With a rather goofy name and a unique appearance, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier stands out from all the other terriers. “Big dog in a small package” is rather accurate in describing this charming canine. Read on to learn more about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier!
1. These Dogs Come From Scotland
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is believed to have originated from dogs living around the Scottish/English border; its true origins however remain rather mysterious and obscure. As with other Scottish terriers at the time, the ancestors of the Dandie Dinmont were bred more so for function rather than appearance.
Some debate that this dog resulted from breeding the Scottish Terrier and Skye Terrier. In contrast, others argue that crossing the Otterhound and the now-extinct Scotch Terrier was how the ancestral Dandie Dinmont Terrier came to be. The bottom line is that nobody really knows where these dogs came from.
A farmer in the 1800s named James Davidson (who would later inspire a character in a novel, as you will read later) is believed to have formed the lineage of the modern Dandie Dinmont Terrier. It is currently accepted that Davidson’s dogs would provide the foundation stock of today’s Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The American Kennel Club (AKC) fully recognized this breed in 1886.
2. These Terriers Were Bred for Hunting
As with other terriers from the Scottish countryside, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was originally bred to fend off animals, such as badgers and otters, that were considered a nuisance by many Scottish people at the time.
Early in the breed’s development, possible ancestral terriers were kept and associated with the Allan Family of Holystone, Northumberland. Walter “Piper” Allan, patriarch of the family, was an avid otter hunter who kept dogs for this purpose. In one outing, hired by Lord Ravensworth, Allan was sent to get rid of some otters at a nearby park. Lord Ravensworth, astonished by the dogs’ ability to pursue the otters, wanted to purchase one of the dogs, to which Allan himself refused.
Whether the problematic animal was a fox, badger, rat, otter, or even a weasel, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was meant to handle them all. Its flexible body, powerful jaws, and short stature allowed these dogs to efficiently take down their quarry within their underground dens. While its history as a hunting dog can still be seen in this dog today, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is equally happy at home as a household companion.
3. They’re Named for a Fictional Character
The Dandie Dinmont is one of many dogs named after people—but uniquely, the only one named for a fictional character! “Guy Mannering”, a book written and published in 1815 by an anonymous author (Sir Walter Scott), was an instant hit, as it was completely sold out on its first day of release. But importantly, it included a supporting character by the name of Dandie Dinmont.
Dandie Dinmont was a farmer who was largely inspired by James Davidson, who was believed to be the main founder of the modern breed. The character owned six terriers in the story named Auld Pepper, Auld Mustard, Young Pepper, Young Mustard, Little Pepper, and Little Mustard. Like Dandie Dinmont, the actual James Davidson was known for his odd sense of humor and gave his “pepper-and-mustard terriers” only two names out of the 20 or so dogs he kept.
James Davidson himself, while having never read the book himself, was so flattered that he also adopted “Dandie Dinmont” as an alias of his very own. James Davidson would also give the author, Sir Walter Scott, a pair of dogs named Ginger and Spice.
4. The Dinmont Terrier Is a Rare Breed
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has experienced a decline, being considered one of the rarest breeds native to the British Isles. Even during the late 1800s, this canine was already dwindling as fewer dogs were being registered. One notable breeder, Eaglesfield Bradshaw-Smith, led a breeding project that lasted from 1841 until his death in 1882. He managed to keep a genetically viable group of dogs, but whenever new blood was needed, he’d venture out and take meticulous notes on the most desirable dogs for breeding.
Bradshaw-Smith reportedly went to the extreme to evaluate gameness: dogs would be put against two badgers, and the canine would have to survive being attacked by one badger while pursuing another. Two individuals, Old Ginger and Old Pepper (the latter who was discovered and rescued from a poacher’s trap) discovered from this project are the two dogs to which all Dandie Dinmont Terriers today can be traced to.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is still rare, but a slight increase has jumped their breed popularity, hopping up to 186th out of the 201 breeds registered in 2023. Fanciers and enthusiasts of this breed are known for their dedication to breeding and preserving this breed’s legacy.
5. Dandie Dinmont Terriers Are Generally Healthy
For a rare dog with a limited genetic pool, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is typically a healthy breed. Due to their short stature and long body, the Dandie Dinmont Terriers can be prone to an issue known as intervertebral disc disease, along with other spinal injuries. To minimize any back issues, playtime shouldn’t be rough or aggressive, and making sure your dog isn’t jumping high heights is also a good prevention measure. If needed, carrying your dog up and down the stairs is preferable over making them walk on their own. Some Dandie Dinmont Terriers may also be susceptible to less breed-specific problems such as glaucoma and epilepsy. A few dogs may develop lymphoma, a rare but serious cancer that affects your dog’s lymph nodes and immune system.
Like every breed, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier should be annually examined by your veterinarian to ensure that any issues are caught before they worsen. You should also set up a veterinary appointment as soon as possible should your dog develop any symptoms of illness.
6. Dinmont Terriers Have Some Grooming Needs
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s coat requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy. To prevent mats and tangles, this dog’s coat must be brushed daily with a soft brush. Its fur can be trimmed every four to six weeks as desired, though this should be done by a professional groomer as clipping could permanently alter your dog’s hair growth.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s fur should also be hand-stripped a few times a year to remove any dead hairs. You can purchase a special stripping tool if needed or even have a professional groomer assist you. While this breed’s grooming requirements may be rather high maintenance, you can rest assured that this dog isn’t much of a shedder.
As with other dogs, your terrier’s nails should be trimmed every few weeks to prevent discomfort. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s distinctively pendulous ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent common health issues. To maintain great dental hygiene, your dog’s teeth should be brushed at least twice times a week (though every day is preferred). While dental chews are a great way to treat your dog, they should not be a substitute for actual tooth brushing.
7. These Little Dogs Love Exercise
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has moderate exercise requirements. A few walks a day accompanied by a few playtime sessions is usually enough to satisfy this breed. Your dog should always be kept on a leash, as its high prey drive may make them prone to chasing small animals. Due to its short legs and low build, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an unsuitable companion for more rigorous and long-distance treks, such as running or biking.
A secure, fenced-in yard is great to allow your dog to spend some time outdoors, and games such as Frisbee and fetch are great bonding activities. Be mindful not to be too rough as you don’t want to risk injuring your dog’s spine.
8. These Terriers Can Make Great Companions
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier may be small, but its history with hunting game gives it a bold and independent streak. The Dandie Dinmont, like other terriers, can be rather hard-headed and stubborn, so training requires lots of patience, firmness, and lots of positive reinforcement.
Training and socialization should begin early in puppyhood to mitigate any problematic behaviors as your dog gets older. As with other terriers, the Dandie Dinmont has an affinity for digging, so this may be another behavior to curb through training. Some owners establish a designated digging area or even a sandbox for their dogs who love to dig. After all, why take away their fun?
Due to its small size, these dogs can live comfortably in an apartment or other small household setting. These dogs are often patient and friendly around children but always supervise your dog and child together. The Dandie Dinmont is more suitable for families with older children.
