The Beginning

It all began in 1972 with a visit to the Stein family in an industrial site in Viernheim, Germany. Here was the home not only of Mr. Stein's renowned locksmithery but also of the "vom Haus Stein" kennels, where he bred Airedale terriers. One evening I set off to show my wife Heidi and our two children Ute (11) and Martin (10) the Airedale pups we had ordered. Having arrived, we walked through the open gate across the industrial site to the end of the piece of land where the kennels are situated. All was quiet. But as we approached the shelters, a volley of terrifying barks suddenly broke out and several Airedales launched themselves at their wire caging. My wife and children fled in panic, crying fearfully: "A dog like that we can do without!". On describing the situation and the reaction of my family to Mr. Stein, who by now had come out of his house, he simply replied "Well without the support of your family, you can't have an Airedale". I was at a loss, but the breeder had an idea. While we waited nervously in the yard, Mr. Stein vanished indoors and returned with a beautiful little blue-grey dog and said "Watch out, don't touch him - he bites!". Held by his master we were allowed to stroke this masterpiece. His coat was like Persian fur to the touch, silky and oh so soft. It was the first Kerry Blue terrier we had ever seen and we fell in love with the breed straight away. Then came the difficulty. Mr. Stein only bred Airedales, but he gave us the telephone number of the KFT.