Thomas Balcombe completed many commissions for sporting and animal subjects including boxing matches and hunting scenes and portraits of prize-winning horses, cattle and dogs. Canine portraiture became extremely popular in the 19th century, with artists such as Balcombe employed by wealthy clients to document treasured pets and valuable working animals.

The kangaroo dogs depicted in this work and in its companion portrait are shown as regal and strong, poised at the ready for the chase, with eyes wide and alert.