Dandie Dinmont Terrier Information

 

Dandie Dinmont Terrier History

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was developed in the 17th century as an otter and badger hunter in the Cheviot and Teviotdale Hills in the border country of Scotland and England. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is named after Dandie Dinmont, a jovial farmer in Sir Walter Scott's novel Guy Mannering. Scott also gave the names to the breed's colours, pepper and mustard, which were adopted from the names of Dandie Dinmont's dogs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only breed to be named after a character in fiction. Today the Dandie Dinmont is amongst the rarest and most endangered of all pure breed dogs. The UK Kennel Club list the Dandie as one of the UK's Vulnerable Native Dog Breeds and there is a very real chance of the breed becoming extinct. This AKC officially recognized this breed in 1888.

 

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Temperament

The Dandie Dinmont is an affectionate and fun-loving dog. It makes a great companion dog and is lively, plucky, determined and willful. They are typical terriers, independent and willful, so this is a dog that needs a confident owner. Like typical terriers, they love to dig for real or imaginary prey. They are usually reserved with strangers and protective of family and home. Good with all well-behaved children and babies as long as they are raised with them from puppyhood. Dominance level varies greatly. Some males can be aggressive with other male dogs in the household while females can be snappy and bad tempered.

 

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Appearance

Dandies are a long and low sturdily built dog that usually weighs between 18 and 24 pounds and stand 8 to 11 inches at the withers. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a distinctive topknot on the head, which is silky in terms of texture, and also has silky pendant ears. These dogs have a textured top coat and a silky undercoat. The coloring of these dogs is pepper or mustard. Dandies are considered "low shedding" dogs, so they can be ideal for people that suffer from dog allergies.

 

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Grooming

Dandies are dogs that are a low shedding dog, but do need their coats shaved or hand stripped to keep them from getting too shaggy. If you are unwilling to do this, the dog must be taken to a professional groomer.

 

 

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Dandies are generally a robust breed with the more common health concerns being Glaucoma, Lens Luxation, spinal problems and dental problems. The typical lifespan of this breed is 11 to 14 years.

 

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Pros and Cons

This simplified list may help you decide if a Dandie Dinmont Terrier might be a good fit for your lifestyle.

 

Do You Want

• a rare, unusual looking dog?
• a dog the makes an effective watchdog?
• a dog that doesn't shed much?

 

Do You NOT Want

• a dog that will dig holes in your garden?
• a dog that needs trips to the groomers?
• a dog that can be aggressive towards other dogs?
• a dog that is reserved and aloof around strangers?
• a dog that will be very difficult to find and expensive to purchase?

 

Useful Dandie Dinmont Terrier Links

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of Canada

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club UK