Page 218 - ShowSight - February 2020

Kerrie Bryan continued
A small number of dedicated breeders are committed to breed- ing Australian Terriers exhibiting the structure and temperament innate in those terriers. Before Australian Terrier were show dogs, they were working dogs. Uniquely, because of the topography of Australia they were also bred as a companion to the far-flung home- steaders. Australian Terriers are well suited to being companion dogs and performance dogs. They love a job. I do believe that most of our breeders ai for well-rounded dogs.
The biggest concern I have about the breed is a decreasing gene pool.
The biggest problem facing me as a breeder is finding the time to devote to a long-term serious breeding program as one ages.
A new breeder should discuss the breed with a number of expe- rienced breeders. Mentoring is so important for new breeders. Take the time to observe not only your breed but other breeds, move- ment and structure. Go over a lot of dogs with experienced breeders who will be honest about their dogs- both Australian Terriers and other breeds.
Judges should reward the innate qualities of the breed and above all terrier temperament. Terriers were not meant to be judged only as a pretty picture. What are the characteristics that make an Australian Terrier essentially and Australian Terrier rather than a generic dog ? There is a point to that topknot and ruff—defense against the snakes they were bred to kill.
The most common fault I see when traveling around the coun- try: if you mean in Australian Terriers, I would say that it would be too long in loin, lack of keel and length of jaw—all qualities essential to this working terrier. Often grooming has depleted the topknot and ruff which are the essential characteristics of an Australian Terrier.
Another point I’d like to make is that breeding happy, well- structured Australian Terriers is a serious task and that one must aim for a well-rounded dog as well as for a winning dog in the show ring.
My young male had won Winners Dog and was competing in Breed. We were all lined up in front of the judge when his sister (held—or not held—by a friend), dashed into the ring and went straight to her brother. I was mortified. The judge laughed and said, “Good choice. He is my Best of Winners.”
CLAUDIA COLEMAN
Claudia Coleman is an an American artist from North Carolina who has specialized in champion horses and dogs for more than 50 years. Her paintings hang around the world in private collections, the Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America, the Masters of Foxhounds Association, Duke Hospital, BB&T to name a few. The daughter of an artist, her love of horses and dogs shaped her talents allowing her to live the life of her dreams. She has recently added the mastery of old world classic portraits to her stable. She can be found off the beaten path with her horse, her Australian Terriers and her music.
I co-own Aussies with Alexa Samarotto and her Samabel Kennel.
I live in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Outside of dogs, I am a sporting artist specializing in dogs, horses and their owners (clau- diacoleman.com, Facebook) I own and ride horses, and fox-hunting is my passionate activity.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? We are a rare breed now, and I would hope more people will be introduced to this breed and become contribu- tors to their preservation and growth. We have lost several breeders from the past that have not been replaced by a next generation of devotees—that is not good.
Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? Rare- ly, but they most often say “what a cute dog” and ask questions. I am always ready to educate them, and the dog does the rest!
What about the breed makes them an ideal companion? Aussies are a size and temperament that will fit in a wide variety of house- holds. That is what appealed to me in the beginning. They are big enough you don’t trip over them, small enough you can pick them up easily, easy going temperament or ready to chase the squirrel, and shed very little. You can groom a lot if you like, or just brush and love. On the scale of zip and hardbitten—I would say they fall between a Westie and a Welsh.
Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? There are none that I know of.
What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? Many—economic, animal rights activists pushing destructive legislation, loss of gene pools in the rare breeds.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I can see lots early on, but my co-owner, Alexa Samarotto, and I find 12 weeks is a nice plateau that will tell you what you have.
The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? Learn and judge to the standard, ask breeders lots of questions.
The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Encourage people to go to dog shows, take the family to meet the breeds events, read all you can find about the dogs. The national club, the Australian Terrier Club of America, has wonderful history on its web site.
My ultimate goal for the breed? Preservation and growth in numbers.
My favorite dog show memory? First win!
I’d also like to share that not every breed is for every person. I, for one, know there are many breeds that I would not be comfort- able with. They say people look like their dogs and I know I have the perfect fit, and “do” LOL! I am kind of like a Terrier myself.
MARY FREEMAN
My family are animal lovers. I was the one who had to the responsibil- ity of choosing a small breed for our kennel. At that time my parents bred Kuvaszok and Irish Wolfhounds. I did much research on several small breeds and in 1970 chose the Australian Terrier. At that time I purchased a pregnant champion and Ginny had seven pup- pies. And yes no one knew what the breed was. Finding homes for
these beautiful puppies was a challenge. This comping September I have been involved with this intelligent, fun breed for 50 years.
I live in Sturgis, South Dakota. Outside of dogs I work as a Registered Dietitian and a certified Diabetes Educator. Finding out what is important and what matters to people is vital to education. Lately I have been working on watercolor landscapes and flowers in the spare time. Actually it has been very therapeutic. The abstract watercolors with flowers has been fun to do. I also enjoy photog- raphy of my dogs and photos of flowers and when I go for a hikes. Dog obedience is another hobby I enjoy. I enjoy trying new recipes as well. The other interest is getting education on essential oils and in process of doing 20 case studies for the class.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? There are negatives with being too popu- lar. It appears that when you are popular people want to make more money breeding more puppies without consideration of tempera- ment and health of the breed and thus the breed cannot be as strong
Australian Terrier Q & A
216 • ShowSight Magazine, February 2020