The Caucasus Mountains area is rough, mountainous country. The herdsmen of the steppes and mountains needed a dog sturdy enough to stand up to both the predators of the region and the harsh winters.

The “king of terriers,” the Airedale is friendly and exuberant—sometimes seeming to have no “off” switch, according to many dog experts. But Airedales are great with kids and quick learners, making ...