JUDGING THE AUSTRALIAN TERRIER by JANE TENOR & IDA ELLEN WEINSTOCK
F orm ever follows function. 1 Th is principle is important today in evaluating an Australian Ter- rier because to understand the form one must understand the functions for which the breed was used. FUNCTIONS As they expanded the frontiers of their country, the early settlers of Australia devel- oped a small, sturdy terrier with a weather resistant coat, which was able to work a full day outside in rough terrain. Th ey were used to help control rodents and snakes on the home front, waterfronts, farms, sheep and cattle stations in the outback. Th ese terriers had to be courageous, agile enough to leap out of harms way and determined enough to finish the task when hunting snakes and rodents or while fend- ing o ff intruders. Aussies were also used to tend livestock. Th ese tireless little work- ers had to cover great distances e ffi ciently to work with the livestock. Th eir harsh double coat protected them in Australia’s varied climate. When guarding the mines, or when intruders appeared the ability to recognize danger and sound the alarm was prized. As companions in the home to relive the loneliness of the vast empty out- back, their loyalty, intelligence and will- ingness to please were invaluable. When judging Australian Terriers their form must reflect these uses and functions. Th ey are not exotic, extreme or exagger- ated. Th eir naturalness is an important breed characteristic. THE FORM When observed in the ring, you should see an alert, spirited and self-assured ter- rier. It is small, sturdy, medium boned and blue & tan, red or sandy in color. “Faults: Shyness or aggressiveness toward people.” 2
Head: side profile.
Th e height is 10-11 inches at the with- ers. While the Australian Terrier is listed among the short-legged terriers, in actual fact the length of leg from the elbow to the ground is at least 50% of its height mea- sured from the withers to the ground. Th e term low set is used to describe the Aussie chest, which should drop below the elbow approximately 1 inch. Th is is not a refer- ence to short legs but to the chest in rela- tion to the ground; it doesn’t translate into shortness of leg. Th e body is long in comparison to the back: the additional length is formed by correct angles of the front with promi- nent forechest and the rear, which extends
behind the tail forming a well rounded butt. Th e length of back measured from the withers to the front of the tail is approximately 1-1 ½ inches longer than from withers to the ground. Substance is determined by good working condition, correct body proportions, medium bone, symmetry and balance. HEAD Th e head is long, strong and covered with a lighter colored soft, silky topknot. A distinctive characteristic of the Aussie it covers the skull and is silver or a lighter shade than the rest of the head. Muzzle is of equal length to the skull with a slight stop.
196 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A PRIL 2015
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