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Logo by Ragtail
We
have been involved with Airedale Terriers since 1977
Lesley is a Championship Show judge and has judged both in the UK and overseas (Sweden, Australia, Japan and Russia). She has served on the committees of the National Airedale Terrier Association and the South of England Airedale Terrier Club as well as Romford and District Canine Society and instructed at Colchester and District Canine Society on show training/handling. Lesley is the European Regional Correspondent for the American Airedale Magazine, published by the American Airedale Terrier Club. Gus doesn't judge but is involved with the dogs in every other way.
We have been owned by an Airedale since 1977. Our first Airedale, Bonny, was our pet more than she was a show dog but she was a great girl to learn from as regards showing, trimming and the indomitable Airedale nature. When Gus and I think of Bonny, for me it is as great fun and always ready for a game and playing the fool; for Gus, she was his worst nightmare on four legs (well maybe not quite). If you have read the article I wrote in 'The Airedale Terrier Annual' (published by Hoflin Press) you will understand Gus' slant on the Airedale/Human relationship (note I put Airedale first!).
Our son, Darren was 18 months old when Bonny joined our family, they played happily together from day-one, she was perfect and put-up with everything he put her through. Darren grew up with Airedales more or less as his brothers and sisters.
But Airedales are NOT for the faint-hearted, nor are they suitable for everyone. Please do your homework (the Web is a fountain of knowledge) before thinking about getting an Airedale. Click here to read more.
During our early years in Airedales, we exhibited with some success and learned a lot about the Airedale its character and temperament,. Itt was not until 'Sea King' came along that we really knew that we had something special and when Dickon hit the show-ring running he and we never looked back. 'King of Scots' followed 'Sea King' and from then on we have been lucky in having a string of dominant males as well as successful females - with our most successful being Athena. We have had 15 UK champions (including our Welsh Terrier - Annie) and several other CC and Reserve CC winners. Our puppies have gone abroad to become champions see Roll of Honour, Our dogs have sired puppies that have become Champions worldwide.
Our Airedales are hip scored under the Kennel Club/British Veterinary Association scheme for hip dysplasia. Be sure to purchase your puppy from a breeder who has had both the sire and dam hip scored. The breed average is currently 16 in total, so ideally, you are looking for parents who have a score around this figure or below. The lower the score the better the hips.