Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dog Breed Group

Terrier Dogs 

Origin of Breed

England, hunting dog. 

Life Expectancy

12 -14 Years 

Color

Pepper (from bluish black to pale silvery gray) or mustard (from reddish brown to pale fawn). 

Coat

Soft, linty undercoat and harder topcoat, not wiry and feeling crisp to the hand. 

Exercise Needs

Long hours of regular exercise will keep him healthy and well adjusted. 

Temperament

He is a playful and intelligent companion. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is also independant and lively. 

Good with Children

Gets along well with children who are older than 10. Friendly with dogs, good with cats when raised together; rodents incite hun 

Grooming Needs

Regular grooming with a pin brush three times a week. Loose hair if left will soon mat. 

Average Size - Male (in)

8 - 11 

Average Size - Female (in)

8 - 11 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

18 - 24 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

18 - 24 

Health Issues

Intervertebral disc disease.v

Living Conditions

Apartment is ok, home with a backyard and lots of human companionship. 

Breed Description

An enigmatic fellow who requires a special owner as he is loving and stubborn at the same time. When aroused the Dandie can be a veritable demon who will tackle a fox or other small vermin. He thrives on human companionship and should not be left alone. His origins are from the border of England and Scotland where he claims ancestry with the Bedlington Terrier, Skye Terrier, Otterhound and English Terrier. His name is from a character in literature "Dandie Dinmont" who appeared in the 1814 novel "Guy Mannering" written by Sir Walter Scott. Developed for hunting small game like badgers and foxes. Used by poacher and gypsies he was particularly good at tracking otters.

Breed Infobits

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is alert and has a keen sense of its territory, and so makes a good watch-dog.