Page 44 - Aussie Magazine no1, 2023

Judge

BEYOND THE BASICS “appear” to have more bone than called for in the

Size: With the induction of the AKC Miniature standard due to their “show” coats. This is easy
American Shepherd (smaller offshoots of the for you to check by hand. A perfect example of the
Australian Shepherd) there will be even more effect of coat would be to compare and contrast
emphasis on what is the correct size for this the bone of animals in and out of coat. What is
breed. I have overheard judges state, “this breed even more remarkable is to view these dogs when
is getting too big,” or “your bitch is too small.” Both they are wet. Many are much more moderate than
statements are incorrect. While we do specify they may appear. It is critical for you to go over
standard size variations, our founders were clear these animals with your hands to feel the actual
in not limiting the breed to specific sizes. This structure and substance.
breed should never be measured for the simple
reason that the standard states, “quality is not Moderation when it comes to gait also refers to
to be sacrificed in favour of size.” While you lack of exaggeration. This is a dog that needs to
may personally prefer a smaller or larger animal, be able to work all day long. While they have to
neither is to be faulted. When judging an animal be extremely agile and lithe with quick bursts of
whose size may bother you, pay attention to the speed, they also have to be able to conserve their
proportions. If the animal is slightly longer than strength and work from dawn to dusk. Extremes
tall, with equidistant wither-to-elbow, elbow-to- of gait would not suit this purpose. Conversely
ground measurement, then size does not matter gait hampered by structural deficiencies are
in a specimen that is otherwise correct and of equally detrimental.
quality. As breeders, we require the variation.
When talking about size, moderation is not a

Moderation: The term is used frequently consideration. We clearly state that we have a
throughout the standard. Moderation for our breed size range (the difference between an 18” and
means being free from exaggeration. Founding 23” animal is quite remarkable), but the term
breed club member Georgjean Hertzwig of Gefion moderate should not be used to determine if an
Australian Shepherds notes, “Moderate does not animal’s size is faulty.
mean mediocre.”
Hands On: It is imperative to get your hands on
When it comes to substance or bone and these dogs and thoroughly examine them. Coat
moderation, a 24” male dog is going to have and colours can interfere with a correct visual
more bone than its 18” female counterpart. What assessment. Many an Australian Shepherd can
is important is if the bone is moderate and in “appear” to be quite different than reality due to
proportion to the size of the animal. Many dogs illusions that the colour and markings give. The
colour and markings, including disqualifications,
can be different on each side of the dog, so it is
also important to view both sides of the exhibit.

While our standard calls for specific angles that
are ideal for a working, agile breed that requires
stamina as well, it is important to note that while
emphasis can be placed on shoulder layback, if
the angles in the front do not match the rear, you
will not have a sound moving dog. Frank Baylis
states, “Ideal shoulder layback does not ensure
good movement. Just because a dog has the ideal
shoulder angulation does not mean it can move.
I have had dogs with a straighter shoulder and
the same straight angles in the rear be the better-
Blue merle male stacked. Photo by Amber Aanensen.
moving dog. Focus on the balance front to rear.”

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