small Breed Dogs
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Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Average Weight:  18-24 lbs. (8.16 - 10.88 kg)
Average Height: 8-11 inches (20.32-27.94 cm)
Pronounced: Dan-DEE   DIN-mahnt   TEH-ree-er
Group:  Terrier
Life Span: 14 Years
Average Litter: 5
Origin: Border between England and Scotland

Description

 Often misspelled Dandy Dinmont Terrier or Dandy Dintmont Terrier, this small breed dog was bred to be low to the ground, so is a long, low-stationed dog with a curved outline.  His body is sturdy and flexible, with good bone and muscle structure.  This small dog has a very distinctive, large head with a silky topknot and his large, dark eyes have a soft, wise expression to them.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier's teeth are very strong in comparison to many other dog breeds and are extraordinary in size for such a small dog; this gives excellent holding power as was needed long ago when this dog  was used to hunt otter and badger.

The ears are set back, low on the head and hang down close to the cheek.  The coat is about 2 inches (5.08 cm) long, and is a combination of hard and soft hairs.  This gives a crisp texture which is known as "pily" or "penciled".  The head is covered with very soft, silky hair which nicely frames the eyes.  There is a beautiful feathering on some parts of the coat.  The tail has crisper fur than the body.

Color Information

The colors are either mustard or pepper. Both colors will usually be with a mixture of white.

Mustard puppies are born dark brown and then as the dog matures, this lightes into varying shades of red at adulthood.

Pepper puppies are born black and tan, with a silvering gene. Adult pepper Dandies have the same coloring as the salt & pepper Schnauzer.

The topknot and furnishings on pepper Dandies are silver and on mustard Dandies they are white/ cream colored.

Personality

This is an independent breed, who is generally determined, reserved and impressively intelligent. The Dandie Dinmont combines an affectionate and dignified nature with a tenacity and boldness when working.  He is devoted to his human family members and very sociable, getting along extremely well with children.

This small dog does get along with other dogs and with cats, but more often when introduced and socialized to them at a young age.  An excellent watchdog who will alert you to people and noises, he also has a will of his own.

Origin & History
 
First recorded as a distinct type of breed in the 1700's, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was created from selected specimens of the rough native terrier of the border country between England and Scotland.  He has been bred true to type long before he was given a name and was renowned for his hunting of the otter and badger.  

The way in which this small dog obtained his name (and the terms used for the coloring) is quite interesting. Sir Walter Scott made these dogs famous in his book "Guy Mannering" published in 1814.  His main character was a farmer named Dandie Dinmont.  He kept 6 dogs who were named: Auld Pepper, Auld Mustard, Young Pepper, Young Mustard, Little Pepper and Little Mustard.  Hence, the name and terms for the coat color.

Health

Being a long, low dog, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is susceptible to:
  • Intervertebral disc problems (back issues) - Care should be taken to avoid stair climbing and jumping on & off furniture in the home.
Other that this breed, in general, may be prone to are:
  • Hip dysplasia
  • luxating patella
  • torn ligaments
  • Arthritis
  • Glycoma
Exercise

A daily 20 minute, steady paced walk will keep this small dog happy and healthy. Care must be taken to always walk with a leash, as he is apt to give chase to small creatures such as birds, squirrels, etc.

Grooming
    This dog has hair as opposed to fur and is considered hypoallergenic as they have little to no dander.

    When a puppy, the coat will need to be combed each day to prevent matting.  Adults require hand stripping 2-3 times per year. 

    This is a process in which the coat is thinned out and dead hairs removed without doing any actual clipping. If the coat is neglected for too long of a time, it may become necessary to strip it down close to the skin; it can take many months for the coat to grown back in properly.

    The fur on the paws need to be trimmed on a regular basis and ears should be checked for any longer, excess hair just inside. These can be plucked out and ear powder can help you get a solid grip to do so.  Nails will need to be trimmed about every 6-7 weeks, just as with most other dogs.  Brushing the teeth at home, 1 time per day is always recommended for any canine, along with annual professional cleanings.

    Shedding

    This small dog is considered a "non-shedder",  the small amount of hairs that do shed actually fall back into the coat; one of the main important reasons why grooming is so important as these loose hairs will tangle up with others and cause matting.

    Care & Training

     The independent strike in this dog may call for an owner to train for command, housebreaking and heeling a bit more in depth than normal; but not to a degree that the dog will not listen.  Due to its size, special care for small breed dogs should be followed at all times.      Owners - Click Here for More Detailed Information
                 
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