refinishing antiques. I bought my first Pug in 1969 and started showing on 1972. I was first approved to judge in 1989. JAY RICHARDSON
is the only one with a harsh, straight coat that is 2 ½ inches long. DH: The unique outline and proportions, his temperament, he is a steady workmanlike terrier, possibly a little arro- gant but confident in his abilities, the coat and color, the rough and the topknot. JK: The Australian Terrier is a rectangular, short-legged Ter- rier. Silky topknot with harsh coat, color and shape make it distinguishable from other Terriers. VL: The silky topknot, ruff and apron with the harsh, textured outer coat are distinctive features of this medium-sized Terrier. Its length in proportion to height is also somewhat unique in the Terriers for a dog in its size group. LM: There are several short-legged, longer-than-tall Terriers, and I think one of the things that sets the Aussie apart is its distinctive outline, with high head carriage, standing well over its front. Then there is the characteristic coat pattern with the shawl, and a head not quite like any other Terrier. CP: Shape, coloring, personality and intelligence. JR: More than anything else, is the outline of the breed and its length of back. CS: Keel and forechest; ruff and apron; topknot has definite contrast of color to body with a softer texture; lack of hair on bridge of nose forming inverted V on mature dogs; length of back 1 to 1 ½ inches greater (top of withers to base of tail) than height at withers coming from correct angles of front and rear. While their coat is harsh, it is not as dense as many of the other Terriers. PT: It is of more recent heritage than many Terriers and is a strong package in a small functional body indicating its working abilities. Because it is more naturally pre- sented than some Terriers, it is user-friendly to owner- handlers. I like to think of the Australian Terrier as a composite of some of the best qualities of many Terrier breeds. 2. What characteristics do you see improving in the breed? DF: In Australia, exhibitors are preparing their dogs better for shows, but there are still very few being shown and the overall quality has not improved (and in some instanced gone backwards) since the heydays of the breed. Having said this, there has been--and still are—some excellent Aussies shown, but they are few and far between. GG: I have only judged the breed for six years, so it is dif- ficult to answer this. As in many breeds, dogs are shown that deviate from the standard.
I reside in Elgin, IL. Outside of dogs, I try to keep the grass cut and the kids under con- trol. I am a second-generation dog person; my parents raised and showed Poodles. I was a handler for about 25 years, showing a wide range of breeds. I have finished dogs in every group and have had Best in Show dogs in Sporting, Working, Hound, Terriers and
Non-Sporting. I began judging about 1996, being approved for 13 breeds, primarily Terriers. I am now approved for all Sporting, Working and Terrier, Ridgebacks, Elkhounds, Kees, Dalmatians, and Juniors.
CLAUDIA SEABERG
I live in Franklin, Tennessee about 20 miles south of Nash- ville with my 12-year-old Brussel Griffon. I love to travel, visit with my grandkids who live in Orlando, Florida and tin- ker around the house. Having just retired from the medi- cal field, I am still trying to “find myself”. My original breed was Miniature Schnauzers; I’ve been in dogs for more than 55 years; owning, participating in obedience and conforma- tion, breeding and professional handler for about 15 years and judging since 2002. PAT TROTTER I live in Carmel, CA. I enjoy a variety of activities includ- ing being a beach bum, an avid sports fan and lover of music. I have been showing dogs since 1948 (started with Cocker Spaniels) and registered my first litter of Norwegian Elk- hounds in 1951. Following my marriage to Chuck Trotter in 1994, I started judging. 1. What characteristics distinguish the Australian Ter- rier from other Terrier breeds? DF: Their loyalty, intelligence and character. GG: The proportions of having a longer back are shared with only a few of the Terriers and of those, the Aussie
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