The Aussie Terrier
THE AUSTRALIAN TERRIER
The Aussie as he is affectionally know began life in the early 1800"s although lost in the mists of time it is believed Tasmania was the first to cross the terriers that had come out on the ships from england and so over many years evolved the Australian Terrier. It is believed that the first were the Old Scotch Terrier (not to be confused with the scottie of today) also used was the Manchester Terrier, The Skye Terrier, The Dandie Dinmont and the rough coated terrier. the Aussie was originally known as the Broken Coated Terrier and in 1889 was changed to The Australian Rough Coated Terrier. The Aussie was bred in isolation to start with and was an all round dog that would warn of anyone approaching especially with convicts, bushrangers and mauriding natives in the area. they would herd the cattle work the sheep and get on with the horses. One of their main jobs was the vermin and especially the snakes. the were bred with a topknot (from the dandie dinmont) a ruff of hair framing the face and protecting the neck from snakebite. they are a 10 inch dog and are longer than high (courstey of the skye) because of their longer body they are very agile and can leap in the air and turn on their body length and come down behind the prey.
Todays Aussie is still that agile little dog and is still a very good vermin killer. He is also a wonderful mate to his humans he loves children and adults alike. He can race around and play games with the children or be a lounge lizard if you are that way inclined. He fits into the lifestyle of his owners with no worries at all. He enjoys a good run as well as a walk on a lead. He has the most wonderful temprament although he can be arrogant and full of himself. He is Australian.
THE STANDARD OF THE AUSTRALIAN TERRIER = ANKC 1995 = UPDATED 18/10/2012
General Appearance = A sturdy low-set dog, rather long in proportion to height with strong Terrier character, alertness, activity and soundness. It's untrimmed, harsh coat with definite ruff around the neck extending to the breastbone and it's long strong head assist in developing it's hard-bitten, rugged appearance.
Characteristics = (Not Specified)
Temperament = Essentially a working terrier, but it's loyalty and even disposition make it equally suitable as a companion dog.
Head & Skull = Long with flat skull of moderate width, full between the eyes, and slight but definite stop. The muzzle, strong and powerful, equal in length to that of skull, which is covered with a soft topknot. The muzzle must be strong and not fall away under the eyes. Nose black, of moderate size, the leather extending to the bridge of the muzzle.
Eyes = The eyes shall be small, oval, with keen expression, and of dark brown colour, set well apart and not prominent.
Ears = The ears are small, erect, pointed, well carried, set on moderately wide, free from long hair and sensitive in their use. (puppies under six months excepted)
Mouth = Jaw strong and punishing, teeth large and evenly spaced, the upper incisors, fitting closely over the lower (scissor bite), lips black, tight and clean. The length and strength of muzzle are essential to give the strong, punishing jaw.
Neck = The neck is of good length, slightly arched, strong and flowing into the well angulated shoulders.
Forequarters = The forechest is well developed, brisket relatively deep with forelegs well boned, straight and parallel when viewed from the front. Pasterns are strong without slope. The legs are slightly feathered to the knee.
Hindquarters = Moderate length of quarters, broad with strong muscular thighs. Stifles are well turned with hocks well bent and let down. Viewed from behind they should be parallel from hock to feet, neither too wide or too close.
Body = Long in proportion to height, strongly constructed, with well sprung ribs and chest of moderate depth and width. The topline is level with loins strong and deep flanks. In considering the body attention must be paid to the opening description, "a sturdy low-set dog, rather long in proportion to height".
Feet = Small, round, compact, well padded, toes closely knit and moderately arched. Turned neither in nor out, with strong black or dark toenails.
Tail = Docked = Set on high, well carried, but not over the back.
Undocked = Set on high, well carried, as straight as possible,may curve over back, well covered with hair but free of fringing.
Note = When judging all importance must be placed on the set on of tail.
Gait/Movement = The action to be free, true, springy and forceful. When viewed from the front, the forelegs should move truly without looseness of shoulder, elbows or pasterns. The hindquarters to have drive and power, with free movement of stifles and hocks. Viewed from the rear the legs from the hocks to the ground to be parallel, neither too close nor too wide.
Coat = The body coat consists of a harsh straight dense top coat approximately 6 centimeters (approximately 2 1/2 in) long with short soft textured undercoat. The muzzle lower legs and feet to be free from long hair.
Colour = Blue, steel blue or dark grey blue, with rich tan (not sandy) on face, ears, under body, lower legs and feet and around the vent (puppies excepted), The richer the colour and more clearly defined the better.
Smuttiness is objectionable. Topknot blue, silver or a lighter shade than head colour.
Clear Sandy or Red. the topknot of a smiliar lighter shade. Any dark shadings or smuttiness undesirable.
In any colour, white markings on chest or feet must be penalised.
Size = Height == Dogs approx 25 cms (approx 10ins) at the withers
Bitches slightly less
Weight == Dogs approx 6.5 kg (approx 14lbs)
Bitches slightly less
Faults = Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Note = Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
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the PDF file below is the Australian Terrier Breed Extension updated 0ct 2012 (19 pages) from the ANKC website
Please feel free to download it for your own reference
/memberwebs/aussieterrierclubq/uploads/documents/3249Australian_Terrier_BSE_2012.pdf
Contact Details
Lauren LobegeigerMuirlea, QLD, Australia
Phone : 0417 425 542
Email : [email protected]