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The first Australian Terrier Club was formed in Australia in
1887. At about the same time, Australian Terriers were exported
to Great Britain and were granted a separate registry by the
Kennel Club of England. Australian Terriers were introduced to
the U.S. in the late 1940's. In 1957 the Australian Terrier Club
of America was formed. The following year, 1958, nine Aussies
were entered in the Miscellaneous Class at Westminster. By 1960,
the Miscellaneous Class at Westminster had its largest entry with
58 Australian Terriers being exhibited. That same year, the
Australian Terrier became the 114th breed to be admitted to the
Registry of the American Kennel Club. The Australian Terrier Club
of America became an AKC Member Club in 1977, and today has
approximately 200 members.
Mr. and Mrs. Milton Fox of Plesantpastures Kennels contributed
in a major way to the recognition of the breed in this country.
Mrs. Fox, a native of New Zealand, was familiar with the Aussie
in her homeland, and imported some of the early dogs that arrived
in this country.
History of the Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier, or "Aussie", not to be
confused with the Australian Silky, known as the Silky Terrier in
the United States, the Australian Shepherd or the Australian
Cattle Dog, was the first Australian breed of dog to be
recognized and shown in Australia. Persistent efforts over the
years produced an ideal terrier to suit Australian conditions, a
rugged, hard-bitten, fearless dog equally at home indoors or out.
Beginning in Tasmania, the earliest efforts at breeding a
native rough-coated terrier soon spread to Victoria on the
mainland and then to other Australian states. When the
Australians needed help to control rodents on the waterfront and
in the gold mines or sheep stations, or to herd sheep and serve
as watchdogs, they began breeding these small dogs from the
rough-coated , short-legged dogs from Britain which originally
came with the first sailing ships to the Land Down Under.
This dog, one of the smallest of the working terriers, was
bred to be both helper and companion in rough times and terrain.
A native dog, known as the rough-coated terrier, and a close
relative of the old scotch dog of Great Britain (not to be
confused with the present day Scottish Terrier) are believed to
have been bred with a number of other breeds of British stock to
produce the fast, sturdy, weather resistant and fearless little
dog that the settlers needed as they expanded the frontiers of
their country. The breeds chosen for cross breeding were selected
to promote specific desired traits. Although there are
differences among writers of the histories of the breed, there is
consensus of opinion that the breeds used included the precursor
of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Skye, the Yorkshire, and the
old Black and Tan Terrier.
Physical Characteristics
The Australian Terrier is a small, sturdy, medium-boned
working terrier about 10-11 inches in height at the withers. Its
body is rather long in proportion to height, with a long slightly
arched neckline. Its head should be long and strong, with pricked
ears, and dark, black-rimmed eyes. The coat is harsh and
straight, about 2½ inches all over its body, with a distinctive
ruff and apron, and a soft, silky topknot. The tail is docked,
leaving slightly less than one half, and should be held erect.
Aussies come in three colors, Blue & Tan, Solid Sandy, and
Solid Red. As benefits their heritage as versatile workers,
Australian Terriers are sound and free-moving, with good reach
and drive. Their expression should be keen and intelligent, their
manner spirited and self assured.
This info was taken from the ATCA and you can get more info
from their site.
Australian
Terrier Club of America
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