DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER
APPEARANCE
Originally bred to go to ground, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a long, low-stationed working terrier with a curved outline. The dark eyes are large and round with a soft, wise expression. The dogs are sturdily built with strong bone structure and ample muscular strength. The sturdy, flexible body and scimitar shaped tail are covered with a rather crisp double coat, either mustard or pepper in color. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier reaches around 8-11 inches in height, and weights in at around 18-24 pounds.
PERSONALITY
The Dandie Dinmont is affectionate and fun-loving. It makes a great companion dog. Lively, plucky, determined and willful. Independent and intelligent. Bold yet dignified. He is a very independent and strong willed dog, and this makes him more suited to those with some experience of dog ownership and handling. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier loves activity and play, and is a confident, lively, and spirited little dog with plenty of personality.
TRAINING
Dandie Dinmonts are not particularly interested in your training regimen, so it is vitally important that you are firm, consistent, and make training sessions fun for your Dandie. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier requires a firm yet gentle hand, as they can be stubborn at times. Sessions should be kept short and made fun because this will encourage them to want to learn. Basic obedience is not high on their list so owners will need to be patient and stay consistent.
EXERCISE
Regular exercise is always a must for dogs, but this breed can generally adapt to whatever activity level is present in the home. Chasing a ball or just playing with other dogs will tire this breed out effectively. Dandie Dinmonts are happy to accompany you on longer hikes and will up. They have a great deal of stamina and will keep going as long as you can.
SOCIALIZATION
The Dandie Dinmont is lively and friendly and gets along well with children of all ages and sizes if raised with them from a young age. He also tends to get along well with strangers and will be friendly and welcoming. When properly socialized he will get along well with other pets, such as dogs and cats, but he may have a high prey drive when it comes to rodents. Make sure not to keep two male breeds in one household, as some Dandie Dinmont Terriers can be very aggressive.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is good for apartment life. They can make do with indoor activities, and can also exercise on a small yard. A small yard is recommended, but not required.
GROOMING
Although this breed sheds a minimal amount of hair, regular brushing is still recommended as well as professional grooming. The dead hair in their coat should be plucked out every few months. Bathe only when necessary. Their ears are pendulous and should be checked regularly for wax build-up by yourself or the groomer.
HEALTH ISSUES
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a life expectancy of around 12-15 years. This breed is prone to epilepsy, hypothyroidism and intervertebral disc disease. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier might also inherit a couple of eye diseases such as luxating lens, and glaucoma.
HISTORY
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier originated in Scotland and was bred hunt down rodents, rabbits, weasels, badger, skunks and otters. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1886.
