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159104002187

The story of the Norwegian Lundehund serves as a striking example of the outer consequences of inbreeding – an issue that many breeds, such as the Airedale Terrier, are dangerously close to. With a gCOI (Genomic Coefficient of Inbreeding) of, on average, 38%, Airedales are already one of the most inbred breeds in the dog world. While this figure is not as extreme as the Lundehund’s, it still raises serious concerns about the breed’s future health and genetic diversity. The Lundehund’s history remains a powerful reminder of the consequences that come with severely reduced genetic variation.

The Norwegian Lundehund, an ancient and unique breed, has a fascinating yet fragile history. Known for its extraordinary agility and physical adaptations, such as six toes on each paw, remarkable flexibility, and the ability to close its ears, it was traditionally used to hunt puffins along Norway’s rugged coast. However, by the early 20th century, as puffin hunting declined, so did the need for the Lundehund, and its population declined.

The breed faced its greatest crisis during World War II when a distemper outbreak wiped out the already small Lundehund population. By 1963, only six dogs remained, all closely related, leading to severe inbreeding. This genetic bottleneck resulted in an extreme lack of diversity, which is reflected in the breed’s current gCOI at 90%. This means that 90% of the genes within the Lundehund population are identical by descent, a figure far higher than many other breeds like the Airedale, whose 38% gCOI on average is still alarmingly high. For the Lundehund, this high inbreeding level has led to severe health issues, most notably Lundehund Syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the digestive system.

The Rescue Plan: The Incross Project

To address these challenges, the incross project was initiated in 2014. This project aimed to expand the gene pool by introducing new bloodlines from related breeds, such as the Norwegian Buhund, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Norrbottenspets, while preserving the Lundehund’s unique traits. The primary goal of the project was to reduce the high levels of inbreeding, which were directly responsible for many of the health issues plaguing the breed.

According to recent findings summarized in a 2022 study by Melis et al., the incross project has focused on carefully selecting individuals from the related breeds to maintain the Lundehund’s key characteristics while introducing much-needed genetic diversity. The project has adopted a long-term perspective, ensuring that crossbreeds are reintegrated into the Lundehund population over multiple generations. Importantly, the initial results of these crosses have shown promising signs: early generations of crossbred dogs have displayed improved health, particularly in areas like digestive function and overall robustness, compared to the highly inbred Lundehund line.

Results and Ongoing Work

The early results of the first crosses have demonstrated increased genetic diversity and reduced occurrence of Lundehund Syndrome in the offspring. Furthermore, these dogs have largely retained the distinctive traits of the Lundehund, such as their flexibility and extra toes, proving that the incross project can maintain the breed’s unique characteristics while improving its overall genetic health. The long-term goal is to gradually reintegrate these crossbred dogs back into the Lundehund population, eventually lowering the gCOI and improving the breed’s resilience.

The project also highlighted several critical points for breed rescue:

• Genomic mapping has been essential for tracking genetic diversity and ensuring that introduced genes positively influence health.
• Crossbreed management is crucial; not every cross can be considered successful for reintegration, so selective breeding has been used to ensure the health and traits of the Lundehund are preserved.
• Collaboration between breeders and geneticists is key to monitoring health outcomes and making data-driven decisions to guide future breeding programs.

A Cautionary Tale for Other Breeds

Although the Lundehund remains rare and its gCOI is still significantly high, the outcross project has shown promise in improving the overall health and longevity of the breed. Breeders continue to carefully manage this balance, ensuring the survival of this remarkable breed while maintaining its distinctive features. Today, the Norwegian Lundehund stands as a symbol of resilience, with its 90% gCOI a reminder of its unique and endangered genetic heritage. Its story serves as a cautionary tale for highly inbred breeds like the Airedale Terrier, underscoring the need for careful genetic management to avoid similar outcomes.

This rescue effort illustrates how planned crossbreeding and modern genetic tools can offer a pathway to healthier future generations, not only for the Lundehund but for many breeds threatened by inbreeding.

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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

• Melis et al. (2022). Genetic Rescue of the Highly Inbred Norwegian Lundehund. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/13/1/163

Published on the Facebook group European Airedale breeders, September 19, 2024 (link) 

Photo by Norsk Lundehund Klubb

Have you ever wondered if a dog’s appearance truly reflects its ability to perform the tasks it was originally bred for? The phrase “form follows function” is often thrown around in dog breeding circles, but how true is that today? In the world of modern breeds, we’ve seen a growing focus on looks over actual working abilities. Does a dog’s physical appearance really guarantee it can still perform the traditional roles it was meant for? Or are we seeing a decline in the true working capabilities of our breeds?

The Airedale Terrier was originally bred as a working dog, excelling at hunting otters and rats. Later, during World War I and II, Airedales demonstrated their bravery and versatility as messenger dogs, delivering vital communications across dangerous battlefields. They also served as Red Cross dogs, helping locate and rescue wounded soldiers. Their reputation as reliable, intelligent, and resilient working dogs was rooted in these roles.

Would today’s Airedales be capable of fulfilling these demanding roles? Are modern Airedales, many of whom are bred for the show ring still able to perform tasks that require the same level of endurance, intelligence, and versatility? While they retain the physical characteristics of the breed, do today’s breeding practices emphasise working ability and temperament as much as appearance?

This eye-opening piece by Terrierman aka Patrick Burns, who runs the blog Terrierman’s Daily Dose, dives into the divide between show dogs and working dogs, raising important questions about how breeding for the show ring may be harming the functional abilities of many breeds. By prioritising aesthetics over ability, are we creating “counterfeit” versions of once-reliable working breeds? Have Kennel Club standards deviated too far from what these dogs were originally meant to do?

Let’s discuss whether the obsession with appearance has led to the decline of working dogs as we know them, included the Airedale terrier. Share your thoughts in the comments!

Read the full article here.

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Note: This text was initiated and written by the author with reference in “Terrierman´s” article. AI tools was used to enhance language and readability. 
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Published on the Facebook group European Airedale breeders, September 19, 2024 (link) 

As someone born into this breed, I have loved and cherished Airedale Terriers for over 40 years. Over this time, particularly in the Nordic countries, I’ve observed a decline in the breed’s popularity and a worrying decrease in the population. People often tell me, “My grandfather used to have one,” or “We used to walk our neighbour’s Airedale when we were kids.” While I don’t seek mass popularity for the breed, the fading presence of new generations of owners and breeders presents a genuine concern. Increasing Airedale ownership and breeding would greatly benefit the breed’s future. How come, you might ask? Continue reading, and you will understand.

The Genetic Landscape of Airedales

This text aims to draw attention to the current state of the breed’s genetic health, including those from the working lines (German leistungszucht) that I have embraced for the past 20 years. Recent studies – including results from my own dogs, international data from Embark Breeder DNA tests and research by Dreger et al. (2016) and Bannasch et al. (2021) – reveal that the genetic inbreeding coefficient (gCOI) for the Airedale Terrier is alarmingly high, ranging between 30-40%, perhaps even higher. To put this in perspective, according to Bannasch et al., Airedales rank 11th in inbreeding among 227 breeds studied. This high level of inbreeding presents severe risks to the genetic health of our dogs

Why Is This Concerning?

Historically, our breed, like many others, has undergone intense inbreeding to focus on specific traits. The term “line breeding” may sound less harsh, but it is essentially the same practice as inbreeding, carrying similar genetic risks. This has reduced the breed’s genetic diversity, increasing the chances of inherited health problems. While Airedales are still relatively healthy in general, the high gCOI suggests we risk facing more significant health issues in the future – if not already today. Some inheritable diseases have emerged, including LAMP3 (Lethal Lung Disease), PLN (Protein-Losing Nephropathy), and Factor VII deficiency. If we continue on this path, it is not a matter of if we will see more health issues but when.

The Problem with Pedigree-Based COI

Understanding the limitations of pedigree-based COI (pCOI) measurements is crucial. For example, a 5-generation pedigree COI might show 0%, while the genetic COI could exceed 30-40%. This stark contrast exposes the weakness of pedigree-based measurements, which only account for known ancestors over a limited number of generations, often masking deeper inbreeding levels. In contrast, genetic COI provides a far more accurate and complete picture by analysing the dog’s DNA. To provide some context, breeding between full siblings results in a COI of around 25%, so a gCOI above 30% is highly concerning, as it is equivalent to repeated incestuous breeding over several generations.

One significant issue with pedigree COI is its ability to mislead. For instance, two highly inbred parents with a 25% pedigree COI could produce offspring with a 0% COI if their ancestors differ within the chosen generational window. However, this doesn’t eliminate the risks, as the recessive genes carried by the parents may still be passed down

Inbreeding’s Long-Term Consequences

Inbreeding’s impact is not always immediate but accumulates over generations, with the risk of eventually leading to inbreeding depression. This can cause reduced fertility, shorter lifespans, and an increase in genetic disorders. I believe that addressing this issue now is essential to protecting the future health of Airedale Terriers as a breed. Our breed has thrived for nearly two centuries, but with current levels of inbreeding, its future is in jeopardy, and the breed might not last for a century more, in the worst case, not even some decades.

The Road Ahead: Responsible Breeding and Genetic Management

The Embark Breeder DNA test measures genetic COI, a powerful tool for making informed breeding decisions. By selecting breeding combinations with lower gCOI and avoiding highly inbred individuals, we can preserve the overall genetic diversity still left in the Airedale breed and possibly reduce the risks associated with inbreeding.

We must also broaden our breeding strategies. Relying too heavily on popular lines or high-performing sires, whether for show or working purposes, can lead to a bottleneck effect. While these individuals are valued for their achievements, incorporating a wider variety of dogs with healthy genetic profiles is vital to the breed’s long-term health. Including AS MANY healthy and mentally sound dogs in breeding programs as possible will create a more robust gene pool.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recommends breeding from the top 50% of any litter to maintain a sustainable population. Unfortunately, we are far from this goal, and acting now is critical.

The Ethical and Legal Responsibilities

A recent Supreme Court ruling in Norway, which banned the breeding of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels due to excessive genetic health risks, serves as a stark warning. If we ignore the genetic health of our dogs, we risk crossing legal and ethical lines. Breeding animals that are likely to suffer from genetic diseases is unacceptable.

Looking to the future

The future of the Airedale Terrier depends on us acting now. Expanding our genetic diversity through responsible cross-breeding could – or more likely WILL – become necessary to ensure the breed’s survival. While controversial to some, introducing healthy genes from other breeds and breeding back to the Airedale standard over generations will help maintain the breed’s core traits while improving its genetic health. If we fail to act, the genetic diversity of Airedales will become too limited, making it increasingly difficult to sustain a healthy population.

Moving Forward Together

I understand that this text – especially the part about cross-breeding – may lead some to question my commitment to preservational breeding. However, my goal is to ensure that future generations can enjoy our breed as a healthy, well-rounded companion. I encourage all breeders to test their dogs with the Embark Breeders DNA test (https://shop.embarkvet.com/products/embark-for-breeders-dog-dna-test-kit). Gathering comprehensive data on the global genetic COI across all Airedale lines will be invaluable in guiding our breeding decisions and developing strategies to preserve the health and vitality of our breed.

Ensuring our breed’s long-term health and wellness means placing genetic diversity and sustainability above short-term gains. We need to make informed decisions that prioritise health over appearance or performance. The stakes are too high to gamble on genetic shortcuts. By embracing modern genetic science, we can secure the future of the Airedale Terrier.

I urge everyone passionate about the health and sustainability of dog breeds to join the Facebook group” Rhodesian Ridgeback Health and Long-term Sustainable Breeding”. The author of this text is an active member of this group, and we warmly welcome owners of other breeds to join. We have shared scientifically validated information that could guide breeding practices and have had several good discussions. This is the place to join for those willing to acknowledge that the world is evolving or those still unconvinced but want to learn more. https://www.facebook.com/groups/rhodesianridgebacksustainablebreeding/

In addition, I would recommend joining the group “Inmönstring och inkorsning för bevarandet av raser/rastyper (Outcrossing and crossbreeding for the preservation of breeds/breed types)” aimed at breeders and breed clubs dedicated to increasing genetic diversity through methods like opening studbooks, cross-breeding projects, and other strategies to preserve their breed or breed type. There are many engaging posts and discussions, and I’m confident that anyone who joins will discover something new and valuable through participating and learning. https://www.facebook.com/groups/221130406747936/

Please share your thoughts and join the conversation. Feel free to share this post in order to reach more individuals. Together, we can ensure that our beloved breed thrives for generations to come.

Lastly, loss of genetic diversity affects a number of other working/hunting breeds, including, but not limited to, German Shepherds, White Swiss Shepherd Dogs, Boxers, Dobermans, Labradors, Rottweilers, Kelpies, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and so on. I urge breeders of any purebred dog to read up on the genetic situation within their breed and learn about population-based genetics and responsible breeding practices.

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Note: This text was initiated and written by the author, with AI tools used to enhance language and readability. The featured photo is AI created. 
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References

• Dreger et al. (2016). “Whole-genome sequence, SNP chips and pedigree structure: building demographic profiles in domestic dog breeds to optimise genetic-trait mapping”.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5200897/
• Bannasch et al. (2021). “The effect of inbreeding, body size and morphology on health in dog breeds”. https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40575-021-00111-4

Published on my Facebook profile, September 11, 2024 (link)
Published on the Facebook group European Airedale breeders, September 11, 2024 (link)