The Airedale Terrier. 163 



" This breed owes its origin to the working or 

 middle class inhabitants of Airedale and surrounding 

 districts ; take Bradford as the centre, and say about 

 a 15 miles radius. About fourteen years ago, or 

 perhaps more, the local dog societies commenced 

 making classes for them, as ( waterside terriers/ at 

 their annual shows, until they at last gained the 

 highest number of classes, and the largest number 

 of entries, on some occasions upwards of 200 

 entries of Airedales at one exhibition ; in fact, the 

 large number entered at Bingley show caused the 

 surprise of a very popular dog judge, who said 

 to the committee : ' These waterside terriers are 

 very good, and seem to be constantly increasing in 

 numbers and popularity, why not give them a proper 

 name ? They are worthy of it, I am sure.' 



" Everyone present acquiesced, and after much 

 discussion the name of Airedale terrier was agreed 

 upon, seeing this was the Airedale Show, and that the 

 variety was always well represented there. When 

 the new name was fixed, fresh interest was excited. 

 Other shows made classes for them, fresh com- 

 petitors entered the lists, and strong competition for 

 premier honours has now become general, and the 

 excitement and interest to be seen by the crowds 

 round the judging rings at Otley and Bingley 

 gatherings when the judges are adjudicating upon 



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