The Airedale Terrier originated in the Airedale valley in the West Riding of Yorkshire around the mid 19th century. Bred to be a true working class dog, they are a cross of English Black and Tan Terriers and Otterhounds, as well as a variety of others, in varying degrees. Shown for the first time in 1864 at a championship dog show, they were originally classified under a different name. However, these handsome dogs quickly grew in popularity and the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1886 as the Airedale Terrier. By 1888, they had also been recognized by the American Kennel Club. They have a strong background in being both hunting and working dogs for the working class of the time. They became a favorite among the middle class and were soon seen regularly in competition. Airedale Terriers have even seen military and police use since the First World War, to carry messages as well as protective dogs for police on patrol. Later that century, they would even begin to see heavy use as herding and livestock protection dogs, both in the UK as well as the US. Today these dogs continue to perform the many tasks they are given, finding their way into important roles and loving homes around the world.