The King of the Terriers, hailing from the English river valley of Aire, this fearless canine hunted river rats, otters and badgers. A clown and a lover, this largest of the terriers is companion and entertainer to many people around the world. The breed has also been called the Waterside Terrier, because it was bred originally to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the River Aire which runs through Airedale. In England this breed has also been used as a police dog.