catherine hardigan

I know there are some terrier gurus on this forum so maybe you all could offer a little help.

I fox hunt occasionally with a huntclub that is looking to breed hounds with broken/terrier type coats. They would like to acquire a couple dogs with this type of fur to use both as active members of the pack and for breeding.

The dogs are hunted November through April, and are hunted alongside large groups of riders on horseback. They must be able to run out ahead of a field of galloping horses, get over or through obstacles that can be large, and withstand the cold and wet for the duration of the hunt.

Dog aggression is not tolerated, and any dog that intentionally injures or goes after a horse or member of the hunt is put down.

At this point they are looking at either acquiring a couple airedales or importing some Welsh foxhounds. Obviously, importing dogs is more expensive, and if airedales are capable of doing what is required then I think the club may go with the terriers... especially if decent dogs can be found here. Have dales ever been used for this type of hunting, or could they be?