DH: I having been seeing some nice heads recently, good length and proportions, good strong muzzles with good fill and underjaws. JK: I feel shoulders have improved over the years. VL: I am seeing some improvement in level toplines, ear car- riage, and in some areas of the country, better fronts. LM: To my eyes, there is a higher percentage now of dogs with proper size and substance. I think the exhibitors by and large take advantage of the confident Aussie tempera- ment and let the dogs show themselves to a great extent. CP: Coat texture, movement, and top lines. JR: Fronts have improved. CS: Size and eye color could be better, as could upper arm length and placement (long, well laid back shoulder blade with equal length upper arm at 90 degree angle). This is a working dog—it needs to have proper shoulder assem- bly to allow the dog to move in a ground-covering stride and with matching angles in the hindquarters for drive and power. I do not see much definite contrast of color between top knots and body color. PT: An overview of the breed as seen in today’s rings shows good type and heads as well as character. The breed is sound, moves well and equipped with the right traits associated with its original job description in Australia. 3. What good characteristics do you think the breed is losing? DF: General conformation leading to poor movement, coat color and texture. DH: I am concerned with the substance, I am seeing too many overly refined dogs and I am concerned with the coats, far too many are being shown in soft coats which also impacts their color. JK: I think some are too large. I also don’t want them Toyish. Medium bone, sturdy, but within proper parameters. Also, color: they are not black and tan, but BLUE and tan; and, of course, red and sandy. VL: Coat texture and correct color and pigment. LM: I think finding good shoulder placement is a current problem, along with lack of forechest. This also is a Ter- rier that should cover ground easily with a good length of stride, and too many are too restricted in movement. CP: Length of body. JR: Correct bone and substance, it tends to be too fine boned and toy-like, with weak muzzles and round eyes. PT: Like most breeds today, Aussie breeders must guard against losing correct fronts. The standard clearly states that this breed should have good correlation of shoulder and upper arm (with the two bones of equal length) and they should meet at a 90 degree angle.
Many dogs exhibited today are compromised in that area. Both breeders and judges should seek dogs that are as close as possible to the ideal in that regard. 4. What do you look for first as the breed enters the ring? DF: Presence first and foremost, an Aussie that says, ‘Here I am’ (this applies to all breeds really), a good headpiece with the correct “hard bitten expression” and balanced profile. GG: Attitude, then outline. DH: Outline, to me this really is an outline breed, they have a very distinctive look and a confident attitude. JK: As they enter, first impressions: shape, level topline, Terrier outlook and attitude. VL: I look for a sturdy dog with a level topline and good color, small prick ears and a Terrier attitude. LM: Again, that distinctive Aussie outline, with nice neck- into-shoulder and good topline, standing over its front nicely with a strong rear at the other end. The dog should be neither too short legged nor on stilts. Then I like to see them go around the ring demonstrating a smooth ground-covering trot. CP: Type and balance. JR: Correct outline, level back and correct head. CS: Breed type. PT: Type, soundness and correct balance between the two that emphasizes the breed’s profile and heritage.
5. Describe the breed in three words. DF: Companions, alert to their surroundings and absolutely loyal. GG: Alertness, rectangular and Terrier. DH: Sturdy, low set and moderately long. JK: Sturdy, rectangular and keen. VL: Medium sized, spirited and longer cast. LM: Keen, confident and classy. CP: Intelligent, self-assured and great personality. JR: Keen, sturdy and self assured.
CS: Small, sturdy and working Terrier. PT: Rectangular, sturdy and athletic.
6. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? DF: It must look like an Aussie, possess the hallmarks of the breed and show true Terrier temperament. GG: An alert, rectangular Terrier—in addition, harsh coat, proper color, level and firm topline and scissor bite (which goes without saying). DH: Outline of course, but a big part of that for me is the front. I am a front person, always have been and this breed looks so good with a correct forechest
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