Terrier men but few are still alive. We have very few spe- cialist terrier judges and so Aussies are judged generically as indeed are many breeds in this group. GG: I AM the new judge. DH: I think that depends on where the judge comes from, if they come from outside terriers I think they sometimes choose a dog that leans toward silky type, a little too refined and they forgive incorrect coats too easily. If they come from terriers, I think sometimes they choose too short backed. VL: I think they have difficulty getting the right expression and correct head, eye and ear. It is helpful to understand the Yorkshire Terrier head piece as any time an Australian Terrier makes you think even for a moment of a Yorkie it has to be an incorrect head on an Aussie. LM: I would have to say that some new judges appear not to have a great understanding of structure, but that is certainly not specific to Aussies! CP: They must remember this breed is very different from typical Terrier breeds. JR: The outline, the length of back proportion. 10. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? DF: I don’t have a comment on the breed itself, but the breed’s owners. My experience with the owners and breeders of Aussies worldwide has been one where col- legiality and support within their group is paramount. Of course there are always those who do not fit this category, but I am constantly impressed with how in the main, they put the breed before the person in order to improve their stock. This is essential if the breed is to survive and progress. GG: A built-right dog will move right. DH: They are very attractive, easy to get along with and generally a joy to be around, a wonderful breed. JK: I think Australian Terriers are one of those Terrier breeds where an owner handler should be able to com- pete with the professionals. They should present cleaned up, but not fussy or overdone. VL: I think this is a great medium-sized Terrier that has remained unspoiled and fully capable of doing its job. LM: I would like to see this breed kept as an able, athletic and natural Terrier that does many things well. I remem- ber some decades (really) ago, seeing one in a herding demonstration, working ducks—what an eye opener. CP: I feel Australian Terriers are often overlooked in the group. JR: It is a breed primarily owner handled and most do a great job trimming their dogs.
PT: This is a delightful breed that one falls in love with immediately. Their temperament, intelligence and love of life jump out at you. Furthermore, the breeders and owners are equally personable. I always enjoy judging this breed. 11. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? DF: Probably not funny at the time, but the image pops into my mind’s eye periodically and I laugh each time. I was just handing the Group 1 award to an English Cocker Spaniel when judging Gundogs in South Australia last year. The Cocker, in his excitement, wrapped himself and his lead around my legs knocking me off my feet. Both the owner and I were too stunned to do anything for a second or two, before he helped me to my feet. We had a good laugh later as it happened all too quickly for anyone to take a photo and post in onto that dreaded Facebook. GG: I enjoy watching the dogs communicate with each other. I think most people miss this. It is very interesting. DH: I think this should be a regular column in ShowSight , the stories you hear in judge’s rooms have everybody laughing. Personally, I’ve had a few but this one comes to mind today. I was judging on the outskirts of a Northern city that is known for its lakes and woods. The club decided to put the judges up in a lovely bed and breakfast in one of the wooded areas outside the city. They had two start times for judges and so were making two trips to pick us up. The first set of judges went off and started judging. But, when it came time for the second set to be picked up, there was a small problem, a large black bear was standing in the parking lot and it had no intention of leaving. Needless to say, judging was delayed that day. JK: The funniest thing... probably tearing my pants while bending down. How’s that? VL: I am one of those people who can never remember the punch line of a joke and quickly forget all the odd experi- ences at a dog show—at least anything that I could tell about in print! CP: A large rat ran through my ring while I was judging Aussies and NOT ONE Australian Terrier moved a hair! JR: Impossible to answers, way too many choices! PT: While judging another Terrier breed, the dog slipped its lead and started running around the ring. When the exhibitor corralled it and got it back on the lead, with great poise she walked to start the down and back again and remarked, “You said loose lead!” The ringside broke up.
t4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& . "3$)
Powered by FlippingBook