History

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only breed named for a literary character. Sir Walter Scott’s 1814 novel, Guy Mannering”, contained a farmer named Dandie Dinmont” who had a pack of terriers indigenous to the English-Scottish Border area. James Davidson, a tenant on Hindlee farm, was credited as being the model for the Scott character. The peppers and mustards were renamed Dandie Dinmont Terriers, and the success of the novel ensured continued publicity and their increasing popularity throughout Great Britain.

In the British Isles in the mid 1700’s, two distinct types of terriers were identified. One was a rough-coated, short-legged, long-backed dog, very strong and most commonly black or yellowish mixed with white. The other was smooth-haired, shorter bodied and more sprightly in appearance, generally reddish-brown or black with tan legs. In the early

1800’s interest turned to controlled breeding of dogs of many types for specific purposes. In Scotland the short-legged rough-coated breeds used to go to ground emerged in a variety of forms, all probably originating from something halfway in type between the modern Cairn and Skye.

In 1875 The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed and the original Standard formatted. Breeders were invited to submit suggestions for a Standard to specify the points distinguishing the Dandie Dinmont from the other developing terrier breeds. In 1886 the American Kennel Club, (founded in 1884), registered a Dandie Dinmont, Bonnie Britton, in the first year of the Stud Book Registry.

The essentials of the original Standard remain largely unchanged today. In the early 1970’s, the American Standard was modified to specify the spacing and number of incisors. In 1991 the American Standard was reformatted to fall into line with the American Kennel Club’s effort to standardize all the breed standards. The American Dandie Dinmont Terrier Standard is now more explicit, includes a reference to movement and eliminates the numerical scale of points. When studying the Standard it is helpful to remember the origin and purpose of the breed.

Care and Training

Regular grooming of the Dandie Dinmont Terriers coat should be done with a pin brush. Loose hair if left will soon mat. Long hours of regular exercise will keep the Dandie Dinmont Terrier healthy and well adjusted. They have a tendency to dig and crawl under fences and training should begin at a young age to discourage this type of behavior. Train of the young should be sympathetic, never harsh as they are a sensitive dog.

Temperament

An affectionate and fun-loving dog, the Dandie Dinmont can be a loyal companion. It is an intelligent and independent breed that can be reserved around strangers and aggressive with strange dogs, especially male Dandies. It is suitable for homes with older children and will get along well with other dogs or cats if raised with them from puppyhood. A little dog with a big bark, this breed will alert you of guests. It is not particularly difficult to train, but it is known for its stubborn streak. It is an active dog that can be a wonderful addition to the family.

Health

Life span: 11 – 13 years
Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease
Minor concerns: shoulder and elbow luxation
Occasionally seen: patellar luxation, otitis externa
Suggested tests: elbow