Many people are surprised to know that the first Aussies came to Britain in 1896. Records show the owner was Lord Hopetoun and many breed historians have copies of the pictures featuring this assuie.

The breed was truly developed in Australia from a mixture of British Terriers who were taken to the Antipodes with their owner.

The breed took some time to take off in Britain; the distance involved and quarantine being major reasons. however, by 1930's there were several key kennels established and by 1933 sufficient dogs were registered in the Kennel Club for the breed th be recognised. At the same time the Australian Terrier Club of Great Britain was formed.

Both red and blue and tan dogs were imported, mostly by diplomats and military personnel when they returned from tours of duty in Australia. Governor Generals like the Earl of Stradbroke and the Duke of Gloucester were great enthusiasts and contributed greatly to establishing the breed in Britain.

The breed's progress was held up during the W.W.II, when some imports had to be cancelled and key breeding stock was dispersed around the country to keep them safe from bombs and to spread the ease of feeding them. When the war over, Ch Dandy of Zellah emerged as the first Champion and for many became the blueprint of the type being bred in post-war Britain. Interesting he was red.

In Britain, the breed has never hit the heights of the top ten breed and exhibitors and breeders tend to be few and far between. however, the Aussie attracts great enthusiasts who do care about the breed and delights in the fact the breed has not changed in character from its first arrival on our shores.