AUSTRALIAN TERRIER TAILS, DOCKED & UNDOCKED
“The Standard was carefully worded to be inclusive, yet it creates a word picture with the words “straight to curved forward” which allows for future progress in breeding.”
important, as it reveals whether the dog has proper hindquar- ter structure. Too low a tail set usually indicates some dispro- portion or structural flaw in the entire hind end. In judging the Australian Terrier, what judges should keep in mind is that our breeders are in the initial steps of creating the look of the undocked tail. The Standard was carefully worded to be inclusive, yet it creates a word picture with the words “straight to curved for- ward” which allows for future progress in breeding. The hope is that judges will continue to view the entire picture of the Australian Terrier and assess those aspects of the tail that assist in allowing the dog to perform its intended functions. This means, more than length, the judge should focus on tail set, strength at the base, and the flow into the hindquarter structure. We also hope that with this inclusive wording, breeders who choose not to dock will be encouraged to explore their vision on the shape of the tail and continue to improve not just the look of the tail, but the dog’s entire structure and type. In summary, the wording allows for inclusion of the docked and undocked tail, and for future development as breeders continue to envision and improve the entire shape and propor- tion of the tail. Ideally, a high set, strong, and well-shaped tail provides a finishing touch to the picture of an Aussie.
In addition, the wording “docked” or “undocked” was a modifica- tion to the General Appearance Section, and there was a change to the Dewclaws stating, “may be removed” rather than “removed.” This provided for more inclusivity for dogs that are imported or those to be exported. But in our breed, I am going to guess that not many judges have paid attention to that phrase in the previous standard. Let’s parse some of these points out, to focus on what is important about the tail. First, set-on is high and carried at a twelve to one o’clock position. This point has always been a feature of the breed as the tail does not need to be carried fully upright, but reflecting that the tail, as part of the spinal column, should be set well, coming from the croup and as a continuation of the spine. It is easily discerned by observa- tion whether or not the tail has been docked. Another key feature is balance; the tail, no matter the length, should be balanced, i.e., the Aussie is a medium-boned breed and the tail should reflect this—not too thick nor too thin, but pleasingly in balance. The Standard has always referred to a good “hand-hold” that some think refers only to the docked length. This is not entirely the case. The docked tail should be long enough for a good handhold, but this is true whether a tail is docked or undocked. The primary criteria for a hand-hold is that the tail has a strong base and is sufficiently muscled, and can be gripped when hunting, to pull the dog from their prey’s den quickly with- out injuring the tail. Too thin a tail and the tail could be broken by too vigorous handling. The wording reiterates that the tail set is most
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alexa Samarotto has had Australian Terriers since 1963 and will always have them. Her involvement with the ATCA has included past Presidency, Board membership and various committees, including Judges Education as well as Sweepstakes assignments in Aussies and Irish Terriers. Alexa was a founding member and is current President of the Raritan Valley Australian Terrier Club. She has been lucky to have bred and owned some winning dogs and hopes to continue to do so. Alexa feels that this breed is an unsung treasure in many ways and she is proud to be so involved with these grand little dogs, to borrow an old slogan. Alexa is always hoping to move the breed forward and educate as well.
324 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2021
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