Dandie Dinmont Terriers: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier!

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are usually long, and are usually longer than they are tall. They have short, strong legs, a large, well-proportioned head which includes a defined forehead and a black nose. A Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s ears usually measure 3 to 4 inches, while its hazel eyes are bright and energetic. The tail ranges from 8 to 10 inches, and is thick at the base and tapers at the end. A special feature of this breed is its silky topknot, which appears silver on pepper dandies and cream on mustard breeds. The coat on dandies are about two inches long, with variations of crisp and soft hair. Generally, hair on the dog’s underside is softer than those found on its upper body. Hair on top of he head and on the upper area of its ears are very soft and silky.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12-15 years

Energy Level:
Average. Aggresive towards other pets.

Living Conditions:
Apartments are fine.

Barking:
Average.

Exercise Needs:
Daily 25 minute walk.

Breed Group:
Terrier

Size:
Small

Height:
8-11 inches

Weight:
18-24 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Mustard or Pepper. Puppies that are born mustard first appear dark brown, with their shade lightening as they grow older. Pepper pups are born black or tan.

National breed club:
The Dandie Dinmount Terrier Club of America

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Skills

This breed originated somewhere in the border area between England and Scotland, and is believed to be a descendant of the now-extinct Scotch Terrier and the Skye Terrier. The Dandie Dinmont was used to kill pests in farms, a skill that they possess until today. It can also be made useful when hunting rabbit, otter, and badger.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Personality

If you’re looking for a very loving and warm dog, this breed is it. It is highly affectionate and loves to play. It’s the best companion when strolling through the park, because it’s so playful and lively. It’s also easy to train, as it is a very intelligent breed. It will make a good pet if you have well-behaved children or babies, as long as the dog has been with you since it was a puppy. Make sure not to keep two male breeds in one household, as some Dandie Dinmont Terriers can be very aggressive. It is also not advisable to raise it with other pets.

Exercise Needs

This terrier will have no trouble adjusting to your family’s activities, but it will definitely become healthier with regular exercise.

Living Conditions

Apartments are good enough for these terriers. They can make do with indoor activities, and can also exercise on a small yard.

Grooming Requirements

This breed’s coat needs frequent and regular brushing, and requires professional grooming to maintain the beauty of its coat. Plucking of dead hair should also be done at least once or twice a year for maintenance.

Health Issues

When the Dandie Dinmont Terrier grows older, it is more prone to hypothyroidism, while there are some lines that develop glaucoma and epilepsy. Overweight pups can develop back problems.

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