Description

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is longer than he is tall. The solid head is covered with a distinctive silky topknot. The legs are short and muscular. The head is large (but still in good proportion to the body) with a strong forehead, defined stop, and black nose. The teeth meet in a scissors bite and are large for the size of the dog. The 3 to 4 inch ears are pendant, wide near the head and tapering almost to a point. The hazel eyes are brilliant and lively, but not protruding, with a gentle, wise expression. The tail is from 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm.) long and is carried with an upward curve. It is thick at the base and gets thicker for about 4 inches and then tapers. The unique, 2 inch (5 cm.) long crisp-textured coat contains a mixture of harsh and soft hair. The hair on the underside is softer than on the upper body, and the hair on the top of the head and upper ears is even softer and silkier. The breed comes in two colors, pepper or mustard. Mustard puppies are born dark brown and lighten into varying shades of red at adulthood. Pepper puppies are born black and tan, with a silvering gene. Adult pepper Dandies have the same coloring as the salt & pepper Schnauzer. The topknot and furnishings on pepper Dandies are silver and on mustard Dandies they are cream colored. Front dewclaws are removed when puppies are three or four days old.

Origin

The Dandie Dinmont is an old terrier breed from the border area between England and Scotland. It was probably developed from the now extinct Scotch Terrier (not to be confused with today's Scottish Terrier), and the Skye Terrier. Raised mainly by gypsies and used by farmers to kill vermin, the Dandie Dinmont was named after the character in the famous novel "Guy Mannering" by Sir Walter Scott back in the 1800's. They still retain their talents for catching vermin. The Dandie has also been used for hunting rabbit, otter and badger. By instinct it has always been a great mouse catcher. And it is an enemy of martens, weasels, and skunks. An amusing-looking dog (long body, very short legs, toupee on the head), it has become a most sought-after companion dog.

Temperament

The Dandie Dinmont is affectionate and fun-loving. It makes a great companion dog. Lively, plucky, determined and willful. Independent and intelligent. Bold yet dignified. 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. It is best not to keep two intact male dogs together. It should not be trusted with non-canine pets. It will be okay with cats that it is raised with from puppyhood. This little dog has a big bark for its size. They are not difficult to train, but allowance must be made for the fact that they can be very stubborn and not keen on obedience.

Height

Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 18-24 pounds (8-11 kg.)

Known Health Problems

A healthy breed, although hypothyroidism is not uncommon in the older dog. A few lines have had incidences of glaucoma and epilepsy. Dogs that are overweight and unexercised can have back problems.

Conditions for Living

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do. Do not let this dog off the leash in an unsafe area because it will take off after a cat or other animal.

Exercise Requirments

sessions of play in the park or other safe open areas.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

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. Show dogs require much more grooming. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Group

Terrier, AKC Terrier