2025 AKC Terrier Group Honorees: Todd & April Clyde – Longvue Airedales

2025 AKC Terrier Group Honorees: Todd & April Clyde – Longvue Airedales

1. As “The King of Terriers,” the Airedale is venerated for its commanding appearance and its versatility. What is it about the breed that has sustained your interest for so long?

Todd & April Clyde: The Airedale is the “King of Terriers” and the word King applies not only to height but also to presence and attitude. This is what drew us both to the breed initially and, despite the attractions of other breeds, maintains our passion for Airedale Terriers. At approximately 23 inches at the shoulder and sturdy, well muscled and well boned, the Airedale is a medium-sized dog, easy to live with in the home and simple to transport. They are sturdy enough to romp and roughhouse in active homes and gentle enough to live with young children and older adults. Their striking appearance and proud presence are aesthetically appealing.

But, the real attraction of the Airedale Terrier is their temperament. Their nature is regal and proud. They are loyal and steady without being needy. Airedales are naturally protective and great watchdogs. It is often said that the Airedale never starts the fight but will finish it. Highly intelligent, the breed is quick to learn and easy to train. Airedales also excel at dog sports such as Agility, Barn Hunt, Scent Work, and other venues. It is no wonder that once a family lives with an Airedale, it becomes their choice for generations.

2. How do you decide which puppies appear in the show ring?

Todd & April Clyde: We typically breed about two to three litters annually. We practice linebreeding with selective outcrosses as needed. Having several generations now in our breeding program, we can be very predictive about physical characteristics and temperament. We have enough outcrossed dogs available in our own program to maintain diversity, and we also utilize dogs from other lines as needed to improve our lines. This includes using other breeders’ stud dogs and also purchasing puppies with desirable bloodlines from other breeders.

We make our puppy selections at eight weeks, typically keeping the best dog and bitch from the litter to become our next show dogs. We work with the pups that are kept and constantly evaluate them.

Occasionally, we have buyers interested in a show potential pup. We fully discuss what is involved in this decision with them. Because of our judging schedule, we do not typically co-own a Longvue Airedale sold to another home. We do provide any guidance requested by the buyers of show potential dogs to help them achieve their goals.

Longvue pups that eventually make the show ring have strong breed characteristics and an outgoing and showy temperament. We also seek dogs with a little something extra to make them competitive in Group and BIS competition.

3. Breeding dogs successfully requires some degree of cooperation. What are your thoughts on making stud dogs available to others? What about leasing bitches for breeding?

Todd & April Clyde: We keep several stud dogs at our kennel for our use and also for the use of other breeders within the United States. We also have several other dogs available via frozen semen. We welcome reputable breeders in the US and internationally to utilize our stud dogs on approved bitches with required health clearances. We are proud to have Longvue-sired Champion Airedale Terriers in the US, Canada, England, Australia, and Norway.

We have never had a request to lease a bitch for breeding. We would consider this on a case-by-case basis.

4. The Breed Standard is the preservation breeder’s most essential tool. How would you summarize the importance of breeding to the Standard and presenting the breed in the ring accordingly?

Todd & April Clyde: The Airedale Terrier Breed Standard is our basic building block in every litter we breed. The Standard has no breed-specific disqualifications, but it does list seven serious faults. Puppies with any of these faults would not be shown. Breedings that produced puppies with any of these faults would not be repeated. We respect judges who understand the AKC Airedale Terrier Breed Standard and judge accordingly.

5. Purebred dog registrations have been declining in the US, even as interest in “all things dog” has exploded. What do you think should be done to promote the merits of recognized breeds in a society that is obsessed with doodles?

Todd & April Clyde: In our opinion, the strongest selling point for purebred dogs is predictability. We emphasize this to every potential puppy buyer that we encounter. We have many repeat buyers who seek us out for a wonderful pet as close as possible to the dog that they previously had. Because of predictability in the purebred dog and the results of our linebreeding practices, we are confident that we can satisfy their needs. AKC should continue to tell the story of purebred dog breeders and their dedication to the predicable breeding of healthy dogs that exemplify the Breed Standard.