Dandie Dinmont Terrier

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Size: Small
Other Names: Dandie, Hindlee Terrier
Country of Origin: Scotland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Terriers
The Kennel Club (KC): Terrier
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Terrier
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Terrier

A small dog, with a very long body, short legs, and a distinctive "top-knot" of hair on his head. The neck is muscular. The skull is broad between the ears, gradually tapering to the eyes. The muzzle is deep, with a well-defined stop. The moderately large nose and the lips are dark in color. The tail looks like a curved sword, and is about 8 to 10 inches long. The eyes are large and round, wide-set, and come in dark hazel with dark eye rims.

A small, long-backed terrier who can share an apartment; the coat needs regular grooming, and he is a quieter house dog than many terriers if given walks.

Dating back to the 1700s, the breed originated from dogs being used in the border country of Scotland and England. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier may have been developed from the Skye Terrier and the now extinct Scotch Terrier (different from today's Scottish Terrier). The Dandie was used by farmers to kill vermin, and was able to go to ground hunting badgers and otter, due to his short legs. Among some of the Dandie's expertise are vermin catching, and hunting rabbit, badger, martens, otter, weasels, and skunks. The Dandie was also a favorite among the gypsies. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was described in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Guy Mannering", written in 1814.

Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 18-24 pounds
Color: Pepper or mustard. Pepper ranges from a dark blueish black to a very light silvery gray. Mustard can vary from reddish browns to a fawn where the head appears to be almost white.
Coat: Rough, with a depth of up to 2 inches, with a mix of soft and hard hairs. Hair on the underside and head is softer in texture.
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Litter size: 3–5 puppies

Temperament

The breed is friendly, yet tough and suitable for interaction with older children. The Dandie is both a good companion and a guard dog, yet is among the most docile of the terrier breeds. He is lively, bold, brave, independent, and intelligent. The Dandie is usually quite undemanding of his owner. They have been known to dig large holes in a short amount of time.

Training

Dandies are not difficult to train, if you are firm and consistent. He needs rules and limitations to be set and consistently upheld. He is a good watchdog, yet must be trained when to stop barking after he has gotten your attention. The Dandie can be trained to be good with cats, but not with smaller animals such as hamsters or rats, due to his hunting instincts. They are prone to challenging other animals including foxes, and in some cases, other dogs.

Care and grooming

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier needs to be walked daily, and will enjoy additional sessions of play in the park or other open areas. Dandies need to be brushed regularly, and do best with professional grooming. Dead hair should be plucked out once or twice a year.

Shedding

Moderate; the crisp coat needs brushing so it does not mat.

Health

Dandie Dinmont Terriers may develop back problems and glaucoma. Keep the dog lean and have the eyes checked as the dog ages.

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