Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog (History, Health Problems & More)

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Temperament

A fun-loving, affectionate, and lively dog, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a great choice for a companion dog.

This is an intelligent and protective breed and tends to get along well with other animals when raised with them from puppy-hood. This breed also gets on well with children and babies when raised with than from a young age, although it can be reserved and standoffish with strangers. This is also a dog that is wilful and determined, and this can affect training, although by and large this breed is not too difficult to train.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Physical features

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a long, fairly low body, and sports a pretty, silky topknot on its head. These dogs have silky pendant ears and a sweet black button nose. Sparkly, dark hazel eyes ad to the sweet and gentle expression of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The coat of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is textured and is soft underneath and a little more textured on the topcoat, although the ears and head remain very silky. The coat comes in a pepper or mustard coloring. The height of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier ranges from 8-11 inches, and its weight from 18-24 pounds.

Is he right for you?

If you have other pets or children then you should fare well with a Dandie Dinmont Terrier that you have as a puppy, as he will get along well if well socialized. If you have a lot of guests, you should bear in mind that this breed can be standoffish and reserved with strangers.

This dog will be okay living in an apartment as well as a house, but if you have no yard or garden you must ensure that you provide regular exercise in a suitable area.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Health Problems

Although there are no major health problems that are known to specifically affect the breed, older dogs can suffer from hyperthyroidism and some can suffer from epilepsy or glaucoma. Back problems may be experienced by the Dandie Dinmont Terrier that becomes too overweight.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Grooming requirements

You will need to brush the coat of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier regularly to keep it tangle-free and in good shape, and you may also need to take your dog to be professionally groomed from time to time. Once or twice yearly the Dandie Dinmont Terrier will need to have any dead hair plucked out.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier History

Originating from the border between England and Scotland in the 18th century, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is thought to have descended from the Skye Terrier, and the Scotch Terrier, a breed that is now extinct. This is a breed that was bred to kill vermin for farmers, but today is popular as a companion dog.

Popularity

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog ranked 144th out of 155 on the AKC popularity list in 2006. This was a slight increase in its position of 149th in 2005.

Dog group

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog comes under the Terrier Group.