The main purpose behind the breeding of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was to hunt badgers and otters.
These dogs are known as the gentlemen of the Terrier family because of their reserved and calm nature.
Even if they have a tranquil personality, they don’t forget their love for hunting.
If you’re thinking about making this breed a part of your family, there are some things you need to know about this breed.
About The Breed
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has an impressive and unique appearance. They have a body longer than their height and a poofy coat.
Their breeding was done for so many years before people started to recognize them.
This breed rose to fame when the book Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1814, mentioned its name.
In that book, there’s a character of a farmer that has six long, small terriers- three with mustard-tone coats and three with salt-pepper-colored coats.
Dandie Dinmont was the name of this farmer, so this breed got its name Dandie Dinmont’s Terrier, from this fictional character. The apostrophe s was dropped as time passed.
Even the color of the coats you see now came from this fictional character. The farmer had given only two names to his dogs- Mustard and Pepper.
He called them Auld Pepper, Auld Mustard, Young Pepper, Young Mustard, Little Pepper, and Little Mustard to differentiate among them.
Even today, this breed is still known by its two colors Mustard (golden brown shades) and Black (bluish black).
This unusual-looking breed is now become rare to see. They have huge domed heads with dark and big eyes that are set low in front.
Their long fringed ears are on the lower side of the skull. These dogs have long backs and chests.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed History
There are records showing the breeding of Dandie Dinmont Terriers in the early 1700s, but their development is still a confusing topic.
Some say that this breed is a mixture of Otterhounds and local terriers found on the border of England and Scotland.
Others believe that these dogs evolved from the rough-haired terriers commonly found on the farm. Some even say that this breed is a result of a crossing between terriers and Dachshunds.
Whichever story you choose to believe in, one thing sure about this breed is they are one of the oldest terrier breeds.
The Dandies haven’t changed since their first appearance during the early 1700s.
This breed was well-developed for many years, but it didn’t have a unique name until the book Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott was published in 1814.
They got their name from a fictional farmer character named Dandie Dinmont. The Dandies are one of the first terriers to have their name.
The Dandie Dinmont Club was established in 1875 in Scotland. This is the third oldest dog breed club in the world.
The Dandies weighing below 10 pounds were used for hunting small burrowing animals like the weasels.
The puppies weighing more than 40 pounds were used for hunting foxes, badgers, and otters).
Up to World War II, many big popular clubs were involved in the breeding of the Dandies.
However after the war, many of these kennels were shut down, and the others decided to destroy their dogs because of food scarcity and lack of care. Queen Victoria also owned a Dandie.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
| Other Name | Dandie Hindlee Terrier |
| Dog Breed Type | Terrier dogs |
| Origin | Scotland |
| Parent Breeds | Scottish Terriers, Skye Terriers, Otterhounds |
| Height | 8-11 inches |
| Weight | 18-24 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type | Soft undercoat, Hard topcoat |
| Common Colors | Pepper, Mustard |
| Grooming Needs | Low |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Temperament | Fun-loving, Lively, Companionable, Determined, Independent, Affectionate |
| Apartment Living | Suitable for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Cheyletiella mites infections, intervertebral disk disease, Glaucoma |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 3 puppies |
What To Know
• Their loving and loyal nature makes them great companions, but they can be a bit independent.
• Regular grooming is essential to maintain their unique double coat and prevent matting.
• They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, so leash training is crucial.
• Dandies thrive on mental stimulation and benefit from engaging in toys and activities to keep them happy.
Characteristics
Adaptability
These charming dogs are equally at ease in both city apartments and rural settings.
Their compact stature allows them to thrive in smaller spaces, provided they receive daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Their independent spirit, a hallmark of the breed, allows them to adapt to various living situations.
Dandies are known for their low shedding, making them a suitable choice for allergy sufferers.
They have a robust and hardy nature, which makes them adaptable to different weather conditions.
When properly socialized, they can get along with other pets and children, enhancing their versatility as a family companion.
Adaptability
Adaptive to apartment living
Suitable for new owners
Sensitivity range
Comfortable being alone
Comfortable with cold weather
Comfortable with hot weather
Friendliness
These small, yet spirited dogs, have a big heart and a warm personality. They adore their families and make loyal, affectionate companions.
Dandies are often friendly towards strangers and get along well with children, making them wonderful family pets.
While they are generally good-natured, some may exhibit a bit of independence.
Early socialization and positive reinforcement training can enhance their friendliness and minimize any tendencies for aloofness.
All About Friendliness
Lovable with family
Kid-friendly
Dog-friendly
Frank with strangers
Personality
The Dandies are bold, strong, smart, and independent. They are affectionate yet composed with people they love and act reserved around strangers.
Unlike most terriers, the Dandies are not barkers, even if they are reserved. They only bark when required, and it will be a loud and deep bark.
They don’t believe in barking unnecessarily when the alarm has been noted by the respective people or barking when they feel bored.
Just like their terrier cousins, the Dandies are filled with self-confidence. They don’t have a high-strung personality, unlike other terriers.
They don’t even look for a reason to fight on their own. Dandies are not bullies, but if they get pushed too far, they won’t back down. You can say their motto is “live and let live.”
Their small size makes them a great fit for small apartments. They can live in a household with cats despite having a hunting background.
As these dogs tend to be independent, they can make excellent pets for owners who are out of their homes most of the time.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are generally friendly with children, making them excellent family pets.
Their loving and patient nature allows them to get along well with kids. However, it’s essential to teach both children and dogs how to interact safely to avoid any accidental mishaps.
Supervision during playtime is advisable, as Dandies might have moments of independence.
Proper socialization from an early age can ensure a harmonious relationship between these charming terriers and your little ones.
Amicable to Other Pets
Their social nature allows them to get along well with other dogs and cats in the household.
However, early socialization is crucial to ensure they develop positive relationships. Always supervise interactions, especially with smaller animals, due to their hunting instincts.
With proper introductions and a watchful eye, Dandie Dinmont Terriers can be friendly and harmonious companions for other pets in the family.
Barking Tendencies
They’re known for their reserved nature, making them less likely to bark at every little thing.
However, they can become more vocal when they sense a threat or unfamiliar presence.
Proper socialization and training can help control their barking tendencies, ensuring they alert you when necessary while keeping it in check.
Always reward quiet behavior to reinforce their good habits and reduce unnecessary noise.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Dandie Dinmont Terriers can adapt to being alone, but it’s essential to consider their temperament.
They’re independent, making solo time manageable. However, avoid long periods of isolation. Provide toys and puzzles to keep them mentally engaged.
Ensure a comfortable space with food, water, and a cozy bed. Gradual training can help build their tolerance for alone time.
Regular exercise before leaving can also help them stay content during your absence.
Pros And Cons Of The American Bulldog Dog Breed
Pros
- Strong, loyal, and protective companion.
- Excellent family dog with a gentle disposition.
- Low grooming needs, short coat.
- Athletic and great for active owners.
- Natural watchdog, guarding instincts.
Cons
- Requires consistent training and socialization.
- May be stubborn or independent.
- Potential health issues like hip dysplasia.
- Strong prey drive, not good with small animals.
- Can be a handful for novice owners.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The attitude of the Dandies isn’t changed based on their gender. They are still playful and lively dogs regardless of their gender.
Appearance
General Appearance
They have a long body, short legs, and a signature “top-knot” of hair on their head. Their expressive, dark eyes are a charming feature.
The dense, weather-resistant double coat can be pepper or mustard in color, with a silky, soft texture.
Their distinctive appearance exudes confidence and grace. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are well-proportioned and have a strong, sturdy frame.
Their alert expression and bushy eyebrows complete the package, making them an eye-catching and elegant breed that stands out among terriers.
Coat Color
The Dandie has two layers of coat- soft, waterproof, downy undercoat and crisp and hard topcoat.
These dogs are distinguished based on two colors- mustard (golden brown) and pepper (bluish-black).
Their coat looks natural, but they need some kind of maintenance from time to time. Brushing twice or thrice a week is enough to maintain their coats and remove dead hair.
You also need to strip their coat to allow new hair to grow. A professional groomer can help in stripping your dog’s coat.
Shedding
The Dandie Dinmont Terriers don’t shed a lot, so increase brushing when they start shedding.
Size
The Dandie Dinmont Terriers look longer than they are tall. These dogs can grow tall anywhere between 8-11 inches.
If you calculate the length of their body, it will turn out to be twice their height. Their longer backs give them a unique appearance.
Health
The Dandie Dinmont Terriers are healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are also prone to some health issues that you need to be aware of.
- Cheyletiella yasguri mites
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Spinal problems
Health And Grooming Requirements
Shedding quantity
Drooling capacity
Effortless to groom
Overall health
Capable of weight gain
Size
Maintenance And Care
The Dandie Dinmont Terriers have adaptable personalities, so they can live in any type of environment at any time.
As long as you’re giving them quality time, they will be happy to enjoy both country and city life.
These dogs can also live in small living spaces though you will have to take them on walks daily or let them play in the yard.
Digging is in the Terrier bloodline, so supervise when they are playing outside, so they don’t dig your plants or give them their digging area.
Never leave your pet off-leash because they will follow their hunting instincts and follow any smaller animal or insect they see.
Put a solid barrier in your yard to prevent this behavior. As these dogs have independent thinking, they will not follow your commands all the time.
So you need to have patience while training this breed. Repetitive tasks make them bored. Let training be a fun activity for Dandies, and see how fast they adapt to your commands.
Grooming
These small, affectionate dogs have a double coat with a soft underlayer and a wiry topcoat.
Brush them a few times a week to prevent matting, and consider professional grooming every few months.
Their distinctive head “top-knot” should be kept tidy. Check their ears for dirt or infection regularly.
Trim their nails and brush their teeth to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Food And Nutrition
The Dandies are small dogs, so feeding them high-quality dog food in amounts of 1-1.5 cups daily is recommended.
Their diet also depends on their health, age, and size. So to make the best diet plan for your dog, you can take the advice of your vet.
Exercise And Activity Level
Dandie Dinmont Terriers, while small, are moderately active dogs. They enjoy daily walks and playtime, but they’re not overly energetic.
A 20-30-minute walk or play session each day is usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs.
Due to their independent nature, they might not always comply with commands during play, so a secure leash is advisable.
Dandies appreciate mental stimulation, so puzzle toys and interactive games can keep their minds sharp.
Be cautious when introducing them to other pets, as they have a strong prey drive.
Physical Requirements
Energy range
Intensity
Exercise Requirements
Playful personality
Trainability
Dandie Dinmont Terriers, while loving and charming, can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training.
Their independent nature means they may require patience and consistency. Start with basic commands and positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, to encourage them.
Socialization is crucial to help them get along with other pets and people. Their strong prey drive can make leash training challenging, so it’s important to use a secure leash and harness.
Short, engaging training sessions work best, as Dandies can get easily bored. With perseverance and a calm approach, you can successfully train your Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
Trainability
Effortless to train
Intelligence
Capable of biting
Tendency to attack prey
Urge to howl or bark
Wanderlust personality
Conclusion
When you let your Dandie grow mature with kids and other pets, they’ll naturally bond with other pets and kids outside the house too. You can also socialize your pet if you’re a single owner to get your dog on its best behavior.
The Dandie Dinmont Terriers were considered a symbol of royalty in earlier times.
Explore More Dog Breeds…?
FAQs On Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed…
Where do the Dandie Dinmont Terrier dog breeds come from?
Scotland
What is the best diet routine for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dog food in a day.
How much exercise is required for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?
Daily 20-30 minutes of exercise with short walks.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.