Reydale Airedale Terriers
Q: Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed
dogs and what attracted you to the Airedale Terrier.
A: As a young teenager, I was watching the world dog show on TV, and that
was my first time seeing anything about dog shows. After seeing the show,
I got increasingly interested in showing dogs. When I had a chance to buy a
Great Dane show dog, I did and started showing her. Then, when I was
working as a veterinarian assistant, a customer brought in his Airedale
Terrier show dog, and he was looking for a home for his dog. The
veterinarian told the customer that I showed my dog, and that he should
talk to me. I met the dog (Leger), and the rest is history. This was in 1982,
and I’ve been showing and breeding Airedales ever since.
Q: Where did you get your foundation dogs and what other breeders do
you like to collaborate with?
A: Leger was my foundation dog. As I started studying his pedigree once I
got him, I discovered he had a great pedigree with many of the old English
lines. I don’t base who I breed with based off the breeder, but rather
based off the pedigree.
Q: Did you have any mentors in the breed/dog world that helped you.
A: I have had several mentors over the years, both in Mexico and the
United States. Some of the mentors who have had the biggest impact on
me are Mrs. Lieberman, Manuel Gutierrez, Dr. Jose Luis Payro, Maripi
Wooldrige, and Steve & Mary Clark to name a few. But there have been
many over the years, and I continue to learn from some many people in the
dog show world.
Q: Airedale Terriers are often described as “The King Of Terriers”, what
makes the Airedale the king? We would love to read breed characteristics
that create this prestigious title.
A: They are the king of terriers because of the regal personality. They
command your attention in every room they are in. The specific breed
characteristics are their personality, which is intelligent, commanding of
attention, their presence, bravery, and their ability to do many tasks (often
said to be able to do anything).
Q: How has the Airedale changed since you first started
showing/breeding?
A: I have seen several improvements in the breed over the years.
Specifically, the breeders have collectively worked on developing shorter
backs with square bodies, better head planes, nice angulation in front and
rears which has helped to develop better movement in the breed. They
have also worked to improve the wire coats, almost eliminating the soft
coat gene in the Airedale show world.
Q: What are points you wish all judges knew about the Airedale Terrier
before judging the breed?
A: First and foremost, I wish all judges who judge Airedales would be very
familiar with the Airedale temperament. Second, they should be looking
for a balanced dog with good substance.
Q: Please mention 3 Airedale Terriers not bred/owned by you that you
have greatly admired.
A: Ch. Bravo Star Buck, Ch. Flora King of Scots at Stargus, and Ch. Finlair Isis.
Q: Please mention 3 influential dogs from your kennel over the years.
A: Ch. Reydale Executive Decision, Ch. Reydale Prince of Thieves, Ch.
Reydaleterrydale Prince of Persia.
Q: What is your favorite show in the world to attend?
A: Montgomery County Kennel Club.
Q: Please share some of your proudest memories from the show ring.
A: My proudest moment came at the 1999 World Dog Show Weekend in
my hometown, Mexico City, where I won the Best in Show with Ch. Reydale
Executive Decision on the opening day of the show. I then went on to win
Best of Breed that same year with Ch. Reydale Executive Decision at the
Montgomery County Kennel Club. More recently, I have had three special
moments. The first was winning Best of Breed with Ch. Reydaleterrydale
Star Trek at Westminster Kennel Club in 2018, and then winning Best in
Show at the Tournament of Champions in Mexico with Ch.
Reydaleterrydale Once Upon a Time in Mexico in 2019. Finally, winning
Best Bred by in Show at Montgomery County Kennel Club 2019 with Ch.
Reydaleterrydale Rangel The Great Gatsby.
Q: Given their large size and stature, the conditioning and presentation of
the Airedale Terrier is no easy task. Please talk us through some of the
work involved with presenting the Airedale Terrier.
A: Preparation of an Airedale for showing is a long and extensive process
that takes at least 3 to 6 months of conditioning before they should be
shown in the ring. It is a constant and continuous process to maintain their
coat. It is not for the faint of heart or for those not dedicated to the work.
Q: From your experience, where in the world do you believe Airedale
Terriers seem strongest, in terms of quality.
A: In the past, I believe England had the best quality Airedales, but
currently, I believe the United States has surpassed England in quality.
Q: What are your goals/dreams for the future of your Airedale Terrier
journey?
A: To continue to breed and show exceptional Airedale Terriers. I hope to
be able to leave a legacy of improving and strengthening this amazing
breed.
