Dandie Dinmont Terrier
A long, low Scottish Border terrier with a silky topknot, large soulful eyes and a calm, dignified manner.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- 20–28 cm
- Weight
- 8–11 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Grooming
- Regular trips to a groomer
- Coat
- Several varieties, medium
- Colours
- Grey, Silver, Fawn
- Bred for
- Terrier work, Companionship
- Country of origin
- United Kingdom
- FCI
- Group 3, no. 168 · Terriers
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 2/5 – Low |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 4/5 – High |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 1/5 – Very low |
| Grooming effort | 4/5 – High |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Suits apartment living | 4/5 – High |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 3/5 – Moderate |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a calm, unusual small terrier
- live in a flat or quieter home
- like a dog with a gentle, dignified style
Think twice if you …
- want a highly obedient sport dog
- can't manage regular grooming
- keep rodents or small pets
Care
Temperament
Dignified, calm and affectionate, with a determined and independent streak. It has a deep, surprisingly loud bark.
Exercise
About 30 to 60 minutes of daily walking and play is enough; avoid lots of jumping and stair running.
Grooming
The mix of crisp and soft hair needs combing a few times a week and regular hand-stripping or trimming.
Training
Learns with patient, positive training but may decide for itself; keep it short and rewarding.
Health
Its long back makes it prone to intervertebral disc disease, and glaucoma is a recognised concern. Ask the breeder for eye (including gonioscopy) results and about back health in the line.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Spine
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Dandie Dinmont developed in the hills along the Scottish-English border, where farmers and gypsies used it to hunt otters, badgers and foxes. Its curved outline, long body and domed head give it a look unlike any other terrier.
It is quieter and more relaxed than many terriers, happy with moderate walks and a comfortable place by the fire. It is affectionate and loyal, and can be reserved with strangers. The breed is rare, and its long back calls for some care with jumping and stairs, especially when young, and a harness is kinder to its neck and back than a collar.
Did you know?
It is the only recognised dog breed named after a fictional character, Dandie Dinmont, a farmer in Walter Scott's 1815 novel Guy Mannering.