Quick Stats for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed
- Height (at the shoulders): 8 – 11 inches (20 – 28 cm)
- Weight: 18 – 24 pounds (8 – 11 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1886
- Shedding: sheds little to no hair
- Living Conditions: good for apartments; fairly active indoors; small yard okay
Personality of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is playful, affectionate and loyal. They have an independent personality, but yet they are loyal companions and devoted to their family. They make a great companion dog for people of all ages.
They are friendly towards other dogs and other household pets. They can be be overly playful at times, and are always on the lookout for an opportunity to play. However, they make excellent watchdogs. If a stranger approaches the house when the owners are not there the Dandie Dinmont will bark nonstop to ward off the intruder.
History of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed
The breed originated in area that bordered England and Scotland. Farmers originally used them to help hunt and kill small animals such as otters, fox, and badgers.
Before being called the Dandie Dinomont Terrier, they were called various other names – Mustard Terriers, Hindlee Terriers, Pepper Terriers, and even Catcleugh Terreir. Many of these terriers were owned by one man, James Davidson.
It is believed that Mr. Davidson used these dogs as models for the Dandie Dinmont characters that were used in a Sir Walter Scott book by the title of “Guy Mannering”. That book was published in 1914. Of course, these dogs were dubbed the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. They were eventually recognized as a separate breed in 1873.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a member of the Terrier Group.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed Care and Grooming
These terriers have very high levels of energy and require sufficient daily exercise. They are best for individuals and families who live and active lifestyle. They enjoy playtime outdoors and love to explore and hunt small animals around the yard.
Grooming requirements for these dogs include a good brushing with a high quality dog brush, at least twice weekly. Professional clipping and trimming is recommended about every three to four months to keep their coats well maintained.
This breed sheds little to no hair.
Health Problems of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed
The average life expectancy of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed is about twelve to fifteen years.
There are no major health concerns for this dog breed.
Minor health issues include:
- glaucoma
- intervertebral disk disease
- epilepsy
- hypothyroidism
- overweight in older dogs
These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:
- cheyletiella mites
Veterinarians recommend having the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed tested specifically for eye problems.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Best,
Omar Reyes
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
[...] 1825 and is the offspring of Rothbury Terrier crosses. It is believed that sometime later, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Whippet were used to refine the breed. However, this seems to be a largely unsubstantiated [...]
[...] Dandie Dinmont Terrier [...]
[...] These dogs were crossed with a variety of other terriers such as the Skye, Scotch, Manchester, the Dandie Dinmont, and the Yorkshire [...]
[...] They are closely related to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed. [...]
[...] These dogs were originally made up of several colors including gray, red, and white. All color variations were considered Scotch Terriers. In 1873, only two dogs were considered a part of the breed, the Skye Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed. [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Omar Reyes. Omar Reyes said: Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed Profile http://goo.gl/fb/g7pYk [...]