The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog breed that is known for its distinctive look and friendly personality. If you’re planning on getting a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, here’s everything you need to know about this cute breed, including its history, temperament and care needs.
History of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is named after a fictional character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Guy Mannering. In the book, Dandie Dinmont is a Scottish farmer who owns a pack of these terriers. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed dates back to the early 1800s and is thought to be a cross between the Skye Terrier and the now-extinct Paisley Terrier. The Terrier’s origins date back to the 1600s, when they were utilized in Scotland and England’s border region. They were used for hunting badgers and otters throughout the 16th century. Until the release of the novel, the breed was relatively little known. However, after the book’s publication, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier became a popular breed in England and Scotland.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first brought to the United States in 1880s and was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888. Unfortunately, the breed fell out of popularity during World War II and was close to becoming extinct. However, a few Dandie Dinmont Terrier enthusiasts kept the breed alive and it slowly began to regain its popularity in the United States. Today, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is still relatively rare but is steadily gaining in popularity.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Appearance
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are small, sprightly dogs that come in a variety of colors. They have a long, wiry coat that is typically a light gray or reddish brown, but can also be white, black or fawn. Dandies are known for their signature topknot, which is a bundle of hair that stand up on top of their heads. They have long, floppy ears and a quite short tail. Their head is big compared to the rest of the body and they have a sad look on their muzzle due to the beard they tend to have.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are relatively small dogs, standing 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 18 to 24 pounds. They have a long, rectangular body and short legs. Dandies are strong dogs for their size, with a muscular build and sturdy bones. The muzzle is strong and deep. The hair should be about 2 inches long and the coat is a mixture of quite hard and soft hair. The hair underneath are softer than the outer coat.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Maintenance and Activity Level
Dandie Dinmont Terrier require a moderate amount of grooming. They should be brushed once a week to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Dandie Dinmont Terrier are light shedders so they are better for people with allergies and those who do not want to deal with a lot of hair. Dandie Dinmont Terrier only need to be bathed when necessary. Their ears should be checked regularly and cleaned when necessary to prevent infection. Regular nail trimming is also important as well as dental care.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers do not require a lot of activity. Usually, a 30 or 60 minutes of exercise a day is going to be enough for them. They are great apartment dogs and they should stay at home as long as they get enough exercise every day.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers Personality and Temperament
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are known to be independent, determined, and loyal dogs. They are also relatively easy to train and are good with children. Dandies make great family pets as long as their owners can provide them with enough exercise and attention. Dandie Dinmont Terriers require moderate amounts of exercise, but can become easily bored if left alone for too long. They are also known to be quite stubborn and will not hesitate to use their voice if they feel that something is wrong. Dandies are loyal and affectionate dogs that make great companions for those who can provide them with the attention they need. They have a hard prey drive, which means that they may not be the best choice for households with small pets. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are fun and charming personality and usually is calmer than other terriers. They tend to get along well with children, however it is important that due to their high prey instincts, they should be socialized early on to avoid unpleasant accidents and unpredictable behavior. Luckily, these terriers are quite easy to train and like to please the owner. They’re known to be independent and determined as well, meaning that Dandies can be a little bit stubborn at times. However, they are also fiercely loyal and will make great little watchdogs for those who can give them the attention they need. They tend to be initially reserved for strangers, but they do not tend to bark a lot.
Health
The lifespan of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier is around 12-14 years. They are a very healthy breed with few health problems. Some issues that have been seen in the breed are:
- glaucoma;
- Cushing’s syndrome;
- Intervertebral disc disease;
- portosystemic shunt.
Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure in the eye becomes too high and can damage the optic nerve. Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder that can cause an increase in thirst, urination, and appetite. Intervertebral disc disease is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae become damaged and can put pressure on the spinal cord and is related to the dandie’s long body and relatively short legs. A portosystemic shunt is a condition in which blood bypasses the liver and goes directly to the heart.
Dandie Terriers are also more likely to develop canine cancer than other breeds, but they are generally a very healthy breed. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have and to get regular check-ups. This will help to catch any potential diseases early and provide your Dandie with a necessary treatment.
For Whom?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers will make perfect pets for families with children, seniors and other animals in house, provided that they have received the proper socialization and training when they were young. In some cases, these dogs may be too stubborn and not well adapted to family with yound children. They are good watchdogs and have an independent mind of their own and can be stubborn at times, which means they require a patient yet firm owner who is willing to provide them with consistent training throughout their lives. They are well-adapted to apartments but they need daily walks. Dandies are relatively active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. These dogs are not only great companions and guard dogs, but they are also quite docile and rather easygoing with their owners. They tend to dig holes, which can make them a bit of a nuisance in the garden, but they are also very easily trained to stop this behavior
So if you’re looking for a small but feisty pooch, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier might be the right breed for you. Just be prepared to deal with some stubbornness, independency and energy.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers Puppies: Price
This breed is considered to be very vulnerable, meaning that it is close to extinction. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very rare, and their population is prone to decline. Because of this, Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very expensive. The average price for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy is $1,500. However, some Dandie Dinmont Terriers can cost as much as $3,000. Dandie Dinmonts are not a common breed, so their price reflects that. If you are interested in owning a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, be prepared to pay a high price. However, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a wonderful breed that is worth the investment. Before you buy a puppy, make sure that you are ready to take on the responsibility and expense of owning a Dandie Dinmont Terrier and that the puppy you buy comes from a reputable breeder.
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