australian terrier Q&A WITH KERRIE BRYAN, GRACE MASSEY, CHERYL MECHALKE, KIM OCCHIUTI, ALEXA SAMAROTTO, TERESA SCHREEDER AND JULIE SEATON
in a lack of consistency in breed type across the country fur- ther limiting choices for breeding partners. My advice to a new breeder is to travel and see Aussies beyond your breeder’s stock and to study the breed standard from an impartial source, for instance, with breed mentors or long-standing parent club members active and inactive. With- out consulting those “inactive” breeders one loses the history and depth of knowledge regarding the breed. In addition, “inactive” breeders have no skin in the game and will offer unbiased opinions on anyone’s dogs or breeding practices. As far as judges go, I wish that they would judge the breed as if it were their own and to really evaluate for breeding. Because this breed is not common, it is easier to fault judge versus judging the entire dog. The mediocre Aussie often wins the most because the faults, while many, are not dramatic. As a breeder, I would breed to an overall excellent dog with some obvious fault (e.g. size, eye color, pigment, etc.) over a medio- cre dog any day. Most common fault is breed type, but if we are talking breed standard faults, I’d have to say straight shoulders. Integrity and patience are key. The people I respect the most have ethics which they have adhered to through slow winning and big winning times. The wins will come and go, so persevering and sticking with what is best for the breed is best for the sustainability and longevity of you and your breeding program. The funniest moments for me are not publicly shareable, but a favorite moment was a Tarheel circuit about 20 years ago when my then 4 year old daughter was big on listening to ABBA and had us all singing to the hits of ABBA, we all think of that circuit when we hear ABBA to this day. ALEXA SAMAROTTO I live in Staten Island, a suburban part of New York City. This is a breed that should be more well known and desired as the best features of the breed really suit the way we live today. We want a dog with an easy care coat, easy going personality, good size and activity level often for apartment living and with few health issues and frankly, the Australian Terrier meets those requirements. To some extent, those fea- tures do not meet a certain modern taste for “exotic” looking breeds that are in fashion. This is unfortunate in that when a pet person discovers the Aussie, they often say they would never change breeds again. I have heard this so many times in my many years (over 50) in the breed. The problem is often access to puppies from good quality breeders. So many poten- tial buyers who sound like the homes we want for our pup- pies can’t find a puppy in any viable time frame so they end up with another breed. This was considered heresy years ago, but in today’s climate with regard to purebred dogs, I believe we need to produce more, good quality puppies rather than fewer. More puppies sold to good homes are the public rela- tions ambassadors we need to show the public how great a breed we have. More Aussies out there are our best advertis- ing for the breed ultimately adding to the potential pool of
that one must strive to breed sound dogs by doing research and selecting dogs to breed to that compliments, enhanc- es or offers improvements to the faults of the the dam you are breeding. The biggest problem facing me as a breeder is ensur- ing that the puppies that have been bred are placed in wonderful homes. Advice to a new breeder and to a new judge: read and understand the Standard for the breed. Then find breeders at shows or online, and visit with them to learn about the breed and put your hands on the dogs to feel the structure. Much can be done with grooming to distract from faults that all dogs have, but your hands can feel much more than the eye can see. It is better to feel the dog and know the “whole pack- age”, as a really good dog may not have an owner who grooms really well, or is new to the breed and needs some practice/ advice regarding grooming. I have been blessed to have met other breeders, handlers and judges who offered me groom- ing tips! This is much appreciated! The most common fault I see when traveling around the country is Australian Terriers that lack bone/forechest, round eyes/lack of pigmentation, have poor toplines Love your dogs! Strive to breed to the Standard! And ignore the bullies! The funniest thing that happened to me at a show was I lost my half slip in a show ring and threw it out of the show ring and it landed on the ring fencing! KIM OCCHIUTI I live outside of Boston. I work a full-time job and a part time job. I am more active with my family and friends than I am with my dogs, though dogs are a major part of my life. I’m very concerned, all counts are down dramatically from when I started, breeders, litters, puppies, Regional Aus- sie clubs and parent club membership. We have always been a less popular breed, but I feel that we are heading toward being rare. The quality of dogs overall has not changed dramatically over the years. There are a few quality dogs and many aver- age dogs, the best dogs are not necessarily the top winners. I’m guessing that Australian Terriers are no different in this than any breed. Being so passionate about this breed, I see problems in every area mentioned (structure, temperament, health), but I believe our biggest issue is breed type. There are so many fac- tors that are important to our breed type, the outline of this breed from head to tail, is unique to the short legged terriers. Our heads should be long and strong, the neck should slope and blend beautifully into the laid back shoulder and there should be structure beyond the tail. I see all three of these things lacking, yes the front and rear are ultimately about structure, but without them the dogs lack true breed type. My biggest problem as a breeder is the lack of quality stud dogs. Breeders tend to keep bitches as they are easier to run together. Aussie breeders also tend to limit their breeding programs to their region and their friends which has resulted
292 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M ARCH 2019
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