Dog Breeds - Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a particular breed displays towards its family members and acquaintances is a factor to consider. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved attitude towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds tend to treat all familiar faces as their cherished companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree of tolerance and patience that a breed displays towards children, as well as its overall family-friendly disposition are crucial factors to consider. It is always important to closely supervise interactions between dogs and young children or children of any age
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs is an important aspect to consider. While it is essential to supervise and manage dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds exhibit a natural tendency to be more compatible with other canines, both in domestic settings and in public environments.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a breed tends to shed is an important aspect to contemplate. Breeds with high shedding will require more frequent brushing, have a higher likelihood of triggering specific allergies and often necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling efforts.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The regularity of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance needed by a breed should be taken into account. It is important to consider the time, patience, and financial resources you can allocate for such care when assessing the grooming requirements. It is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The propensity of a breed to drool is an aspect worth considering. If you place a high value on cleanliness dogs that have a tendency to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The degree of friendliness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers is something to take into account. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more welcoming and enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed maintains towards play even beyond the puppyhood stage should be taken into consideration. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. In contrast, other breeds will be content to relax on the couch with you for the majority of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important characteristic to consider. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house provided they are accepted by the family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to changes in various aspects of life should be considered. This encompasses the breed's ability to adjust to alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines, and other variations that occur in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are factors to evaluate. Some breeds are inherently eager to please their owners and demonstrate a strong desire to make them proud. Conversely, other breeds may have a more independent streak and prefer to prioritize their own desires, acting on them regardless of time, location, or owner's preference.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed is an important consideration. High-energy breeds are typically ready for physical activities and eagerly seek new adventures. They often engage in running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. In contrast, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with leisurely activities, often enjoying lounging around and snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, including barks or howls is another aspect to consider when choosing a breed. Certain breeds have a tendency to bark at every passer-by or even at birds in the window, while others are more selective and only bark in specific situations. It is worth noting that even barkless breeds may still express themselves using other vocal sounds to communicate.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental stimulation required to keep a breed happy and healthy is an important factor to consider. Purpose-bred dogs often have jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, and other mental qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may find ways to keep their minds busy by creating their own projects, which may not align with your preferences. Providing sufficient mental stimulation is essential to prevent boredom and promote the well-being of such breeds.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a particular breed displays towards its family members and acquaintances is a factor to consider. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved attitude towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds tend to treat all familiar faces as their cherished companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree of tolerance and patience that a breed displays towards children, as well as its overall family-friendly disposition are crucial factors to consider. It is always important to closely supervise interactions between dogs and young children or children of any age

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs is an important aspect to consider. While it is essential to supervise and manage dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds exhibit a natural tendency to be more compatible with other canines, both in domestic settings and in public environments.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a breed tends to shed is an important aspect to contemplate. Breeds with high shedding will require more frequent brushing, have a higher likelihood of triggering specific allergies and often necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling efforts.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The regularity of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance needed by a breed should be taken into account. It is important to consider the time, patience, and financial resources you can allocate for such care when assessing the grooming requirements. It is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The propensity of a breed to drool is an aspect worth considering. If you place a high value on cleanliness dogs that have a tendency to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The degree of friendliness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers is something to take into account. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more welcoming and enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed maintains towards play even beyond the puppyhood stage should be taken into consideration. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. In contrast, other breeds will be content to relax on the couch with you for the majority of the time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important characteristic to consider. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house provided they are accepted by the family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to changes in various aspects of life should be considered. This encompasses the breed's ability to adjust to alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines, and other variations that occur in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are factors to evaluate. Some breeds are inherently eager to please their owners and demonstrate a strong desire to make them proud. Conversely, other breeds may have a more independent streak and prefer to prioritize their own desires, acting on them regardless of time, location, or owner's preference.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed is an important consideration. High-energy breeds are typically ready for physical activities and eagerly seek new adventures. They often engage in running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. In contrast, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with leisurely activities, often enjoying lounging around and snoozing.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental stimulation required to keep a breed happy and healthy is an important factor to consider. Purpose-bred dogs often have jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, and other mental qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may find ways to keep their minds busy by creating their own projects, which may not align with your preferences. Providing sufficient mental stimulation is essential to prevent boredom and promote the well-being of such breeds.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Mustard	132
Pepper	138

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a resilient and dignified small dog known for its role as an exterminator. Despite being sturdy enough to handle farm life, they can adapt well to living in the city. These dogs are compact in size but have a charismatic personality. Their physical characteristics include a large head covered in abundant silky white hair, long ears with feathering that almost comes to a point, bright and expressive round eyes, and a long, low torso with short legs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier's unique coat comes in two spicy colors: pepper (bluish black to silvery gray) and mustard (reddish brown to pale fawn). Weighing no more than 24 pounds, Dandies make excellent watchdogs due to their alertness and deep, loud bark. They are intelligent dogs who enjoy both playtime and cuddling with children, although they are not as hyperactive as some other small breeds. As typical terriers, Dandies possess some stubbornness, independence, and courage. Positive and motivational training techniques yield the best results for Dandie owners.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	While no breed can guarantee complete freedom from diseases, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is generally considered to be a relatively healthy breed compared to others. Although there are rare cases of lymphoma, overall, the breed tends to be quite healthy. Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing on their breeding stock to proactively avoid potential health issues. It is important for owners to regularly check their Dandie's ears for signs of infection and maintain good dental hygiene by brushing the dog's teeth with a toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs. Routine visits to the veterinarian for checkups and parasite control play a vital role in ensuring a long and healthy life for the dog. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: No recommended health tests

Grooming

	The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a breed that does not shed, but this doesn't mean they require no grooming. Their unique coat needs regular attention. The dead hair in their coat should be stripped at least a couple of times a year. This can be done either by hand by the breeder or by the owner using a special stripping tool recommended by the breeder. It's recommended to pluck long hairs from the coat daily using thumb and forefinger to maintain a neat appearance. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting. Monthly toenail trimming is also important. Additionally, regular care of the ears should be included in their grooming routine to check for any signs of infection or debris build-up.

Exercise

	A Dandie Dinmont Terrier thrives with about half an hour of exercise twice a day, such as a brisk walk or playing fetch in the yard. When outside, it is important to always keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area. Despite being well-trained, Dandies have a strong hunting drive and may impulsively chase after perceived prey if given the opportunity. In a home environment, most Dandies do very well with moderate exercise. Due to their long and low build, they are not designed for long-distance running and this breed is not ideally suited for owners seeking a jogging or biking companion.

Training

	Indeed, Dandie Dinmont Terriers are known for their tough and dignified nature, despite their small size. With ample patience and a positive reward-based approach, you can achieve excellent results in training them. These dogs possess a "rough-and-tumble" attitude displaying both sturdiness and high energy levels. However, they are also remarkably adaptable and eager to please their owners. Like many terriers, Dandies can exhibit stubbornness, independence, and an unwavering confidence in their abilities to confront any challenge. For this reason, it is essential to provide thorough training to ensure that your Dandie not only becomes a well-behaved companion but also relies on your guidance in unexpected situations.

Nutrition

	Feeding a Dandie Dinmont Terrier a high-quality dog food that is suitable for their age (puppy, adult, or senior) is crucial for their nutrition. It is important to be mindful of calorie consumption and weight levels, as some Dandies may be prone to weight gain. Treats can be utilized during training, but it's essential to give them in moderation to prevent obesity. It is advisable to provide table scraps sparingly or avoid those altogether particularly cooked bones and foods high in fat content. Familiarize yourself with which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, consult with your veterinarian for guidance and recommendations.

Historiography

The history of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier dates back to around 1700 when it was described as a "rough native terrier" owned by border hunters in the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland. These dogs were skilled at hunting and dispatching otters and badgers.

Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish novelist was an admirer of the breed and featured them in his 1815 novel 'Guy Mannering.' The character Dandie Dinmont in the novel owned a pack of unique-looking pepper and mustard terriers. Scott based this character on James Davidson, a real-life breeder of these dogs. Davidson had a pack of working terriers with names like Old Mustard, Young Pepper, Young Mustard, Little Pepper, Little Mustard, and Old Pepper, which are still revered by Dandie enthusiasts. It is said that all present-day Dandies can be traced back to a dog named Old Ginger, sired by Old Pepper.

The breed gained recognition as Dandie Dinmont's terriers due to the exposure it received from Walter Scott's novel. Remarkably, they are the only AKC breed named after a fictional character.

During the 19th century, Dandie Dinmont Terriers captured the attention of royals such as Louis Philippe, the King of France, who kept pampered Dandies in his royal entourage. In 1875, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was established in England and remains one of the world's oldest breed clubs. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886 and continues to have a small yet dedicated following.