Page 118 - Aussie Magazine no1, 2023

An Interview with a judge

How do you define the breed type? How does Prices of raw materials and energy are going up
the Australian Shepherd differ from other breeds and up. The end result is that society is that much
FCI1? poorer, and long-term it will be harder to afford
Breed type is something that is seen and felt, and buying, keeping, and caring for pets. There may
may be difficult to put into words. Breed type soon be a need to rehome pets that were bought
consists of several factors such as silhouette, on an impulse at the start of pandemic, and that
proportions, substance, movement, head and now their owners can no longer afford. We would
expression, coat, behaviour. The Australian be wise to adjust our breeding plans accordingly.
Shepherd is not a “head breed”, but still, head and Keep in touch with your puppy owners and offer
expression are very important, as it conveys the to take your puppy back if need be.
breed-typical character and personality of the dog.
We should pay attention to the correct wedge- Every breed has problems, which is the most
shaped head with tight lips, and ears - size, shape common problem you see in the Australian
and placement (the base of ears should be placed Shepherd today?
high!), and to eye shape and placement. Beware As far as conformation, we need to pay attention
of big ears! to balanced angulation front and rear, with enough
length of upper arm. Watch out that we are not
My advice for aspiring judges of our breed, is to go losing correct heads and expression, especially
in person to the big shows in your area, World and correct high-set ears and almond-shaped eyes.
European Shows, go in person to USA, to USASA Sometimes it seems that our bitches should be
and ASCA Specialty shows, and see many quality more feminine. Many bitches are on the big side
dogs in person, talk to the breeders. Go and watch and “doggy”. All Aussies need to be in good
herding trials when you can. Develop the template muscular condition. Many Aussies are narrow
the ideal Australian Shepherd in your mind. Learn in the rear when moving, that seems to be a
to recognise breed-specific virtues. widespread problem. Sometimes I see loins that
are too long.
Do you find the breed differs around the world,
if so, how? Temperaments are good, for the most part.
I am mostly familiar with dogs in Europe and part
of the USA. Is there something which you would like to
change in the breed?
Australian Shepherds being a relatively new breed No. It is the best breed in the world, and I found in
to Europe, initially in the early 1990’s quality was this breed all that I hoped, and more.
all over the place. Dogs were shown in Europe
that in the USA would be not considered show I love that there is some variety in this breed,
prospects. That has changed, and the quality of within the Standard. Everyone can find what they
dogs in Europe is improving. There are several like. You can literally do anything with our breed,
breeders that have entered the breed and become meaning all the competitive venues. The same dog
very successful. We need to make sure that our can compete in herding or sports event, and then
dogs remain functional and in correct moderate compete in the show ring.
size and coat. Bigger is not better. More coat is
not better. Sometimes I wonder at the phrases that we should
“improve the breed”. Improve in what way? It is
The popularity of the breed in Europe has just a phrase, but an important one, it becomes
skyrocketed. Proceed with caution. Due to the accepted as a rule and influences the mind-set
COVID-19 pandemic and now due to the unjust of breeders. But think about it. Maybe we should
war that Russia started in Ukraine, the economy has “preserve” the breed, and not “improve” it. I hope
changed and is likely to continue changing. Many we are not improving/changing the breed beyond
people lost their jobs, or lost part of their income. recognition.

118 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 1/2023