Obituaries : Karl Nelson; Breeder of Airedale Terriers

Karl Nelson, a longtime Camarillo resident and one of America’s foremost Airedale terrier breeders, has died. He was 76.

Nelson, who grew up in Los Angeles, died Wednesday of a heart attack while shopping at a grocery store in Camarillo, said his daughter, Karla Nesen of Westlake Village.

After attending USC, he began his career as a staff writer for the Los Angeles Examiner. Later, he became a real estate broker and land developer.

At age 17, he trained his first Airedale terrier and throughout his life he dedicated time to breeding them. By the time of his death, he had become one of the world’s top breeders, Nesen said.

Nelson was also known as “Mohave” because he often hunted and skinned Mohave green rattlesnakes.

“He would put his cowboy boots on and he would hit the desert looking for snakes,” Nesen said. “He would use the skin to make belts and would make a chili with the meat.”

Nelson is survived by two daughters, Karla Nesen and Kameron Seagren of Los Angeles; a brother, John Nelson of Altadena; two granddaughters, and one grandson.

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village is arranging the funeral.