Do they use them for man work/Schutzhund and are/will the tail's be docked?
I still think a good suited Lurcher would work similar terrain, as good if not better. Saying that I would give a good one a try, I like them a lot.
At the moment I am using a Mali in my pack to good effect. If a decent Airdale would of been available when I was looking for a new dog, I would of certainly taken a look.
Good luck, I will be watching with interest.