Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is one of the oldest and most unique of all terrier breeds. It is long and short, like a dachshund, but with the face and temperament of a terrier. This breed is independent, bold, lively, tenacious, intelligent and affectionate. The Dandie Dinmont is a delightful companion that will defend its territory and family.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only breed in the world named after a fictional character, the Scottish huntsman, Dandie Dinmont, from Sir Walter Scott’s 1815 novel, “Guy Mannering”. It is an old terrier originating from the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland that was first recorded as a distinct type of breed about 1700.

Most theories claim that the breed appeared as a result of crossing between the Skye Terrier and the Scotch Terrier. Others believe that the Dandie Dinmont is descended from the Border Terrier. Some think that it is a mixture of many different terrier breeds and random bred terriers.

The breed was popular among the gypsies and was used by farmers to hunt vermin.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was later used to develop the Bedlington Terrier.

The first breed memebers brought to the United States arrived from Scotland in 1886. The same year the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed. In 1918, the United Kennel Club (UKC) also recognized the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is still a very rare breed. In 2006, the Kennel Club (UK) recognized it as one of the rarest breeds native to Britain, and placed the breed on the Vulnerable Native Breeds list, which means that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier might be at some risk of extinction.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier makes a very good companion dog for most small houses and apartments as well as a good hunting dog. This breed is affectionate, extremely loyal, but tends to be one or two people dog.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is not aggressive with strangers but it will be rarely friendly and usually nervous in their presence. Like most other terriers, this breed is snappy and quick to bite, especially when it feels threatened.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier can be socialized to accept a child, but this breed is not generally good with children, particularly with the small ones. These dogs don’t like rough games and will respond to this with growling, snapping, and sometimes biting. For older children the Dandie Dinmont Terrier may be an excellent a watchdog.

Although the Dandie Dinmont Terrier shows less dog-aggression than most other terriers, it tends to be very dominant with almost any dog of any size. Proper socialization and training will help, but cannot eliminate this problem completely. It is definitely not advisable to keep your Dandie Dinmont Terrier with other dog of the same gender, especially males.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is also not advisable to keep around small pets. This breed has a strong prey drive, and will try to attack and kill hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and rabbits. Proper socialization and training can make your dog to accept cat it knows.

The most common health problems for Dandie Dinmont Terriers include:

• back problems;
• cancer;
• epilepsy;
• hypothyroidism;
• glaucoma;
• Cushing’s syndrome.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has substantial grooming requirements. To prevent or remove mats and tangles you will need to brush your dog with a soft slicker brush at least two times per week and take it to the groomer for a trim every few months. However, these dogs are very, light shedders therefore they will be an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Check and clean your dog’s ears and brush its teeth at regular basis. Trim the nails as needed, usually once a month. Dead hairs should be plucked out once or twice a year.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an intelligent and highly trainable dog although can be wilful and independent. It is considered one of the smartest of all terrier breeds, and can compete in agility and obedience competitions.

This breed will learn, but you must know how to train it. Harsh methods like yelling will make your dog nervous and snappy. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are often very excitable, and if not properly trained or exercised, your dog will bark a lot.

Training should be consistent, firm, rewards based and fun. You also must assert your dominance over this breed all the time as it tends to take control. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier needs a leader who will provide rules and limits to what it allowed to do.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier does not require much exercise. A short daily walk and some playtime will be enough. However, if not exercised at all, this breed can become nervous and snappy.

This breed can occupy itself indoors and are very good at chasing different toys. Your dog will also enjoy a run and play in a yard. The Dandie Dinmont has a great stamina and will be happy to accompany you on longer hikes. However, always be careful to keep your dog near you and don’t let it run off, as it can be very difficult to call it back.