The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is most unusual in appearance, but its roots are as quintessentially terrier as any. It was first regarded as an awesome kind of terrier in the eighteenth century across the border areas of Scotland and England. Here they have been owned by farmers and gypsies and valued for drawing and killing otters, badgers, and foxes. They were called Catcleugh, Hindley, or Pepper and Mustard terriers. The most well-known puppies were owned by James Davidson, who named nearly all his dogs either Pepper or Mustard, together with a few identifying adjectives. A few believe Davidson and his puppies to have been the models for Sir Walter Scott’s characters of Dandie Dinmont and his puppies in his novel Guy Mannering, published in 1814. The puppies have known as Dandie Dinmont’s Terriers. A letter written by James Davidson proclaimed that all Dandies descended from his puppies named Tarr and Pepper. The breed was included in the standard family of Scotch Terriers, which encompassed many short-legged terriers now identified as great breeds. The Dandie was identified separately from this group in 1873. The Dandie Dinmont has never been extremely popular and remains one of the lesser-famous terriers. An old Scottish saying says, “A Dandie looks at you as though he’s forgotten greater than you ever knew.”

Temperement

The Dandie Dinmont is no “dandified” dog; it’s far rough, tumble, and prepared for the hunt. Yet it functions properly as a dignified house training pet, affectionate but not doting. It is a faithful companion appropriate for humans of all ages, but it wants an everyday workout to prevent it from becoming frustrated. It is brilliant and independent. It has a tendency to be reserved with strangers and aggressive towards strange dogs—some dig.

Upkeep

The Dandie enjoys the chance to hunt around and discover a specific region and desires a moderate stroll to be in condition. Its coat requires combing two times weekly, plus normal scissoring and shaping. Shaping for show puppies is completed on a nearly continual (however light) basis; that for pets may be carried out by stripping or clipping approximately four times a year. When cut, the coat will lose its original texture and color.

Health

“Major diagnosis: none
Minor diagnosis: intervertebral disk disease, glaucoma
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: eye
Life span: 11–13 years”

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.