Banjo’s a star!

Banjo’s owners believe it’s only a matter of time before Hollywood comes knocking....

The six-year-old toy poodle cross Jack Russell is regularly mobbed by youngsters who think he is the children’s book star, Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.

Meanwhile, more mature fans think he’s a dead ringer for Toto, Dorothy’s dog in The Wizard of Oz.

Either way Banjo is a star, although the accompanying photos shows him wearing his less famous, shorter summer coat. It’s his scruffy, long winter mane that really makes him movie star material.

Despite his adoring fans, Bondi-Junction based Banjo is a down-to-earth dog who loves children, especially his big human brothers James, 15 and Charlie, 11.

“He always wants me to talk to him and pat him the minute after I wake up,” says Charlie. Meanwhile Banjo loves it when James or his “mum” Pamela throws the ball in nearby Queens Park.

“He could spend literally hours chasing the ball and bringing it back,” says James.

“He never tires of that game. He just has a quick rest when he is really puffed, then he is back at it again.”

Banjo enjoys regular walks around Sydney’s Centennial Park with Pamela, while a big treat is a play date with his big sister Buddy who lives in nearby Bronte. His favourite meal without a doubt is chicken necks with a handful of dog biscuits.

“When we are chopping up the chicken necks at night he literally jumps for joy,” laughs Pamela. “He is quite an athlete and when friends come around for dinner they are always amazed at how high he goes!”