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Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a Big Dog in a Small Package

 The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is yet another of the small terrier breeds to have come out of Scotland. He has a long history, as far back as 1700. His unusual name is derived from a character in a novel by Sir Walter Scott, written in 1814 and with a farmer of that name. He was first admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1886. 

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has short legs and a long body, somewhat similar to the Skye Terrier and suited to the work he was bred for. Standing only about nine inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between eighteen and twenty-four pounds, he was capable of taking on badgers and otters and was also very proficient at catching rats and mice.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier originated in the border country between Scotland and England and has been popular with both gypsies and the wealthy at various points in his history. Sadly, he is now one of the rarest and most endangered pure breeds and the situation is deteriorating further.

Measured by the breed registrations for the American Kennel Club, his popularity has declined from 136th in 2000 to 164th in 2010, out of a total of 167 breeds. 

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an excellent watchdog, with a deep bark that sounds like a much larger dog. He has plenty of confidence and will fearlessly face anything he perceives as a threat to his home or family. 

Grooming The Dandie Dinmont Terrier 

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier virtually does not shed any hair. He has a medium length, double coat similar to many of the small terriers. The under coat is short and soft and the outer coat is medium length and wiry. He is a low-maintenance dog, as far as grooming is concerned, his coat only needs daily brushing but because it does not shed, it should be clipped short as needed. Show dogs should have the coat stripped (dead hairs plucked out) twice a year. 

 Training The Dandie Dinmont Terrier 

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is not very intelligent, being ranked joint 62nd out of 79 breed groups, as assessed by Dr Stanley Coren, who has conducted extensive research into the intelligence of all the dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. In addition, he has the independent, stubborn streak which is common in most terriers. You will need a patient, persistent approach to his training with lots of praise and encouragement - but only when he gets it right! Don't praise his mistakes or disobedience, you will only confuse him.

This FREE 6-day course will be of great help in Training Your Dandie Dinmont Terrier

 Exercising The Dandie Dinmont Terrier 

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an energetic working dog, with great stamina. Because he has such short legs, he does not cover the ground with great speed, so his exercise needs are modest but important. He is an active, playful dog indoors but this is not enough to satisfy all his exercise needs. As a minimum, you should plan on a daily walk, which need not be very long but should always be on a leash. Not only will he chase other any other small animals in the vicinity but he may confront other other dogs, even if they are larger than he is.    

 The Dandie Dinmont Terrier's Temperament

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is affectionate, loyal, lively and protective of his home and family. He is an excellent watchdog, with a deep bark and makes a good guard dog. However, he is very sociable and will makes friends with visitors once he sees they are accepted by the family. He is good with children but they need to treat him with love and respect. He will not tolerate rough handling and teasing by very young children, who do not understand him. If there are any other pets or small animals in the family, he needs to be socialized with them at an early age.