The Aussie - Summer 2020 final

Scottish Element
It is claimed that different types of Scottish working dogs
were used in the development of kelpies and heelers.
These included the Scotch collie and a sharp-eared
Lurcher that was a noted worker with sheep. Whatever the
actual crosses used ls Immaterial compared with the
result. In all the world there ls not, to be found a better
sheepdog than the Australian Kelpie, or more sagacious
cattle dog than the Australian Heeler. Both dogs are active;
lithe and
alert. They are much the same size and both have
remarkable suppleness of limb. Muscular substance is a
pronounced feature of each dog, but there must not be any
appearance of coarseness or cloddlness, nor should there
be any suggestion of the greyhound. The height at the
wlthers should be about 18 to 20In. for dogs, and about an
inch less for bitches in each breed. According to the
standard of points adopted by the Kennel Control Council,
the coat of the Kelpie should be moderately short, flat,
smooth, and weather-resisting, with a dense undercoat.
Kelpies are to be had in colours of black, black and tan,
red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate, and smoke-blue.
Because of Its unusual muscular development, the Heeler,
although the same height as the Kelpie, often gives the
impression that it ls a smaller dog. Although not always as
fast in action as the Kelpie, the Kelpie ls equally tenacious,
and would probably prove to have greater stamina. The
Heeler also has a thick undercoat. Except for that behind
the legs, the coat should be smooth, straight, and short.
Colours in this breed are described as blue mottled and
red speckled.
Australian Terriers
A recent inspection of some municipal dog registration
records revealed that more dogs were described as
Australian Terriers than any other two breeds combined.
There ls a galaxy of Terriers in every country in the world,
most of which came originally either from England, Ireland,
Scotland, or Wales. There appears to be some doubt and
very
little proof regarding which dogs were used in the
production of Australian Terriers. It is evident that some of
the best imported Terriers were crossed. It is known that
Yorkshire, Scottish, and Skye Terriers were used and in all
probability Dandie Dinmonts, of which a number were at
one time known on Mainland, participated in the
development of the dog.
Value and Merit
The popularity of the Australian and the Silky Terrier is
sufficient evidence of their value and merits. For so small a
dog they have a remarkable temperament. Their courage is
not excelled by that of the largest of dogs. They are
Intelligent, affectionate, and loyal. They make an admirable
watchdog or companion, and may be used with success in
hunting rabbits or other small game. This famous little
Australian is divided into two classes - silky terrier, whose
coat must be of a soft, silky texture and hot less than 6
inches. in length, and the Australian Terrier, whose coat
must be harsh and not more than 2 inches long. With Silky
Terriers the weight must not exceed 121b., but with
Australian Terriers the weight may vary.