The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog with a unique appearance; they have a ‘poofy’ hair-do! They have become a rare breed, and you be lucky to find one, so be prepared to wait on a waiting list if you find a breeder.
They are plucky, intelligent little terriers, more independent than your usual terrier and are loving and playful additions to your family.
They are small dogs, so they can cope with flat or apartment living; they are exceptionally playful, so as long as they get a good daily walk and plenty of playtime, they will be fine. A bored dog will usually become mischievous, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to make sure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They make great playful, affectionate family pets. They are unsuitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around. Older children and those used to being around dogs will play endless games running around the garden with them.
They make excellent watchdogs, and you will always know about who is at the door and anything suspicious or exciting going on outside. They are un-trusting of strangers and, as with most dogs, will need good socialisation when they are young to combat this.
They are reasonably intelligent, a little challenging to train as they are very independent terriers and know their own minds. Try to keep training exciting and fun for the best results and avoid being harsh with them. Identifying their motivation reward early and you will get the best results, it’s normally food.
They should be OK with other dogs, but they may be better as the only dog in the household; you might want to avoid two males together. Cats and small animals may be OK if used to them. They will typically chase neighbourhood cats with delight!
They shed very little hair, but, it does require clipping/stripping, which would typically be done by a professional every few months. This, of course, makes it more expensive, but you could learn to do it yourself if you have the time or inclination.
Dandie Dinmont Dog Stats
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an old Scottish breed whose origins began in the 18th Century. Owned initially by gipsies, these dogs were known as the Pepper and Mustard Terrier. For many years their popularity was limited to the border country between England and Scotland, where they were much prized for their hardiness, hunting prowess and amiable disposition. It was only in the early 19th Century that the breed acquired more significant popularity, along with its somewhat whimsical name.
- Weight -8kg –11kg
- Size – 20cm – 28cm
- They live for 12-14 years