Issue date: 24th November 2025
Dogs Part 1
This new issue from the Tristan da Cunha Post Office is the first of a two-part series depicting the various breeds of dogs found on the island.
Dogs have been faithful companions on Tristan da Cunha since the island’s first settlement in 1816. Early settlers relied on them for hunting and herding, and over the centuries, they became an inseparable part of island life.
When the volcano erupted in 1961, the islanders were evacuated, and most dogs were humanely destroyed. Yet, when residents returned, dogs were reintroduced, mainly Collies and Collie-crosses, to help rebuild farming life. Today, they still work alongside their owners herding sheep and calves and even take part in the annual “Ratting Day” tradition.
In recent years, small pet breeds from Cape Town have joined the community, adding warmth and character to daily life. This stamp issue celebrates the enduring bond between the people of Tristan da Cunha and their devoted dogs, loyal companions through hardship, change, and time.
This first set includes the following breeds, beautifully illustrated against Tristan backgrounds based on photographs by Julia Gunther:
65p - Jack Russell - Named after the English country parson who first bred them for hunting, Jack Russell Terriers are small fearless dogs requiring extensive exercise and stimulation.
£1.00 - Rough Coat Collie - Rough Collies are medium to large sheepdogs with a long thick coat. They came originally from the Highlands of Scotland.
£1.10 - Yorkshire Terrier - Yorkshire Terriers are toy companion dogs with long silky coats, usually tan on the head and steel grey on the body.
£2.50 - Border Collie - Border Collies are medium sized dogs known for their high intelligence and intense gaze. They are the ultimate herding dogs and thrive on work and mental challenges.
FDC - Morkie - Morkies are a crossbreed of Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers. They are small and sociable with silky low-shedding coats.