“IN MATURE DOGS THERE IS AN AREA FREE OF HAIR, WHICH RUNS UP THE BRIDGE OF THE NOSE FORMING AN INVERTED V. THE NOSE LEATHER IS A DESIRABLE
BREED CHARACTERISTIC OF THE MATURE AUSTRALIAN TERRIER.”
Head: front view.
(too wide) black rims. “Faults: Light-col- ored or protruding eyes.” 2 Th e nose is black. In mature dogs there is an area free of hair, which runs up the bridge of the nose forming an inverted v. Th e nose leather is a desirable breed char- acteristic of the mature Australian Terrier. NECK, BODY AND TOPLINE Neck is long, slightly arched, with a protective ru ff blending into the apron. Th e distinctive ru ff and apron serve as pro- tection for the throat and forechest and are distinguishing characteristics of the Aus- tralian Terrier. Th e neck flows smoothly into well laid back shoulders. Th e body is described as sturdy and should never be stocky or weedy. Th e ribs are well sprung, but not round, and extend well behind the elbows. Th e chest drops about an inch below the elbow with a distinct keel. Th e loin is strong and fairly short (no more than 4 fingers in width) with slight tuck-up. Backline is level and firm; tail is docked, set on high and carried at a 12 to 1 o’clock position. “Faults: Cob- biness, too long in loin.” 2 FOREQUARTERS Looking at the forequarters in profile, you should see the distinctive keel and prominent forechest. Th ese are distinguish- ing structural features of the breed. Th e forechest and keel protect the heart and lungs, give more support to the muscles of the long slightly arched neck and those holding the front together, providing bal- ance to the forequarters. Th ese features are important to the form and functions of the Aussie and elements of correct breed type. Th e shoulder blade and upper arm are of equal length and form a 90° angle.
Th e front legs are set well under the body and the elbows fall beneath the with- ers and lie close to the chest. Th e front legs are straight, round and with medi- um bone. “Faults: Straight, loose and loaded shoulders.” 2 Front pasterns are strong with only a slight slope. “Faults: Down on pasterns.” 2 HINDQUARTERS Correct length and angle of bones give width and substance to hindquarters. Legs should be strong and well angulat- ed at stifle and hock, rear pasterns short and perpendicular from the hocks to the ground. Upper and lower thighs are well muscled. Viewed from behind the rear legs are straight from hip joint to the ground and in the same plane as the fore- legs. “Faults: Lack of muscular develop- ment or excessive muscularity.” 2 GAIT Aussies should move freely with a ground-covering stride as befits their heri- tage as tireless workers. Th e front leg reaches well in front of the body, the rear leg drives forward and steps into the spot just left by the front foot. Th ere should be no gap between. Th e motion is forward and not up; the backline stays firm and level without bounce. Viewed from the front or the rear the legs move parallel or towards a single track. Th ey are light on their feet, able to twist and turn e ff ortlessly. Th is athletic abil- ity is as important today as it was in the past. COAT AND COLOR Aussies are double coated with a short, soft undercoat and harsh 2 ½ " outer coat. Th e furnishings are softer than the body coat. Covering only the top of the skull,
Forequarters
Th e flat clean-sided skull is slightly longer than it is wide. Jaws are powerful, teeth are large, and bite is scissors. Incorrect: a too wide skull, a domed skull, a week, snipey muzzle, a muzzle lacking a chin and a too short muzzle. Lips are tight with a narrow black or brown rim. Th e expression is keen and intelligent. Th e small pointed ears are set on high and well apart. Th e ears should not flair o ff to the side or be set too close together. Aussies are sensitive in the use of their ears. A confident, alert Aussie may lay his ears back when you approach, this is a friendly gesture. Th e eyes are oval shaped and dark brown to black. Th ey should be set at a slightly oblique angle, well apart, with fill between and below them. Narrow black rims surround the eyes. Th e follow- ing are incorrect: lack of pigmentation, liver colored pigmentation, and excessive
198 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A PRIL 2015
Powered by FlippingBook