OK, now we need to warn you that if you’ve never heard anything about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and all the information you have to go about this little guy, chances are, what you’re thinking isn’t even close. This is because even though this guy is petite and called “Dandie,” these little guys are tough! And that’s what we like most about them.
Because…
Sure, they’re cute, and sure, they’re friendly, but so are a lot of other “types” of dogs. That’s why what we like about these guys is that even though they look like little “toys” at their “core,” they’re adamant and very worthy of the title “terrier” at the end of their name. But will a Dandie Dinmont Terrier be your “right” kind of dog? This is a question that we will try and answer today because the last thing we want you to do is decide to adopt one of these fine Terriers simply because you think they are super cute.
Doing so without knowing how these little guys behave would simply be asking for trouble and risking your and your Terrier’s happiness. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our discussion all about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and shed some light on why these dogs are so great!
Dandie Dinmont Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Scotland and England
Original Purpose: Hunt otters and badgers
Height: 8 to 11 inches tall
Weight: 18 to 24 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Terrier Group
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Origin of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a dog breed that has been around since the late 17th century when it was first created around the borderlands between England and Scotland. It was here that these little guys were used by local farmers and traveling gypsies to help flush out and kill game animals, including:
- Otters,
- Badgers,
- And foxes.
Considering how fierce these animals are and how small the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is, it is no easy task. This should give you an idea of how brave these little guys are. Now, “how” the Dandie Dinmont Terrier came into existence is a bit of a mystery. According to some sources, the breed was a cross between Otterhounds and local terriers, while other reports suggest that the breed was developed by crossing Dachshunds with terriers.
No matter which source is credible, we can establish that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a distant relative of the Terrier.
Now, over the years…
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has gone by several different names. Names such as:
- Catcleugh,
- Hindlee,
- And Pepper and Mustard Terriers.
Ultimately, folks eventually settled on the name “Dandie Dinmont” after Sir Walter Scott chose to refer to them as such in his book Guy Mannering in 1814. Shortly afterward, the American Kennel Club decided to “officially” recognize the breed and currently ranks it as the 164th most common breed today.
Physical Characteristics
Aside from their large head, which is covered with silky white hair, which is the hallmark of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, these dogs can also be easily identified by their long hanging ears, big round eyes, a long but low torso (think Dachshund), and short legs.
The body coat of the dog comes in two colors:
- Pepper which is a blueish black to silver grey color
- Mustard, which is a reddish brown to pale fawn color
The dog’s average weight is around 24 pounds, and they’ll usually measure 8 to 11 inches tall. We should also point out that the front legs of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier are short yet very powerful and that their paws tend to turn slightly outward when digging. Remember, these guys are “terriers,” so there will be a fair amount of “digging” going on. It should also be noted that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s hind legs are longer than the front legs but aren’t as powerful.
Personality and Temperament
The first thing you must know about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is that he is a fantastic companion animal. This affectionate dog thrives on being a part of the family. He is just as happy in the city living with you in an apartment as he would be living in the country with miles and miles to roam. However,d however, because he is a “terrier,” we can automatically assume two things…
First, he’s going to be innovative. Second, he’s going to be a “wee bit” stubborn.
This is why you’re going to want to be sure to enroll your Dandie into an obedience class right away and be sure that he receives plenty of socialization training with both people and other dogs and pets as well. As he grows and matures, he will be a great family pet to everyone in the household, regardless of age, size, or species!
The good news is that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier tends to be calmer than most Terriers, is polite with strangers, and makes a good watchdog. But beware, like just about all Terriers out there; the Dandie Dinmont Terrier has the potential to get aggressive with other dogs of the same sex.
Potential Health Concerns
Any time you decide to purchase a purebred animal, there’s always a chance that the animal could be “susceptible” to certain inheritable diseases. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is no exception to this rule. So, the first thing you will want to do is be sure that you only work with a reputable Dandie Dinmont Terrier breeder when purchasing a new puppy and be sure that they are aware of some of the conditions they are prone to developing.
You’ll also want to…
Make sure you can physically inspect the parent of any puppy you are considering purchasing. In the case of buying a Dandie Dinmont puppy, you want to make sure that your puppy’s parents don’t show any signs of the following conditions:
- Glaucoma,
- Cheyletiella yasguri mitei,
- Spinal problems, including Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD),
- Epilepsy,
- And Cushing’s Disease,
Now, you may be thinking to yourself…
“Wow, Dandie Dinmont Terriers are unhealthy!”
But the truth is, they aren’t any healthier or less healthy than any other purebred dog breeds out there. You see, animals, just like people, tend to get sick or injured as just a part of everyday life! This is why it’s so essential for any potential pet owner to fully understand the responsibility that they are taking when they decide to purchase or adopt a pet. It’s also why we here at IndulgeYourPet encourage anyone considering becoming a pet owner to be sure and do their due diligence before leaping into pet ownership, p which includes taking a moment and considering purchasing a pet insurance policy on their animal.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be “right” for everyone?
No, of course not. But until you understand how they work, and until you know how much one might cost you, how will you be able to tell for sure one isn’t “right” for you?
For more information about who we “feel” currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies, we encourage you to check out our Top 10 Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
