Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was bred in the 1600s along the English-Scottish border to hunt badgers, otters and small animals and pests. There are various stories of the exact origin of this breed, however, the most common origin story is that Scottish Terriers were bred with Skye Terriers, Otterhounds, or other rough-haired terriers.

This small dog lived for a few centuries before getting its unique name. The book Guy Mannering, published by Sir Walter Scott in 1814, featured a man named Dandie Dinmont and his two terrier dogs Pepper and Mustard. And so the Dandie Dinmont Terrier got its name.

After the publication of the book, these dogs increased in popularity throughout Europe. Queen Victoria and Kind Louis Philippe both had Dandie Dinmonts as companions.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was established in 1875 and became the third oldest breed club in the world. Today there are many Dandie breed clubs across the world, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was recognised by the prestigious American Kennel Club in 1886. And to this day, it remains the only breed that got its name from a character in a book.

Who are Dandie Dinmont Terrier dogs best for?

The Dandie Dinmont terrier breed is an apartment-friendly dog that copes well in small spaces. This breed makes a good companion for families, as they get on well with children. You will find your Dandie snuggling up to your children, or engaging in playful behaviour.

Dandie Dinmonts are very dog-friendly and do well with a doggie companion at home. They will need training to be properly socialised with cats, as their prey instinct will kick in with small pets.

How much grooming does a Dandie Dinmont Terrier need?

Dandie Dinmonts have unique coats that require a fair amount of maintenance. A critical part of dog ownership is maintaining and grooming your dog.

The coat of Dandies will have to be clipped every four to six weeks to keep their characteristic breed-specific shape. They require frequent brushing (several times a week) to prevent mats and remove any dead hair.

These dogs' coats have a low-shedding nature and barely shed any hair or dander at all.

Daily tooth brushing is encouraged to prevent dental disease, and you should check your dog's ears frequently.

Do Dandie Dinmont Terrier bark much?

Unlike other dogs in the terrier group, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is quiet and rarely barks. They only bark when it is necessary, such as when they perceive a threat, are alarmed, or when bored.

Do Dandie Dinmont Terrier bite?

These small dogs do not have a tendency for biting. An adult dog of this breed is unlikely to bite unless provoked. They are by nature not aggressive and will get on well with other dogs as well as small children.

Dandie Dinmont puppies might be a bit mouthy and nippy. They will try to herd people and may bite while playing. These are common traits in puppies, and the bites are not intended to hurt.

You can train your Dandie from a young age to not be mouthy by praising good behaviour and giving them chew toys while teething.

What is the temperament & personality of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

The Dandie's temperament can be described as calm, playful and independent. Although they are independent, they also show affection to their families.

These dogs are tough, and although they need plenty of exercise to get rid of that excess energy, they are also great house dogs and love snuggling on your lap. Although friendly, like most terriers they can be shy around strangers.

What is the weight & size of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

Like many terriers, the Dandie Dinmount is of a small size:

Weight:

• 8.1 - 10.9 kg

Height:

• 20.3 - 28 cm

How much training does a Dandie Dinmont Terrier need?

Like other breeds in the terrier group, your Dandie Dinmont Terrier will require a lot of patience and consistency when being trained. They can easily become bored during training, so make sure it is fun but challenging for the dog.

You will have to be very hands-on when training your Dandie to keep it engaged. They may have to repeat commands a few times before understanding them. Consistency is key, and use positive reinforcement to reward good behaviour. Obedience training should be done from a young age.

These dogs are also great diggers, so you can expect plenty of holes in your garden. You can train against this behaviour, or assign a special area in the garden to your dog for digging.

Dandies are also great for dog sports as they love pleasing their owners and excel in agility competitions.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are prone to hereditary diseases. Reputable breeders will screen the puppy's parents for any genetic conditions. However, there are still some common health problems that Dandies can experience:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease: This affects the disks in the spine. To avoid this disease, Dandies should avoid jumping from up high, and care should be taken when picking them up and carrying them around.

• Cheyletiella Yasguri Mites: These mites cause dry, red and itchy skin.

• Glaucoma: This condition can result in blindness due to pressure in the eyeball.

What is the lifespan of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

The average lifespan of this breed is 12 to 15 years.

How much should you feed a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

Dog breeds of this size should be fed high-quality food. Dandies are prone to becoming overweight, so do not "free feed" by leaving food out, avoid feeding food from your place, and only provide quality treats sparingly.

The amount your Dandie should eat will depend on the age and activity level of your dog. In general, Dandie Dinmonts should eat 1 to 1 1/2 cups twice a day. You can also break this amount of food up into smaller portions fed multiple times a day.

Overfeeding, or feeding too many rich treats, can result in diabetes and heart problems. You should discuss your dog's feeding with your vet.

What is the price of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier in Australia?

You can expect to pay between AUD $2,000 and $2,300 for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy.