and layback. I love the correct head and expression, I find it very appealing. JK: Must haves: shape, level topline, movement, coat texture, ruff and topknot and last but not least, temperament. VL: Balance, ground covering movement, correct length of muzzle to skull, level topline, correct coat and color. LM: I really prefer to find dogs with correct fronts, including the forechest as specified in the standard. The dog need not be the showiest but must be stable, never timid or uncertain. But one must always take the whole dog into account! CP: Dark eyes, small ears, proper bite and self-assurance. JR: Correct length of back and topline, correct tempera- ment, correct head and correct coat. CS: Besides the previously mentioned distinctive characteris- tics of the breed; size is 10-11 inches with medium bone; Terrier attitude. Long, flat skulled head with equal length of a strong muzzle to back skull; small, almond-shaped dark eye with keen and intelligent expression; small erect pointed ears. Proper length and arch of neck and blend of shoulders for correct balance; well sprung ribs with chest reaching to slightly below the elbows; short loin; top line level and firm; tail set high; 12 or 1 o’clock position. Forelegs straight and set well under the body; stifles well turn and hocks well bent and let down. Double coated with soft, short undercoat and harsh straight outer coat of about 2 ½ inches. Color: blue and tan and red or sandy. True movement coming and going with that ground-cov- ering stride and power rear movement from the side. PT: Terrier character, correct proportion, expression, coat and traits that are the essence of the breed. 7. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? DF: In Australia oversize in some lines, some coats of poor color and texture leading to dyeing and chalking of coats. GG: Some dogs are getting a bit bigger, thus deviating from the standard. DH: I don’t think so, I haven’t seen a lot of exaggeration in the breed. JK: Too large, too much. Or too little. It has got to be like Goldilocks... just right. VL: No, from what I have seen lately I have not seen evi- dence of any particular exaggeration. Some concern about lack of body and rib depth. This is meant to be a sturdy Terrier. LM: Yes, though not a hereditary trait—and that would be overgrooming and coloring and happily, I think there
JR: Not really. CS: I think some are pushing, if not exceeding, the height limit of 11 inches. PT: Not in my opinion based on those I have judged. 8. Do you think the dogs you see in this breed are better now than they were when you first started judging? Why or why not? DF: I have mentioned the static quality of Australian dogs, but in Finland where I have judged several times I have seen a definite improvement over the past 10 years or so and although I have not judged Aussies in US, I have attended shows over the years and the Aussies are a very high standard and certainly give the impression of improving overall quality. GG: In the relatively short time I have judged the breed, I see, in general, uniformity in the exhibits. DH: No, in general there are fewer good dogs being shown. There are still good dogs out there but I am seeing fewer Australian Terriers entered in the shows in general and I think as the numbers decline it is becoming harder for the average breeder to find the best dogs to breed to. “i think We hAve A deGree oF uniForMity noWAdAyS thAt i did not See 20+ yeArS AGo.” VL: Yes, overall I think they are better. I grew up close to Rose Parker and her Yaralla dogs and also the Remasia dogs were near me. Some of these were on the larger size by today’s standards, but they were of excellent breed type. I think we have a degree of uniformity nowadays that I did not see 20+ years ago. LM: I think there is a higher percentage of decent quality Aussies now, but perhaps that is due to more good ones being shown as the breed makes its mark in the show rings. CP: No. JR: No, it is about the same. This is not a breed with great numbers, on the whole the quality is usually pretty good. At a recent show I had two specials, both capable of win- ning groups. 9. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? DF: In Australia, few new judges appear to understand the hallmarks of the breed, the older judges here were mostly
may be less of that now than a few years ago. CP: Shorter body length and softer coat texture.
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