All about Airedales; a book of general information valuable to dog lovers and owners, breeders and fanciers

Front matter

Class

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Chapter I. Page 9

ORIGIN AND GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIREDALE TERRIER — Early History. A Sporting Dog. When the Breed Was First Recognized. Traits of Character. Guardianship. Widespread Popularity. Their Use in Alaska. The work of Mr. Paul Rainey's Airedales in British East Africa. Acute Hearing. Airedales in America. Three Airedales and a Cougar.

Chapter II. Page 27

PHYSIQUE AND STANDARD TYPE OF THE AIREDALE TERRIER — Impressive Individuality. The Size Question. Weight Discussed Importance of Quality. Count Henry De Bylandt's Standard of Points.

Chapter III. Page 37

THE KENNEL; HOW TO ARRANGE IT — The Chain and Its Proper Use. Treatment for Poison. Safety in Care and Location of Kennel. The Sanitary Kennel, How Planned. Fencing Yards. No Bedding Needed. Cleanliness. How to Kennel Quarrelsome Dogs. Dog Collars, the Best Kind.

Chapter IV. Page 43

FEEDING — Diet. When to Feed. What to Feed. What to Avoid. A Suitable Kennel Food. No Cooking Needed. Quantity to Feed. Approximate Cost. How to Feed a Kennel of Dogs.

Chapter V. Page 51

BREEDING — History Shows Its Steady Progress. A Pleasant Recreation and

Unselfish Hobby. Perpetuating Averages. Type a Constant Study. The

Sire, How Cared For. The Dam. The Principle Governing the Best Matings.

When to Mate. Care at Whelping Time. Proper Diet for the Brood Matron.

Chapter VI. Page 61

PUPPIES; THIER CARE; HOW TO FEED AND RAISE THEM SUCCESSFULLY — Color and Coats. How to Handle and Care For. D'ocking Tails, When and How to Do It. Vermifuge, When Given. Weaning and Feeding Puppies. Diet for Puppies. Bone Growth and Proper Nournishment to Avoid Rickets. How to Crate for Shipment. Ears, Their Care During Growth.

Chapter VII. Page 77

HEALTHY AIKEDALFS— -How Kept. House and Yard Breaking. First Lessona. Punishment. How Administered. Fights, How Separated. Photographing Airedales, Some Helpful Suggestions.

Chapter VIII. Page 95

DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT— How to Give a Dog Medicine. Intestinal Parasites, How Removed. The Round and Tape Worm. Remedies. Rickets, Cause of and Cure. Mange, How Treated. Inflamed Eyes, What to Use. Cankered Ears; Sore Ears, How Healed. Wounds and Injuries. Salmon Poisoning. Fleas, How Rid Of. Distemper, How Successfully Treated. Dew Claws, How Removed. Table of Doses Commonly Used Medicines.

Chapter IX. Page 111

SHOWING AIREDALES — Valuer of Shows. First Appearance of the Breed at Shows. Registering, Conditioning and Trimming, What to Do. Helpful Suggestions About Showing and Handling. List of Champion Airedales.

Chapter X. Page 123

AIREDALES VS. HOUNDS — Relative Merits. The Hound's Limitations and Handicaps. Substitutes for the Airedale Tried. The Airedale as a Trailer, Discussed by Experienced Big-Game Hunters.

CHAPTER XI. PAGE 133 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR SPORT— Impoitance of Obedience. Dependable Retrievers. Vermin Killing and Big-Game Hunting. Cleverness and Courage. Pulling Porcupine Quills. How to Pack a Hunting Dog.

Chapter XII. Page 143 Airedales In Canada

AIREDALE ANECDOTES — Most interesting, and a classic poem. Advertising.

Index To Illustrations

Cover — Frontispiece — Barkerend Rival Page

The Author 2

Barkerend Rival 4

Lake-Dell Jerry 8

Otterhounds 10

A Trustworthy Guardian 12

Mr. Paul Rainey's Pack of Hunting- Dogs in British East Africa 14

Working Airedailes 16

Champion King Nobbler's Double IS

Peterson's Deader "Lake-Dell Whiskers" 26

Head Study — Bilmer Ruler 28

Champion Birchcliffe Oorang 31

Champion Polam Maxim 33

Champion Crofton Chum 36

Plan for Kennel 38

The Author and Some Kennel Favorites 41

The Type That Produces Winners 42

Champion Lake Dell Damsel 43

Retrieving Ducks with an Airedale 49

Champion Master Briar 50

Champion Red Raven's Head 51

Little Girl and 5-months-old Puppy 61

Betty Marvel and Her Charges 63

What Brick Did to a French Bull 67

Something Here 70

A Guard for Poultry 72

Playing with His Pal 74

A Puppy's Ears at Transition Stage 75

Sit Up — Lake Dell Rags Asking for Her Just Reward 78

The Airedale, a Sportsman's Dog 79

Airedale Retrieving Quail 81

Airedales Like Water (Lake Dell Rags playing) 83

Big-Game Hunting Camp in Montana 85

Airedales at Work on Big Game in Alaska 90

An Exciting Moment 93

Champion Illuminator 110

Head Study Ill

Champions of Both Continents 115

Upland Shooting with an Airedale 117

The Hunting Pack in Mountains of Montana 119

The Ideal Big-Game Hunting Pack 122

Coon Hunting with an Airedale on Puget Sound 126

Airedales Tree Barking — Mountain Lion Hunting in Montana 129

Staunch on Point 132

Airedales Working on Wild Ducks 135

Black Bear Treed by Airedales 139

A Water Dog 142

Mr. P. Bawden with Three Favorites 143

Birchcliffe Selected 145

A Family Party 146

Lady Marvel 150

Helping the Family on Wash Day 151

Will Know Better Next Time 155

Briar and His Playmates 158

&U about gtreoales;

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER

In writing and compiling this book of information pertaining particularly to Airedale Terriers, the writer has aimed to present to the dog-loving public a book that will be equallv valuable to the novice who is a fancier of other breeds as well. The book does not attempt to give an extended history of the breed as a whole or of noted individual Airedales, for this has been admirably done by others, notably Messrs. Holland Buckley, James Watson, N. William Haynes and F. M. Jowett, all most valuable in their respective works.

The author of this book during a period covering twenty years as an active dog fancier, has observed the apparent lack of helpful suggestions in many dog books, which he gives herein as the result of years of successful ownership, breeding and practical experience. The old adage, "experience is the best teacher," in the case of dogs is only too true and it is the hope of the writer that the amateur fancier will avoid many stumbling blocks in his or her own experience by profiting from some of the information here given, much of which while seemingly simple, will be found to be such as to help many to avoid mistakes which are always most disappointing if not costly. This work is intended partially to satisfy a long-felt want in giving the thousands of fanciers of this breed, who have never raised or owned a dog of any sort before, something to help tnem along in furthering the usefulness, education and personal pleasure in the ownership of the Airedale.

Its title is not to be considered too ambitious in the use of the word "ALL," for no book could possibly be compiled that would include "all" that could be written regarding Airedales. The title selected aptly indicates that the book's text is entirely devoted to the Airedale in depicting its diversified characteristics.

The author is in constant receipt of personal letters from Airedale fanciers in all parts of America and many foreign lands, with most complimentary comments on what the reading of this book has been for them, and he desires to herein express his appreciation of same and trusts the new editions, which are periodically made necessary because of the widespread popularity of the publication, will continue to assist others in an intelligent and successful ownership of both good and better Airedales.

No book is large enough to reproduce photographs of the thousands of good Airedales, past and present. Those selected show the Airedale in many of its interesting capabilities and also a few of the most representative Champion Airedales yet produced, such that the reader can by them see pictured what has been recognized as the best individual type.

In publishing this edition, the author is reminded that "All About Airedales" was the pioneer exclusively Airedale book published in America and unless the breed had proved itself dependable and fully up to what its friends claimed for it, the book would have been forgotten before the completion of this ten years of its distribution, but the Airedale today as a breed is stronger and more firmly established and growing into wider favor than ever before and the constantly increasing demand for "All About Airedales" from all over the world indicates its character as a book of enduring merit.

Mr. H. W. Essclstyii's Sporting Airedale Lake Dell Jack.

N. B. — The successful raising of Airedale puppies is so greatly assisted and made easy by having this book to refer to, many breeders place copies of the book with purchasers of stock. Special rates will be given any breeder who wishes to use the book for this purpose. Address: R. M. Palmer, 8447 Renton Avenue, Seattle, Washington, U. S. A.

Chapter I. Origin And General, Characteristics Of The Airedale Terrier

Origin.

When authorities differ, 'tis folly to be wise: It is enough to state that the Airedale originated in Yorkshire, England, some fifty years ago, and eventually the breed being so much associated with the district through which the Aire River runs, took the name of the Aire-dale Terrier. This particular section of England was a manufacturing district, and the Yorkshireman, always prone to a bit of sport, wanted in his dog not only a keen-bitten all-terrier dog, one that would never flinch in a pinch, but also one that could make himself practically useful in all sorts of hunting pursuits, whether nosing out mink or water-rats, retrieving waterfowl, or taking the trail of the otter, or winding the scent of upland game birds. Years ago when in conversation with the noted international judge, Mr. George Raper, who has for years been breeding some of the best known Airedales in England, and whose Yorkshire home has been always right where the Airedale originated, he remarked that those who were responsible for the making of the breed had but meager knowledge of what constituted their make-up, for they seemingly "just grew" into being, from a general pot-pouri of the sporting dogs in the dale of the Aire, which comprised all sorts and conditions of a dog useful to the poacher in his lone and stealthy encroachments upon privileged territory of the game preserves of his Lordship. Airedales were sent in to range the enclosed field, to drive the hares and rabbits out through the gates, there to be quickly netted. In those days the old-fashioned rough Scotch terrier was popular and used on vermin, also the old English wire haired black and tan terrier is said to have entered into the crosses which were made with Otterhound blood, which latter blood was linked with the terrier production, to gain the wonderful nose and scenting powers of this noted strain of old English hounds. The Otterhound had also the rough and wiry coat, most suitable to maintain in this then newly made hunting-terrier a sound, water, weather and brush resisting jacket. It is from this source that the Airedale of the present day gets his strongly inherent and wonderful scenting instincts, and his fondness for all sport that demands water-work and intense ambition in hunting and trailing.

While it is seen from this brief outline of the accredited origin of the Airedale, that it was made up of two or three or more breeds, not unlike many another recognized breed in dogdom of today, it should be borne in mind that he is not a mongrel because of it, as the Yorkshireman fancier used in the breed's make-up other recognized terrier breeds and the Otterhound, all in themselves pure as breeds went in those days, for their accepted purpose in getting the final result, which was then known as the Yorkshire-waterside-terrier, and also the Working-terrier.

The past forty years of steady progress and improvement made in Airedale breeding has shown its ability to breed-on and retain the features of distinctive type and characteristics. Had the origin of the Airedale been otherwise than sound, sensible matings from breeds of decently pure blood, the result would have never bred-on and remained what it has always been and is, today, a type of hunting terrier, which embodies, as one writer puts it, "elegance, unison of build, thoroughness in dash and intensity of purpose; with such contour in his breedy appearance, and his known adaptability in all climates under any and every condition where he is called upon as a real companion to man." As early as 188 5, the Airedale was recognized as a distinct and separate breed, and individuals were registered as such in what is the oldest organization of its kind in the world, the Kennel Club of England. Having briefly answered the question "What is an Airedale Terrier?" one which is so often heard, we will now turn our attention to the breed's general characteristics.

Characteristics.

While recognized by both the English Kennel Club and American Kennel Club under the name of Airedale Terrier, already the name Airedale is so distinctive and special a cognomen, as differing from the names of other breeds, that as time wears on, it would seem that the unnecessary Terrier appendage will be eliminated from even the Kennel Club list. An Airedale in character is in a class entirely by itself. No other terrier breed approaches his capabilities, and he possesses all the best qualifications of the other terrier breeds, even to a greater degree of perfection and satisfaction, and besides has those truly remarkable traits of the brainy hunting dog, that inspire profound admiration, respect and devotion, wherever he Is given a decent chance to show himself in critical situations, emergencies of mortal combat, and, in what has likely endeared his character to the world more than anything else, an absolute dependence and reliability accompanied by unstinted devotion to his master, even-tempered and indomitable courage, faithfulness and true affection for family and master of sucn k. ' ffiffl /"

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Guardianship.

While accepting friendly advances that are made to him, he does not reciprocate, and he recognizes but one master. A friend who has once won his confidence and respect, he never forgets, though years intervening have elapsed. Mr. H. Reeder, in Country Life of America, tells of an example of the discrimination used by the Airedale in exercising guardianship instincts: "While camping in the Northern woods, he was called suddenly into town, and left his Airedale Betsy with a neighboring camper. Betsy had no scruples about accepting the man's hospitality and shared his bread and roof until evening, but as darkness gathered she took unceremonious leave, and trotting back to her master's bungalow, stretched out comfortably at the top of the veranda steps. The neighbor feared she might get lost and followed. She arose at his approach and ran down the path to meet him with every sign of welcome. It occurred to him that he might as well take a look around, and he made for the veranda, intending to go through the bungalow. The minute he moved toward it, Betsy sprang to the top of the steps and faced him with an ominous growl. Surprised at the sudden change of front, and a bit alarmed, he tried to pet her, but she drew back with an unmistakable snarl and he deemed it prudent to retreat. Immediately she followed him down and became friendly again. He repeated the experiment, but once more she barred his way, so he abandoned the idea of going in and left her to guard the place. Had the beast been endowed with speech she could not have made him understand more clearly the stand she took: She was perfectly willing to be friendly, but only as it did not interfere with her duties."

The Airedale shows a decided fondness for children. He is the ideal playmate for the little girl and pal for the boy on all his romps, always awaiting the favor of his little master's attentions. Hide and seek, or finding a ball, he will play by the hour. It is a common occurrence to see an Airedale inseparable from the baby carriage when its precious load is out for a sunning, and the writer has known many that would not be tempted to leave their infant charge by any diversion, but faithfully and incessantly guard the little one as long as permitted to do so. There is no breed of dog so desirable to raise a child with or one in which so much trust can be placed. The illustration on the preceding page shows but one of many similar situations, with the Airedale ready to play the heroic part of guardian and life-saver. In this instance, the occurrence is at the seaside. The little child was possessed of a dangerous fondness for approaching too near the water. The Airedale, ever alert in an emergency, takes immediate control of the situation and with his firm grip and sure but gentle insistence, holds the screaming child safely, until the fond mother is attracted to the scene, which is fortunately caught by her cleverness with a pocket camera.

Widespread Popularity.

The Airedale has not proved to be an over-estimated breed, nor one that was destined to come and go, as so many others have done, only to be read about in the annals of canine history: Airedales were seemingly created to fill a well defined want and need, for just such a dog as they are. Their popularity has been increasing the world over as years have rolled by. They were not destined to be localized in some one country for a limited fancy to enjoy: The world is too eager to get hold of and enjoy all 'the real good things, while it passes through this brief mortal existence and the open secret of what a wonderful breed had been developed in this breed was bound to spread to all lands, and human nature being much the same everywhere one goes, even to the remotest parts of the earth, the Airedale is filling his place in the life demanded of him.

In Alaska, with temperature at 50 degrees below zero, they are used to haul the hunter's and miner's provisions from town to camp, Mr. Chas. Emsweiler, a hunting guide of Seward, stating that his brace have carried for miles three to four hundred pounds of moose; or, they are trailing and holding at bay big game for the fortunate hunter who has been lucky enough to come into possession of one or more. In the tropics of Africa, during Col. Roosevelt's hunting trips, we heard tidings of the Airedale there, always ready for the fray, and among the various breeds of hunting dogs accompanying Mr. Paul Rainey in his hunting explorations in British East Africa, the cleverest and most courageous work was done by two Airedales. Through the courtesy of Mr. Rainey's representative, Mr. Rice, in charge of the motion-pictures, one of the most exciting scenes pictured in same is illustrated here. Mr. Rainey has always declared that the American hunting dog was equal in contending with the fiercest of wild beasts. He took with him on his expedition a pack consisting of hounds for trailing, wolf hounds and two Airedale Terriers for the killers, all bred and trained in Mississippi bear hunting. The notable stamina of these dogs on the hunt and their courage in the face of powerful and to them strange animals, demonstrated the truth of Mr. Rainey's contention, as will be conceded by any dog fancier who sees these pictures. It is generally believed that dogs cannot climb trees, yet one of the most thrilling of the scenes of this expedition shows a leopard posed ai. the top of a tree in majestic grace, as a place of refuge from the pack in close pursuit, until these two Airedales dumb up

Working Airedales, Owned by Chas. Emsweiser, Alaska

(1) Lake-Dell Vic and Lake-Dell Tackier hauling- camp supplies.

(2) Alaska Grizzly bear killed near Seward, brought to bay by Vic and Tackier (in background).

tc him, and, snapping at his feet and haunches, force him to leap from the top of the tree to earth, where the other dogs mix in a melee with the animal. This is one of many interesting and exciting incidents shown in the Rainey films. The illustration of this rare scene is an instantaneous reproduction of the moment the leopard leaps from the top of the tree, the two Airedales dimly visible close to the top where the animal had sought a safe retreat. In the moving pictures the quickness with which the Airedales climb the tree and go up through the branches is remarkable, and they are the only dogs attempting to do this of all the pack. In another scene, when hunting lions, the Airedale is shown as the only dog with enough courage to dash into the thicket where the lion has sought refuge and rout it out for another chase by the pack, that has surrounded the thicket and are baying their prey. These feats of dare-devil gameness now shown throughout the world in these motion-pictures have given the exceptional prowess of the Airedale most merited publicity. In Mexico, the Canal Zone and South America they are likewise in demand by those who have the opportunity of knowing them and are a dare-devil companion for the rough life of the country, as well as for lion and boar hunting, which latter tests the courage of a dog to the limit, for a wild boar will cut up his antagonist if given the chance more than any other wild animal. Then again in the Philippines and the Orient we hear of them giving good accounts of themselves, and on the continent of Europe, in the English and American armies they have established worldwide fame for their cleverness as most dependable messagebearers, for post duty and as sentinels on outpost duty with scouting service.

Airedales in India.

The following letter from Mr. T. C. H. Shaw, prominent as a breeder and judge of Airedales in far-away India, is another evidence of the wide-spread popularity of the breed:

"Rawalpuidi, Punjab, India, June 3, 1918. "Dear Sir: Kindly send me one copy of "All About Airedales," latest edition. I am at present trying to form an "All India Airedale Terrier Club" as the breed is coming up by leaps and bounds in favor. I also hope to later write a book on this breed in India. Most of my Airedales I keep purely for exhibition, but I have noticed their wonderful intelligence and that they make great pals. My kennels (the Donnybrooks) are the premier kennels of this breed in India. I hold the Indian record for the largest number of first prizes won in India in this breed by one dog and the first Indian made champion and this was done by my old dog Champion Simon of Donnybrook. He is mad on the gun too. I have here also the

International Champion King Nobbier' s Double

(Courtesy Mr. Norman Mackenzie)

English Champion Donnybrook Felday Countess (great grandam of Ch. Rhosdu Royalist). She is a wonderful watch dog and a demon in water and after ducks. Champion Simon was bred in India. There are Donnybrooks all over India nearly. At present I have about seven of my Airedales away on service at different centers of war, some in Mesopotamia, some to Palestine. Most of these have gone out with officers of Indian regiments as pals, guards, etc., and I hope they will get service medals. I must say I get good fun hunting jackals with my Airedales and I have had these pulled down singly hy my dogs."

Police Dogs.

As Police Dogs their wonderful feats of cunning and brain work are chronicled occasionally in the press. In this sphere of usefulness, the Airedale is readily trained to be both protecting guard to patrolmen and a quick assistant in stopping an escaping fugitive who dodges into a dark avenue of escape beyond the reach of a revolver's range. Airedales become very proficient in knowing quickly their duty in stopping the fugitive an officer is pursuing and when hidden will follow the trail into hiding places and hold at bay the culprit until forced out by the arresting officers. Such use of Airedales is growing rapidly in the larger cities and giving most satisfactory results. Being much quicker in action than trail or bloodhounds they are more valuable in criminal service and when given the same detailed training become most proficient. Their undaunted courage in being ever ready to search premises for petty thieves, burglars or criminals, make them the most dependable breed for police service. In France they are used to prevent suicides from drowning, and in a public contest held in Germany, which included all breeds, doing the same rescue service, the Airedales took first honors over all contestants in other breeds.

Acute Hearing.

In England, their native land, by experiments in determining the comparative degree of the Airedale's exceptionally sensitive hearing, by Scotland Yard, they have discovered that the Airedale can detect sound at a distance of hundreds of yards farther than the most acute human ear. These scientific tests have been reported from time to time in the English press. This keen faculty the witer has seen illustrated frequently with his own dogs: One instance in particular was that of a family companion, who while apparently dozing on the floor of the house living room, would suddenly start up and rush to window or door, all aroused over the detection of her master's approaching, when he was three to five hundred yards away on cement paving, beyond any possible distance of the hearing of the human ear. This incident was so repeatedly tested by those who witnessed it frequently, that the results of English experiments are readily to be given full credence. The use of this faculty is put into practical service in the English army, by training Airedales not to bark at strange sounds at night in trench warfare but to utter a low growl and in this manner give warnings of stealthy approachings of an enemy, not detectable by the human ear.

A Profitable Breed.

Airedales have become in England and America the most profitable breed in a commercial way, if one can judge anything by the generous values that are being paid for noted individuals. There have been a number of purchases of Englishbred Airedales at prices ranging from $500 to $2000 and $3000 each, within the last few years, so there is from this standpoint no longer any disputing the value of what breeders have produced in careful attention to improvement of individual type.

Airedales in America.

In America the fancy for the Airedale is a general and wide-spread one, as they are found in every State and Territory in the United States and every Province of Canada. They are the faithful companion of the tender child at home in family life, and a trusty guard for its safety.

The city fancier enjoys his companionship at home or in cross-country tramps, when the Airedale is always busy and ready to find something of interest, whether varmints or shaking a mountain beaver or treeing some noisy squirrel or grouse, or even roading a bevy of quail, all for the fun of it. If a swim is at hand, he is the first to enjoy it, and stands ready to retrieve anything; or, if at the shore, handles himself most dexteriously in the surf, and in shoal waters the writer has witnessed an Airedale fish for hours at a time, running up and down the flats, following the little darting fin bearers, with head under water seemingly as often as out.

This suggests the relating of a "real" fish story, concerning a hunting Airedale owned by the writer, by name of Lake-Dell Gotch. He had been out for a season's work and the hunter who was using him, frequently used boiled fresh salmon for his dog-feed, taking these from the abundant supply in the valley streams. He secured them by spearing the fish in shallow water. Gotch always wanted to go along and watched eagerly the process. He soon was to be seen wading and chasing some good sized fish toward the bank, and by comical maneuvers gradually get him into the pocket of some edge, until by a quick grab he caught him by the tail, and rushed out with the fish for dry land. At first his failures to always land the fish were amusing, and they would frequently flop back into the water until he learned to carry them a safe distance from the stream. One evening on reaching camp, Gotch had disappeared, and he did not turn up the next day. That evening some timber cruisers passed us and told us one of our dogs was down by the river fishing. When we found him he was barking merrily off in the woods, guarding a pile of at least fifty handsome big salmon, and having a hard time to keep the live ones from flopping away. He was a happy dog, and proud of his labors.

The farmer and rancher has found in him a dog that combines more than any other breed everything that is useful in a dog. He loves to continually hunt for and exterminate all vermin and pests to poultry, and the stray cat is but a tussel of a second and he has it disposed of. The sheepherder and cattleman finds in the Airedale the one dog they can depend upon at all times to quickly sound the alarm of molesting maurauders being about, and are willing assistants in driving away the howling and mischievous coyotes and, when it is possible to corner one, will single-handed kill it with despatch. The Airedale will drive sheep or cattle like a collie. Coons and the bob-cat they dearly love to hunt and kill as well, and when the rancher finds his place regularly visited only too early for his slumber by coons in the chicken coop or a visit from the destructive skunk, if he is without an Airedale on his place, he begins to think it's about time he had one, for nothing ever destroys bird or animal life on farm or ranch without an Airedale knowing it and he loses no time in the dispensing of the enemy instanter, and all so naturally and willingly, without guidance or suggestion. They are wonderful retrievers from water or on land.