TYPICAL REASONS WE HEAR FROM PUPPY SHOPPERS AS TO "WHY" THEY WANT AN AIREDALE PUPPY:

• Because the Airedale Terrier is such a handsome looking dog.
• Because they don't shed.
• Because they are excellent family dogs. Because they are intelligent.
• Because they have a sense of humor.

It's true that the Airedale, when properly groomed, is a very handsome looking dog. To keep that well-groomed look, plan regular brushing and on having the dog professionally groomed 4 to 6 times per year.

Some owners prefer the full grown "teddy bear" look of an Airedale. This requires regular brushing to keep the hair mat free, clean and comfortable for the dog.

It's true that the Airedale, a double-coated dog, doesn't shed in the same way that a single-coated dog sheds. However, that soft undercoat of an Airedale will shed and you may notice soft ringlets of cast off fur gathering on your tile floors. Shedding of the undercoat is kept at a minimum by regular brushing of the dog's coat.

It's true that Airedales are excellent family dogs, but you should realize that combining an Airedale puppy with toddlers may not be the best choice. It is usually better to wait until your children are a little older and better able to fend off those puppy-chewing months of that first year of the pup's life. Realize that an exuberant puppy can easily knock over a toddler. Also, be aware that bringing in a puppy is like adding another child to the family. Since Mom is usually the primary caregiver of the children and pets, is she anxious to add another "child" to the family at this time? This is a family decision.

It's true that Airedales are intelligent and have a grand sense of humor, and these traits can be a source of great delight if the dog has received proper obedience training, otherwise these very traits might be much more than you bargained for! Obedience training is a requirement for a well-mannered dog. If you haven't as yet read the section on this website, titled "Is An Airedale The Right Match For Your Family?" please do that right now. Realize that the purchase of an Airedale Puppy is a commitment to the next 12 to 14 years of living with that dog. Decide if an active Airedale is the best match for your lifestyle and your family.

I WANT A PUPPY! NOW WHERE DO I FIND A BREEDER?

There are basically three choices when it comes to finding an Airedale puppy:

1) Pet Shop - Definitely NOT a good choice! Most pups sold this way have been bred in puppy mills and may be sickly. The breeding parents of these pups normally have not had genetic testing done, such as x-raying hips. Generally, these pups have not received the benefits of the care required to produce well adjusted and healthy pups. Seeing that they are AKC registered means only the litter was registered with the American Kennel Club by the breeder as purebred Airedale Terriers. It does not guarantee anything else about the pups.

3) Hobby Breeder - This is the breeder you want to find! She realizes that breeding dogs responsibly means she may never see any profit on her hobby but she does it because of her love of the breed and desire to produce the best quality puppies possible.

Why would those breeders in options 1 and 2 above make more money on the sale of their pups than the Hobby Breeder would? Because the Hobby Breeder has invested much more money and time in her breeding dogs and her breeding program.

She has had her breeding dogs x-rayed to be sure they are clear of hip dysplasia and is willing to show you their OFA certification ratings. She has given quality veterinarian care to the dam and puppies throughout the entire term of pregnancy and rearing of the puppies. She has provided that important early socialization for the puppies during their first 8 weeks.

She has researched to combine the best gene pools of the dam and sire of this litter to create the healthiest of puppies that conform well to the breed standard.

A responsible Hobby Breeder will provide you with written instructions on the care and feeding of your puppy and will require you to sign a contract when purchasing one of her puppies. She will expect you to return the puppy to her if for any reason you can not keep the puppy FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE DOG.

A responsible Hobby Breeder will be knowledgeable about, and willing to help her puppy buyers learn about, grooming that puppy. She will be knowledgeable about proper ear gluing, and will perform that service if that becomes necessary. She will be willing and able to answer questions from her puppy buyers to help the new owner bring up a well-adjusted and healthy puppy.

Expect the responsible Hobby Breeder to ask her potential puppy buyers many questions before she decides if she is willing to sell one of her puppies to that buyer. Answer those questions willingly and truthfully for your own benefit.

HOBBY BREEDERS NORMALLY DO NOT ADVERTISE THEIR PUPPIES IN NEWSPAPERS.

Responsible Hobby Breeders breed only occasionally, and when they do many times they have buyers waiting for all the pups long before the puppies are ready to go to new homes at 8 weeks of age.

First do your breed research, and when you've decided you are ready for an Airedale puppy, we will be happy to put you in contact with Sunshine Airedalers breeders who have, or are expecting Airedale Terrier puppies.