Okay, so they aren't the best chess players in the world, but they haven't ever lost a game to another breed of dog!

Trudy smiles because she knows Clara will soon be forced to trade a bishop for a pawn.

Airedales are thinking dogs. Some people don't like this about Airedales, because sometimes it is difficult to convince them to do things your way, when they see an easier way to accomplish the same goal. This doesn't make them the easiest dogs to train for obedience, but it can be done. There are Airedales with advanced obedience titles. I think that you will find that these dogs were trained by exceptionally bright and patient people.

It is a mistake to equate obedience with intelligence. The two are completely different. There are dogs that are extremely obedient, but can't think for themselves, as well as dogs that are intelligent and obedient. If you confuse the two, you can find yourself outsmarted by a dog. Airedales seem to delight in doing just this. Don't feel bad if it has happened to you. Airedale owners usually have to learn this the hard way.

Rita carefully reads the sign and considers the consequences of going down the path. Rita may not be as smart as you think. She moves her lips when she reads. Photo used with permission of Gena Welch .