Dog Training and Dog Care advice from UK Professionals

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Profile

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier inspired Sir Walter Scott's characters in his 1814 novel, 'Guy Mannering'. The dog was named after a jovial farmer and is the only dog in the world to be named after a literary fictional character.

Other Names: Dandie. Catcleugh. Hindlee. Pepper and mustard terrier.

K9Obedience Breed Profile

Origin: Cheviot Hills between the English/Scottish borders.

Breed Purpose: Hunting vermin, otters and badgers.

Kennel Club Dog Group: Terrier

Height: Both, 20cm – 28cm

Weight: Both, 8kg – 11kg

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Exercise Needs: The Dandie needs a daily walk with lots of off-lead play sessions and lots of freedom to run around.

Feeding Needs: This little terrier has no special nutritional requirements and thrives on a natural home-prepared diet. Care must be taken that this dog does not become overweight.

Common Ailments: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is generally an extremely healthy and robust dog with few common ailments. Some may be prone to epilepsy and glaucoma, only purchase puppies from reputable breeders.

Physical Description: The Dandie is longer than it is tall. The head is covered with a silky topknot. The ears are pendant and are wide near the head and taper to a point. The eyes are hazel in colour with a bright and intelligent expression. The long body is compact and muscular and the tail is thick at the base then getting thicker until it tapers to a point and is carried curved-shaped. The coat is about 5cms long with a soft undercoat and a harder topcoat. There is some feathering on the legs. The coat colours are:

Variations of pepper - Ranging from dark bluish-black to light silvery-grey merging into rich tan to pale fawn on the legs and feet. This colour has a profuse silvery-white topknot. Pepper puppies are born black and tan.

Or:

Mustard - Ranging from reddish brown to pale fawn merging into darker shades on the legs and feet. This colour has a profuse creamy white topknot. Mustard puppies are born dark brown and lighten into the adult colours. All in all a beautiful workmanlike terrier.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:

This working terrier is affectionate, independent and intelligent.

Some breed lines have an issue with dominance levels and it is not recommended that two males be kept together.

They do need an experienced owner as they can be stubborn and a challenge to train.

They have true terrier spirits and can be feisty when aroused.

This dog thrives on human companionship and does not like to be left alone. A wonderful companion for anyone that has a good knowledge of the breed's requirements.