The Airedale Terrier originated in the Aire Valley in northern England in the mid 1800's. They were bred at the height of the Industrial Revolution by mill workers to hunt ducks and rats. Since then, the Airedale Terrier has worked many jobs, such as with the British Armed Forces during WWI as messengers, sentries, and guard dogs; versatile hunters (waterfowl, upland game birds, and mammals); and as police dogs.