Dandie Dinmont Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a low, long, curved dog with a large, rounded head topped by a silky white or pale topknot, big dark eyes, and long drop ears. It stands roughly 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder. The body coat is pencilled, a crisp mix of hard and soft hair, in pepper (bluish-gray to silver) or mustard (reddish brown to pale fawn).

Border farmers and hunters used the breed on otters, badgers, and foxes, relying on the strong jaw and big voice despite the small frame. Today it is a rare companion, appreciated for its gentle, humorous character and the unusual look.

Temperament and family life

Dandies are independent but affectionate dogs, devoted to their family and often calm indoors. They are less excitable than many terriers and make steady house companions. With children they are usually fine if the youngsters are gentle, but rough play can upset them.

Strangers are met with reserve, and the breed has a surprisingly deep bark for its size that serves as an alarm. Dandies may be dominant with other dogs and will chase small animals. They are fond of digging and are strong for their size. They dislike being left alone for long periods, and they thrive on attention from the people they trust.

Exercise and training

A Dandie needs moderate exercise: daily walks and play in a safe place. Because of its long back, it should not be allowed to jump from heights or run up and down stairs repeatedly. Moderation keeps the spine healthy.

Training should be patient and humane. The breed is intelligent but stubborn and can be slow to housebreak. Harsh handling produces resistance. Short sessions with food rewards and a lot of repetition are effective. Early socialization helps shape an even-tempered dog, and a fenced yard prevents wandering after scent.

Grooming and shedding

The coat sheds little but requires regular attention. Brush and comb it two or three times a week, and trim it into the traditional shape every couple of months. The topknot is shaped with scissors and kept clean, and the hair around the eyes and ears needs regular care.

Hand-stripping maintains the correct texture, but many pet owners use clippers. Trim the nails, clean the ears, and brush the teeth. White topknots can stain with food.

Health

The Dandie is a fairly healthy breed with some particular concerns. The long back makes it prone to intervertebral disc disease, so weight control and limiting jumping are advised. Glaucoma, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, and heart conditions are reported. Because the breed is rare, breeders must manage a small gene pool, and they commonly screen eyes, hips, and thyroid function.

Treat this as general information and take questions about a specific Dandie Dinmont Terrier to a veterinarian.

History

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is generally traced to the Scottish-English border country, where it was kept by farmers and travelers for hunting otters and badgers. The breed takes its name from a farmer character in Sir Walter Scott's 1815 novel Guy Mannering, who kept several of these terriers; the fame of the book fixed the name. It became popular among sportsmen in the nineteenth century and the American Kennel Club first registered it in 1888.

Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier right for you?

A Dandie suits people who want a small, dignified, distinctive terrier with a calm home life and who are willing to groom and protect its back. It adapts well to city living with daily walks. It is not a good match for those who want a playful athlete or a dog that will always obey.

The Skye Terrier and the Sealyham Terrier share its low build, and the Bedlington Terrier has a similar topknot on a lean frame. The Norfolk Terrier offers a shorter coat and more energy.