Breed description

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Origin

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier originated, like most terrier breeds, from England, more precisely  from the borderland between England and Scotland. The breed, being well established in the 18th century and was originally called a "Pepper and Mustard Terrier". However, in 1814 Sir Walter Scott's novel, "Guy Mannering", featured a main character known as Dandie Dinmont who possessed many of these courageous, pepper and mustard Terriers. It was from then on that the terrier was described as a Dandie Dinmont being the only Terrier breed that has received its name from literature.

The Appearance

The Dandie Dinmont is a short-legged Terrier with a long low-standing weasely body. He has short runs and a weatherproof coat, with a soft under belly hair and a harder cover hair. The unmistakeable head is strong, large and well in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is framed with silky hairs and carries an impressive silky topknot. His eyes are intelligent, large, round and full, set back in the head and strong dark hazelnut-brown in colour. The ears hang down and are 7,5 to 10 cm long and at the lower end have an attractive bright feathering. The tail of the Dandie is 20 to 25 cm with long downward feathering and carried in a curve like a bent sword. The weight of the Dandie is around 8 - 11 kg.

The Character.

In the breed standard of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier their nature is described as follows : "decidedly independent, most intelligent, persistent, sensitive, devoted and wilful." Since the Dandie was originally bred as an earth dog, to retrieve animals such as badgers, wildcats and other vermins from their underground burrows, the breed needed a strong characteristic of courage and fearlessness, which it has managed to retain today. The Dandie is often called "the philosopher" because with everything he does he obviously asks himself : "Is that worthwhile ??". The Dandie is a lively dog, yet not hyperactive since he considered every act. He is a good watchdog but not yappy, since he barks only when there is a reason to. Due to his intelligence he has a very independent personality, not always doing what you want! And like an elephant he has a sharp memory, never forgetting unfairness. The Dandie is an ideal family dog, he needs his family and there is nothing worse for him than to be left alone. A faithful, devoted dog, he is happiest when spending time with you. He will look at you with his great, big, round, grateful eyes and you will ask yourself: "Why didn't I become more acquainted with this breed sooner..?"

[translation by Joanne Rockendorfer]

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