A Skye Terrier named Mac Jagger is becoming well-known in the Kiama area. He walks regularly with his owners, Joan and Ross Hughes, and with his -co-parents, neighbours Karen and Paul. He creates such interest amongst passers by just as his namesake Mick Jagger would if he was walking around Kiama. 

Named after the Scottish Isle of Skye, Skye Terriers are an endangered breed in the UK. Queen Victoria owned some and Mary Queen of Scots was purported to have had one under her skirt when she went to the gallows. 

Skye Terriers were bred for vermin control and although Mac has short legs, he is a fast runner which is useful for chasing vermin off the property. He loves vigorous play time with other dogs who run. Sadly, he rarely catches them. 



Mac’s owners bought him from a breeder in NSW and he has been a real magnet of interest wherever he goes. Joan said, “People ask about him all the time, what kind of breed he is, and where we got him from. He is a great conversation starter, for sure. Many people don’t know us, but they know our dog.”

People are often confused when they see Mac out with Karen and Paul remarking, “Oh there is another dog in Kiama just like this one”. One day, a visitor to Kiama came up to Ross and said, ‘I’ve seen this dog in Rose Bay!’ Ross explained that it’s because they live part-time in Rose Bay. 

Mac’s human companions - all 4 of them - are regular walkers with the Heart Foundation daily walkers. Keen observers might have noticed him in the photo accompanying the recent Bugle article about the walking group. 

Watch out for Mac around Kiama and be sure to say ‘Hello’. He’s a friendly chap, just like his owners.