THE AIREDALE TERRIER 



205 



Darwin's theory of natural selection 

 and adaptation might explain this, but 

 it is more probable that the peculiarity 

 was due to either pointer or setter an- 

 tecedents. 



The type of Airedale has been con- 

 siderably improved since its importa- 

 tion into America, and some of the 



wiry. Color, tan for the head, ears and 

 legs ; grizzly or black on back. 



To mention the good qualities of this 

 remarkable breed would be to enumer- 

 ate those of almost every other. 



As a watch-dog, companion and pro- 

 tector the Airedale has no peer. Keen, 

 peaceable, powerful and fearless, he 



WATERSIDE WIZARD 



bench exhibits of to-day may well lay 

 claim to beauty. Good stock is at a 

 premium, and fancy prices are paid for 

 the best types. As much as three thou- 

 sand dollars has been paid for a full- 

 grown dog and seven hundred and fifty 

 dollars for a six-months' puppy. 



The American standard calls for a 

 weight of forty to forty-five pounds for 

 a dog and a little less for a bitch. The 

 head must be long, with flat skull nar- 

 rowing slightly to the eyes and free 

 from wrinkle. Jaw, deep, powerful and 

 without choppiness- Lips, tight against 

 the teeth. Nose, black. Teeth, meeting 

 squarely. Ears, V-shaped, flat against 

 the head, and small. Eyes, dark, small, 

 and full of expression. Tail, short, 

 straight and clean-cut. Coat, hard and 



never seeks a fight, nor does he indulge 

 in the annoying growling and snapping 

 that is so characteristic of terriers. On 

 the other hand, let anyone attack him, 

 or encroach on his or his master's 

 rights and he becomes a regular de- 

 mon. Woe to the man or beast who 

 provokes the Airedale's ire. He will 

 live to regret it. 



A well-known Englishman, who has 

 fought many Airedales in the pit, is au- 

 thority for the statement that they will 

 lick more bull-terriers than bull-terriers 

 will lick them- 



The writer had a chance recently to 

 realize the probable truth of this asser- 

 tion while visiting a large country 

 place on the Hudson. The owner was 

 doing the honors, escorted by a pair of 



