Bull and Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison

The Bull and Terrier is a blend between a number of Old English Terriers and the Old English Bulldog. It is believed that this extinct dog was the start of breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

They were excellent for hunting rats and weren’t a true breed. The dog was popular in the British Isles and in the United States in the 19th Century. They became rare as different varieties of Bull and Terrier were bred and standardized.

Most terriers have a good deal of Old English Bulldog blood in them so as to provide them with the courage to fight and hunt prey, while the English Terrier blood provided a feisty temperament and longer legs for speed.

Around 1860, the Bull and Terrier breed split into 2 categories – the pure white Bull Terrier and the ones of color. The Bull and Terrier was never recognized as a standardized breed by any of the kennel clubs.

Airedale terrier got its name from a small river Aire in Leeds area in Great Britain. First information about Airedale terrier originates back in 1850. This breed was used as otter hunters. Airedale terrier was invented by mixing Otterhound, old English terrier, and a white bull-terrier. Airedale was used primarily for hunting otters, deer, or wild boars. Not just that, Airedale was a very good guard dog. During the war, this breed was used for delivery and it showed a lot of courage. One Airedale terrier even received a medal for its bravery in World War I. Today it is used as an official dog of National Police of Britain.

There isn’t too much detail and information on the Bull and Terrier but we can be sure that with the cross between the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier, he would have been a small to medium sized compact, muscular dog, standing roughly between 38cm to 50cm in height and weighing anything in the region of 11 to 22kg.

He would have had a big head, and most of the dogs had a medium to long tail. His coat was of many colors such as white, fawn, tan or brindle and would have been short and smooth.

As far as temperament goes, the Bull and Terrier would certainly be courageous, feisty, independent, strong and energetic. Socialization wasn’t available in those days but with training, this intelligent breed would be affectionate with his human family.

Average height of Airedale terrier is approximately 56-61cm, while their average weight is 20-29kg. Females are slightly smaller than male dogs. A lifespan of an Airedale terrier variates and depends on the health of the dog but the average lifespan of this breed is 10-12. Litter Size of the Airedale terrier is approximately 8-9 puppies. Other Names Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier, King of Terriers

Nobody seems to be 100% sure when the classic Bull and Terrier dog became extinct but it is strongly assumed that it was some time between 1890 and 1920.

People believe that there are actually surviving breeds that could be considered Bull and Terriers. One thing is sure, when you consider that the Bull and Terrier is actually made up of several breeds such as the Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier then you can imagine the character of the dog – brave, hardy, intelligent, feisty, bold, confident and fearless. He was a dog who loved his human family and would have been both friend and protector.

These dogs have been popular around the world, and have had a strong influence in the development of a number of other breeds. Even today, breeders are always looking at ways to develop new breeds based on the descendants of the Bull and Terrier.

Airedale terrier is an amazing and playful dog. They are very intelligent, hard-working, and athletic dogs. This breed has a lot of energy and stamina, so regular activity is a must for this breed. They are independent thinkers which can be challenging sometimes, but overall, if they have enough activity they are amazing and goofy pets.

It is not recommendable to leave your dog for a long period of time because it will get bored, and when it’s bored, they tend to become destructive. You don’t want to see destroyed home when you come back from work.

Airedale terrier is great watchdog too. They will protect family if it is necessary, but overall they are very friendly. They are very sensitive and gentle with kids. Also, with a proper socialization of the dog, they are very friendly towards another animal too.

Basically, the temperament of your Airedale terrier depends on training, socialization, and genes. If you properly train your dog, with good socialization you won’t be having any problems.

The Bull and Terrier was no doubt a robust breed with few health issues. However his owners of that time would have had to be aware of eye diseases such as cataracts that could have lead to blindness.

Other health issues they would have had to contend with would have been hip and elbow dysplasia, a disease which can cause lameness in a dog accompanied with pain. Because the Bull and terrier was mixed with the English Bulldog, the dog owners would have had to be aware of respiratory health problems, as the Bull dog is a breed that is susceptible to these problems.

Airedale terrier is generally a very healthy dog, but as almost any breed, they can have some health issues. Hip dysplasia, cancer, and allergies can cause problems with this breed. You have to be very careful when choosing a perfect dog for you. Examine the family tree to avoid the possible genetic flaws.

Airedale terrier will be a healthy dog if you take a proper care, and with regular vet checks, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Grooming:

Long ago the Bull and Terrier was developed to be a hunting dog, and because he was a blend of the English Bulldog and Terriers such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and English Terrier, he no doubt had a short coat that would have required being brushed down from time to time.

Diet:

The Bull and Terrier dog was bred for hunting, and he would have in all likelihood have caught some of his own food. He would therefore have got a lot of protein in. His owners would also have fed him some of their own food too which would have been eggs, home-made bread, rice, fresh vegetables and meat.

He would have had a good quota of raw meat in his diet too and this would have ensured that his coat was shiny and glossy, free of rashes. Dogs such as the Bull and Terrier wouldn’t have eaten commercially produced kibble as that was only introduced in the 1930s.

Feeding Airedale

Airedale feeding depends on how much daily activity has. Overall, for an average Airedale 1.5-2.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into a 2 meals is recommendable. It is better than leaving the whole food out all the time. Then again, if your dog is not very active or active more than an average dog, feeding should be organized for your dog’s needs.

Feeding the Airedale puppy

Airedale puppies should eat more than an adult dog. 3-5 meals per day are an optimal measure. Puppies need more meals per day for better development. Also, giving your puppy minerals and vitamins would improve overall health when it is fully grown dog.

Grooming Airedale Terrier

Airedale has a very interesting coat. The coat has two layers, topcoat which is strong, and undercoat which is soft. They do not shed a lot, but twice a year they shed more than the rest of the time. It is not very hard to groom Airedale terrier. Brushing is recommended once or twice a week. You can also bath your Airedale but not very often. Airedale doesn’t require trimming, but some owners decide to do that. It is up to you if you want to trim your dog.