A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AUSTRALIAN TERRIER PROPORTIONS
shoulders are well laid-back and are of equal length to the upper arms. The chest extends slightly below the elbows. The prominent prosternum and sternum form a keel under the body. These distinguishing characteristics of Aussies are important, allowing them to function as an all-around worker. When judging, it is important to evaluate the whole dog! Correct proportions and angles allow the Aussie to move smoothly and effort- lessly, with long-reaching front legs and hard-driving rear legs that will step into the spot the front foot has just left. These are qualities necessary for a dog to function as a herder of sheep in a vast land. The length of the muzzle also enabled the breed to efficiently dispose of the poi- sonous snakes that were prevalent in the Australian Outback. The agility provided by their angles and structure gives them the ability to lure a snake forward and jump out of the way, and to come behind the head and clamp down for the kill. They are great hunters of medium-sized game. Rats are no problem, nor are groundhogs. They may not be bothered to observe a field mouse. Aussies are fierce protectors of the home. History tells us they were used for guard- ing gold mines in Australia. Personal experience includes a great show dog and brave sparrer who never backed off or turned away and who held his ground in the ring during a fierce thunderstorm, and yet, was a gentle caretaker of an orphaned lamb. Australian Terriers are loving, playful, and acrobatic companions in the home.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ida Ellen Weinstock’s family acquired their first Australian Terrier (AT) in 1963 and started showing them in 1965. In early 1966, a meeting with Fred Wheatland at a dog show where Ida Ellen discussed the breed with him while he was here to promote his book (The Australian Terrier and the Australian Silky Terrier) and to judge them, led to a trip to Australia later that year. Wheatland and Frank Longmore are credited with reviv - ing interest in Aussies in their homeland in 1939. Ida Ellen and her sister, Alice, visited 21 AT kennels, including Taggalong, Seven Oaks, Bluebell, Tineetown, Benbullen, and Taralee. At three dog shows, they got to watch judging with Frank Longmore and another judge. These experiences, and dinner with the Wheatlands, were an incredible education in what an Aussie should be. Dogs that Ida Ellen and her sister have bred include National and Regional Specialty winners, Group winners and placers, and from whom descend BIS winners. Jane Tenor is an Australian Terrier breeder, owner, and handler who has been active in the breed for 45-plus years. She is privileged to have handled two memorable dogs in the breed. Ch. Crestwood’s Crackerjack (Jack), a blue & tan, was a multiple National Specialty winner, multiple All-Breed Best in Show winner, and Best of Breed at the AKC Centennial Show. Ch. Regency Lord of Summerhill (Arnie) was the first red Australian Terrier to win an all-breed BIS in the US and, at 12 years old, won Best Veteran in Show on the ATCA National Day and Best of Opposite Sex the following day. In 2005, Jane entered the Obedience ring with her bred-by dog, Ch. Ridgepark’s Crowned in Honor, and they went on to earn a UD and RAE title. He became the first Aussie to obtain the Rally AKC RAE title and, in 2007, he went High in Trial at the National Specialty. Ida Ellen served on the committee to create the current AT Breed Standard, co-created The Australian Terrier: An Illustrated Clarification of the Standard with Dr. Katherine Barnes, co-produced with Jane Tenor the AT’s PowerPoint program which was used at breed seminars, served on the ATCA’s Judges Education Committee since its conception, and has been involved with Members Education. Jane Tenor and Ida Ellen have jointly written several magazine articles on the breed. Jane has served on the Board of the Australian Terrier Club of America as President for six years and as Show Chair for ATCA National Specialties. As Chair of the Judge’s Education Committee, she worked with Ida Ellen Weinstock to develop a judge’s education PowerPoint for the club’s use. She is an ATCA approved presenter and ringside mentor and is now Co-Chair of the ATCA Judge’s Education Committee. In 2015, Jane received the AKC ATCA Good Sportsmanship Award.
274 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2023
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