Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Other names: Terrier
Origin
The Dandie Dinmont is an old terrier dating back to the 1700s originating from the border area between England and Scotland. The breed may have been developed from the Skye Terrier and the now extinct Scotch Terrier (not to be confused with today's Scottish Terrier). The breed was popular among the gypsies and was used by farmers to kill vermin. With its short legs it was able to go to ground hunting badgers and otter. In 1814 Sir Walter Scott wrote about the breed in is famous novel "Guy Mannering". In the book there was a character named Dandie Dinmont, and that is where the breed got it's name.
Description
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a low to the ground, longer than he is tall, little dog. The large head has a topknot that is in proportion to the body. The skull is broad between the ears, gradually tapering to the eyes. The muzzle is deep, with a well defined stop. The large teeth meet in a scissors bite. The moderately, large nose and the lips are dark in color. The large, round, wide-set eyes come in dark hazel with dark eye rims. Their ears are pendant, set low and wide, hanging close to the cheeks. The legs are short with the back legs being a little longer than the front legs.
| Size | Small |
| Colour | Coat colors come in pepper (dark bluish black to a light silvery gray) or mustard (reddish brown to a pale fawn). Mustard puppies are born with a dark brown coat which lightens into varying shades of red when it reaches an adult. Pepper puppies are born black and tan, that silvers later in life. Pepper coats have a silver topknot and mustard color coats have a cream colored topknot |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Weight/Height Range | Both dogs and bitches should weigh between 8-11kgs. |
| Ailments | A healthy breed, although hypothyroidism is not uncommon in the older dog. Some dogs have had incidences of glaucoma and epilepsy. Dogs that are overweight and unexercised can have back problems. |
Feeding & Ownership
This dog can be fed dry or wet food or a mixture of both. Care must be taken to avoid overfeeding as obesity is very dangerous in the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
| Food Cost | $5 to $10 |
Personality
The Dandie Dinmont makes a great companion dog, affectionate and fun-loving. Lively, bold, brave, independent and intelligent. Because of this terrier's hunting instincts, it should not be trusted with non-canine pets, it will be okay with cats that it is raised with from puppyhood. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do.
| Intelligence | This breed is intelligent but not particularly easy to train since it has a curious nature and a mind of its own. It can be very difficult to overcome the hunting instinct and train the dog to come when called. Early socialisation is required in order for it to learn to get along with cats and other dogs. Socialisation will also help it overcome its natural wariness with strangers. |
| Energy | Medium |
| Suitability for Children | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | Need to be walked daily. They will also enjoy sessions of play in the park. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Low |
| Ease of Transportation | High |
| Level of Aggression | Medium |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Low |
Grooming
The Dandie Dinmont needs to be brushed regularly. They should have professional grooming. Dead hair should be plucked out once or twice a year.
| Grooming Requirements | Once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Little |
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