Oorang Airedales. There were a lot of “firsts” associated with these dogs.
There are some who refer to overly large Airedales as “Oorgangs.” Other sources indicate that “Oorgang” was nothing more than a marketing gimmick used by certain breeders of the 1930s to place the descendants of these oversized Airedales.
Meet Walter Lingo of LaRue, Ohio who owned the Oorang Dog Kennels in the 1920s. Lingo wanted a bigger, stronger Airedale than what he was seeing, and for his efforts, he got the “King Oorang Airedale,” a dog he described as the “world’s great all-around dog.” To promote the dogs, Lingo started a mail-order puppy business, and to rebut disparaging comments about his dogs’ temperament (said to be quite aggressive, and described by some neighbors as “sheep killers”), he enlisted celebrity endorsements.
Lingo’s most famous supporter was Jim Thorpe, a celebrated athlete of Native Indian descent Lingo had hired to coach, recruit, 
and play for a professional football team he named the Oorang Indians (its logo, an Airedale). The team had been created solely to promote Lingo’s Airedales (and Thorpe had been instructed to only recruit competitors who were of Native Indian heritage).
and play for a professional football team he named the Oorang Indians (its logo, an Airedale). The team had been created solely to promote Lingo’s Airedales (and Thorpe had been instructed to only recruit competitors who were of Native Indian heritage).The Oorangs remained a team in the NFL only for the 1922 and the 1923 seasons, but it’s likely that the very first first halftime shows in the NFL were put on by this team. Lingo’s dogs would perform stunts, show off their hunting skills, and be paraded around the field by the players who hoped to entice fans to buy a dog before they left the stadium. The players were also required to work in Lingo’s kennels and care for his dogs.
Another first: La Rue, Ohio was, and remains, the smallest community ever to sponsor a National Football League franchise.
Lingo continued to sell his dogs even after the Oorang Indian team collapsed when the novelty worse off. When the Great Depression struck, Lingo scaled back the business, and when his dogs became unaffordable, he is said to have put some three hundred puppies put to sleep in 1929 alone. The kennel continued its activity Lingo’s death in 1966. It’s said that somewhere in Tennessee, someone is still breeding Airedales claimed to be descendants of the original Oorang Airedales. Read more here and here.
Would like to learn more.
Looking to purchase another OOrang Airedale.
Our Airedale, Jack, passed away 5 weeks ago.
We’re so sorry for your loss, Katy. We don’t know of Oorang Airedale breeders. At the risk of sounding snotty (not our intention!), dogs sold today as “Oorang” Airedales are often descended from those extra-large airedales of the 1930’s and may carry genetics carrying issues that are largely vanished from dogs bred to standard by responsible Airedale breeders. It’s such a marvelous breed, perhaps you’d consider getting a sound Airedale breed by a heritage breeder? You can find the at the Airedale Club of America breeder referral page: https://www.airedale.org/your-airedale/breeder-referral-list/
Dear National Purebred Dog Day, I’m so sorry to hear that you have had what sounds like a bad experience with the Oorang Airedale breed. As you said yourself, the Oorang Airedale breed was and still are the original Airedales and the Airedales you refer to as being “bred to standard” is the result of inbreeding by “heritage breeders” in an effort to create an Airedale that fits a particular “cookie cutter” look (ie; size, shape, color, etc.) to compete in shows and competitions. In fact, it is that exact reason Jack Russell Terriers (aka Terrorists to those who don’t understand the breed and its extraordinary intelligence which requires challenges and entertainment) have been so adamantly opposed to having the breed “accepted” into the AKC, which has now unfortunately happened. True JRT lovers don’t want to see the breed changed to fit some specific “Standard” for the sake of show or competition. We want to preserve the vivacious and intelligent companions they were always intended to be. JTR’s are not meant to be companions to every single person who wants a pet, they are intended for only those who seek the extraordinary intelligence, energy and clownish behavior…Just as the Oorang Airedales are also intended for those who enjoy their almost human like behaviors, their extraordinary intelligence and devout loyalty. I hope one day soon you have the opportunity to experience the exceptional personality and character of the Oorang Airedale Terrier. I know your comment was not intended to be snobbish or demeaning of Oorangs whatsoever…but I do wish you would have more personal experience with these fabulous dogs so that you might have had a more personal and perhaps educated expertise with which to address such inquiries of the breed.
Not sure why you think we have a dim view of the Oorangs, Kimberly. In fact, we don’t have strong views one way or the other and simply presented the information we found. We’d absolutely love to meet some Oorang Airedales!
I have had Airedales all my life and my last two have been Oorangs’s from Washington state. My 12 yr old weighs 130 lbs and is the best dog I have ever had. I have had both types and the oversize is by far the healthiest and strongest and is 150% an Airedale.
Paul Burgoyne
Chester, NS
Canada
Hi Paul , Would You be kind enough to share where You got Your 130 pounder from ? We had ( 2 ) Quachita Kennel Mountain Airedale’s back in the 80’s & 90’s in Arkansas , but They went out of Business about 10- 15 yrs ago & Mooreland ( Tennessee -went out of business in 1985 – Anyways We would Love to Have Another Great Big Airedale !!
Look at Dustys Airedales in Laguna, NM. We have a year old male who possess every positive quality described in this thread.
Paul I live in BC right on the US Washington State border. I had two Oorangs from Washington State and just lost my last one. The breeder I got mine from is no longer breeding. Do you have the breeders name and number you dealt with? We can’t live without an Oorang. I’m the same, always had an Airedale in my life. We went for the Oorang and were so impressed with their temperament awesome awesome dogs.
We need another and can’t find them in Canada like we see them in the States.
Any help would be totally appreciated
Hello Dean, I live in Rossland BC which is also on the US border.I have had 4 Airedales , and my current one, Duncan, is now 11 he is 110 lbs. The breeder was in Washington state as well and is no longer in business. While Duncan is an 11 year old puppy as all Airedales always are, I am searching for a Breeder to get on the radar. If you come by a breeder I wonder if you could help a fellow Canuck.
Cheers
Greg Granstrom
The Texas Hill Country breeds, trains and sells Oorangs. You can find them online.
I’ve had 2 AKC pedigreed Airedales, each of whom lived to 15. They were each bred by AKC registered breeders who invested in the costs of showing their dogs to championships in both conformation and obedience.
I looked to adopt an airedale via Petfinder and ended up with an Amish petmill “ orrang” whose tail had been hacked off, and at 90 lbs he resembled nothing like my first two—at 5 yo, no basic obedience, unclipped and a general mess.. his owners bought him from a farm near Seattle, and were just off-loading him. I felt awful, but after clipping and grooming, I returned him the next day; the owners had deceived me, and I hope he ended up in a hood home.
My query is this: why manipulate a fabulous breed by selecting for size only, and they will not meet the AKC standards for competition nor the many other qualities for which Airedales are known? Hip displasia is a guarantee, along with joint issues. The dog I had for a day couldn’t reach his food dish w/o difficulty and splayed legs…
We don’t have an answer for you, Nancy, because we don’t understand it either. The breed standard exists for a reason. We’re sorry that happened to you, and it give us a chance to mention that the AKC is a registry, not a guarantee of soundness, type, or even good breeders. We can’t stress enough the importance of doing one’s homework, interviewing, and trusting one’s “gut” instincts.
Yes, great question, why manipulate a fabulous breed by selecting for size only! That is what show breeders have done! I have had Airedales on and off for over 70 years and they never used to look like what you see in the show ring today. They also had real character, hunting ability etc. I will concede that dysplasia and cancer needs to be reduced by careful breeding, but food is a big part of those problems also. They need grain free meat based food…Bob Morris
PAt at P & J’s Kennels in Ohio breeds Oorang Airedales. We have purchased two from her and have been very pleased.
Good to know, Susan, thanks for the comment!
Try PJ Home and Heart Kennels in Grand Junction Ohio. She has been breeding for years and is on her third generation of the Oorang Airedale. She is an amazing woman and a true testimony to what this breed was and is today. She cares so much for her animals. Check out her website.
Tell her Rickey Saunders sent you. I just picked my boy yesterday and he is amazing. He weighs in at a low 12.2 lbs at 8 weeks old and is so healthy. You won’t be sorry.
Looking for an Oorang Airedale in Europe. Does anyone know of a breeder outside the US?
Rgds, Dennis
If you’re still looking for an Oorang Airedale, I can highly recommend PJ’s Home & Heart Kennel in Ohio. Pat breeds AKC Oorang Airedales and her kennel facility is more like an experienced veterinarian facility than a kennel. I’ve never seen a cleaner, well equipped set-up as the one she has. Her first priority is her dogs and she screens applicants to ensure her pups are going to homes that are appropriate for the airedale breed (goofy, energetic, playful and loyal). She usually has a waiting list for people who want her dogs and those who know her are more than happy to wait until their time comes to be able to get one of her pups. They are healthy, well cared for (parents as well as pups) and she takes exceptional care to ensure both the client and the puppy are happy. I’ve never known any of her pups to be aggressive or ill-mannered. I’m sure you’ll be happy with any of her pups.
We were on a waiting list for 2nd pick male for more than a year with Pat… it was well worth the wait.
Photo is Bartholomew (Bart) Simpson at 3 months… 31 pounds… he’s huge. Smart.. happy.. super friendly.. great confirmation.. etc etc
home, and heart is the way to go for Oorang pups.
What a cutie!
We purchased Duke from PJ’s Home and Heart Kennel 8 years ago, he is healthy, happy and one of the smartest dogs our vet said he has ever seen, in his words
” Duke is one on millions” our vet is 70 years old. We bought Duchess 2 years ago and couldn’t be happier. We waited a year for her, I agree with the other responders, her Kennel is awesome, clean and well kept.
My Dad raised large Airedales! Yhey were big boys and my Mom named every pup a name from the Bible
I remember Sampson and Delilah were the mom and pop of the litters. Every single one was so great. They loved the ranch and I always had a companion out running around. I have so many stories about the first Airedale my Dad got us as kids. Now I started looking again and find that the Airedales I grew up with are considered a whole different dog?
Are there any Oorang breeders in California or Arizona? Thanks
We’re sorry, Georgette, but we have no idea. A Google search might yield some results….
We suspect we came into an Oorang accidentally. He is over 90 lbs, but not overweight. He’s just a big boy. The only other dog we’ve seen bigger next to him is a Great Dane, and I imagine a Wolfhound would be bigger. He stands bigger than Newfies and Bernese. He’s just a big boy. However, he does believe he is a teeny tiny baby puppy lapdog and loves to curl up on our laps. I’ve had several dogs of all sorts of breeds differing in sizes and temperaments and my Gussy Baby is hands down the greatest dog I’ve ever met. He is a traffic stopper and loves any and all attention. I don’t have any helpful information to add, I just love talking about my giant (possibly Oorang) Airedale.
We were hoping you’d include a photo, Mrs. T. He’s lovely
I am on my sixth Airedale and he is biggest of all. 90 pounds at 2 years old. Previous male was 80 pounds and others were around 75. Two females both were around 55to 60 pounds. I couldn’t believe my latest one weighed 90 pounds he has no fat and the lady vet said he in fine shape. I have Doubullmastiff also same age he weighs 153 pounds with no fat. First dogs I have kept food in their bowls all the time and previously fed my dogs only in the evening. I tell people Airedales have a stubborn streak that runs from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail. While this may seem like bad thing it actually is what makes them so tenacious and tough. Toughest dogs I have ever owned. Between these two dogs is 240 pounds plus of security. Airedale goes out in yard runs reconnaissance and he need help the big dog comes out as the heavy artillery. Airedales are clowns comedians lovers and they even guard the neighbor kids when they are outside playing. He lays and watches them 7nril they go 8nside. My neighbor wondered what he was doing I told him he is protecting your kids it comes natural to him. If anybody or anything would try to harm them he would jump the fence be on the threat in seconds with nobody to tell him.
He sounds like a character, John!
Do you have breeder information? I would love to acquire one of the larger Airedale Terriers.
I do not necessarily call them Orrang Airedale Terriers. The sire is 85 pounds and the dam is 50. I do have three boys left that were born November 13, 2021. They will get their first shots and worming 12/23/2021
Do you still have any puppies available?
So accurate and so true…bob
This is my Doubullmastiff.
This is my Airedale Terrier. They are known as King of the Terrriers
I have had countless dogs of every size and description. I had a female who weighted 85 pounds, and her son at 100 lbs. These are the best dogs that I have ever seen. They are gone 25 years now but I miss them every day. Hearty clowns that were the best guard dogs possible.
Isn’t it amazing how these dogs embed themselves in our hearts and memories?
I think I may also have an accidental Oorang Airedale. And I love him!! He’s 8 months old and al little over 80 lbs. His paws cover my hands!! This is Sullivan!
Hello, Sullivan!
I own an oorang Airedale. I purchased my dog from PJ’ heart and Home in Ohio. He is 5 months old and already weighs 52 pounds and stands 25 inches to the top of his front shoulder. He is a beautiful dog who I in no doubt by 18 or 20 months to be a 120 pound Airedale and stand near 30 inches tall. pJ’s USA great place and Pat the Breeder is great to work with
There are still oorang’s and they are majestic and the real king of the terrier breed
i have an oorang airedale female that i purchased from Frankenfaust kennels. She is seven years old and
is 95 pounds. she is one helluva of a dog. My previous oorangs came from Ouachata kennels of Arkansas and Woodriver Airedales of Pierpont, Ohio
I have a bnb that promotes bringing your dog on holiday and my Airedale, Finnegan, is my sidekick and loves the company on our 4 acres. He grew so fast and so strong it made my head spin. We are stopped everywhere we go and everyone remarks they have never seen such a large Airedale. He is 110# and 2 years old now and a giant. A guest asked me if he was an oorang, so I had to look it up.He has to be as he is my fifth Airedale and much larger than all the rest. The best buddy ever, but whoa….the year between the age of 1-2 was a challenge. He has a keen mind and challenged me at every turn. Good training made a difference and now he will not leave my side. Here he is at 10 weeks old when I brought him home.
He’s wonderful, Charlene!
As previously commented, Dusty’s Airedales is a source of good Airedale pups. We lost a large black Airedale 2 years ago and it took that long to get over it. Dusty (Juanita) turned up in a Web search of breeders. We visited and, while her facility is not very impressive, her dogs are. They seem happy, friendly and healthy. She devotes herself to the pups and is particular about who she sells to. Charlie, our newest, is 1 yr next month. He is everything we had hope to find. He weighs 80 # and is 28” tall. We asked for the smallest of the litter of 12.
Do you have breeder information? I would love to acquire one of the larger Airedale Terriers.
Another picture of Duke in the snow
I accidently have an Oorang Airedale and he is the best dog ever. He is just shy of 2 years old and 110 pounds – not an ounce of fat on him. We laugh and say he has Chewbacca paws and shark teeth. Willful – yes, but I wouldn’t have him any other way. I got him from a breeder in Lewisburg Kentucky, Jilleen Schoonover – she is NOT a puppy mill. I didn’t think the parents, of which are on the property, were that big, but then again I wasn’t that close to them as our concentration was on the puppies. We thought they were a little big, but little did we know that our Oliver would be such a moose. He is a registered Airedale Terrier. He is a clown and we have laughed more with this dog than any other we have ever had. We took him through an immersive two week obedience school and he was an exceptional learner and very willing to please after testing you out of course. Our son has a giant Schnauzer. Oliver makes that dog look like a tinker toy and Gustav, the schnauzer, is a really big schnauzer. Oliver is our first Airedale and after our introduction to this breed, I doubt that we will ever have any other dog but an Airedale Terrier, and preferably an Oorang!!
Wonderful picture and helpful comment, Blye. To tower over a Giant Schnauzer really puts the size in perspective!
Let me introduce Charlie, our Oorang Airedale. He is a handsome boy, and an incredible dog. We have books on Airedales – and their service in both WW1 and WW2. Smart, fun-loving, and they have their “warm” moments that will endear them into your hearts forever. He sits like a human, and when we take our trips to Lowes or Tractor Supply, everybody seems him sitting like that, and just can’t help but smile or laugh.
Everybody knows him by name. I will be walking down an aisle and hear one of the workers call out “Hi Charlie!” Yes, they don’t know me, but they DO know Charlie! He loves all of them, and if they want to pet him, he is more than happy to share their affections. The folks at our local Tractor Supply call him their mascot, and they fight over who is going to give him a treat!
The groomers just love him – they say he sits/stands there all regal while they trim him up, and it just impresses them how well-behaved he is.
Like you read in this thread – he can be so goofy and bring you to tears laughing how this big dog can look and act like a little puppy playing with a toy. But he can also just amaze you as he sits in the middle of the yard – watching – looking – seeing all. A “king” keeping an eye on his realm. Just like a person who is keeping watch, regal in all the sense of the word, just an amazing site.
We have a hobby farm, so he has plenty of room to run, and plenty of other dogs for him to play with. And yes, if a yard chicken is dumb enough to just decide to take off, Charlie’s hunter instincts are strong, and he will give chase (much to the chicken’s dismay). A quick, stern “Charlie” and he will stop – with a bit of a disappointed look (“Ahhhhh, dad! I was just playing!”), but he will stop.
He is no pushover, but he also wants to please. And those eyes – those intelligent eyes – when he gives you the glance (“dad, thank you for taking me to see my friends at the store!”), well, it just warms your heart, and you want to please him too! 🙂
He is gorgeous. Looks like what we grew up with. Big, solid, super companion, protector, silly, lap dog and so healthy plus he loved everybody. Knew who to like and when to stand close to us. I know they are NOT “throwbacks” as my Dad was a breeder in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. They were very big ( 80 to 110 lbs) average with the females slightly less so very healthy, active, smart and goofy at time. He was very particular who he sold the pups to.