|
The Canine Chronicles Directory
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are distinguished by their unique heads which have beautiful
silky topknots and ear feathering. They have a double coat with the crisp-textured
outer coat being a mixture of supple, linty hair and hard, course hair. The hair
on the underside of the body, head and upper ears is softer than the hair on the
upper part. The breed has two colors: Pepper or Mustard. The pepper colored are
black and white with silver topknots and the mustard are various shades of red with
cream topknots. The puppies of peppered dogs are born black and tan and mustard
dogs are born with dark brown coat colors. The large, broad head is covered with
the distinct topknot and a defined stop. The skull narrows towards the eyes and
has a domed forehead. The large, round eyes are wide set and dark hazel in color.
The pendulant ears are wide set and taper from the head to a point. The nose is
black and the strong jaw has teeth that meet in a scissor-like bite. The well-developed
neck should be muscular and strong connecting to the laid back shoulders. The long
body should have a round and well-sprung rib cage. The short forelegs are muscular
with well defined bone. The wide set hindlegs are slightly longer than the forelegs.
The round feet should be well-padded. The tail should be thick at the base and tapers
to a point. It should be carried in an upward curve. The front dewclaws should be
removed when puppies are a few days old.
|
|
Temperament
|
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are affectionate, fun-loving, willful, and independent.
They are loyal and devoted to their families. They are good with children, including
babies, as long as they are raised with them. They are sociable and generally behave
well with other household pets if introduced to them while still young. Their dominance
levels vary and males are sometimes more aggressive with other males. It is best
not to have two intact males together.
|
|
Height, Weight
|
Height: 8-11" ; Weight: 18-24 lbs.
|
|
Health Problems
|
Though normally a very hardy breed, some are prone to hypothyroidism, glaucoma and
epilepsy. Overweight dogs can develop back problems.
|
|
Living Conditions
|
The Dandie does great in an apartment. They are an active breed and should always
be kept on a leash as they tend to chase.
|
|
Exercise
|
This breed is healthier if it is exercised regularly.
|
|
Life Expectancy
|
About 12-15 years
|
|
Grooming
|
The Dandie needs frequent and regular brushing. They should be professionally groomed
once or twice a year. Show dogs need more grooming.
|
|
Origin
|
During the 17th century, Dandie Dinmont Terriers were developed from the now extinct
Scotch Terrier. They were used by farmers to kill vermin. In the Cheviot and Teviotdale
Hills, they were used as otter and badger specialist. This breed was extremely popular
with gypsies, although they were also favored by the very rich. Sir Walter Scott
was so taken by the breed that he included them in his book 'Guy Mannering' which
was published in 1814. The breed's name, 'Dandie Dinmont' was taken from the fictional
character. The breed colors were also named after his dogs Pepper and Mustard. It
is the only breed to ever be named from a work of fiction. They are recognized by
both the AKC and the UKC.
|
|
Group
|
AKC and UKC Terrier
|