History , Care Tips , and Helpful Information for Pet Owners

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The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a smallterrier breednative to the border of England and Scotland with short legs , a farseeing body , and silky hair that grows in a touch puff on top of the capitulum ( also experience as a topknot ) . The distinctive show and equanimity , hoard conduct of these Canis familiaris make them fend out among similar breeds . Dandie Dinmont Terriers are often referred to as the " valet de chambre " of the terrier grouping thanks to their calm personalities .

A close-up of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

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Due to their compact sizing , suitable disposition , and low - to - restrained workout motive , Dandie Dinmont Terriers can thrive in both apartments and large homes . They also make greatcompanion dogsfor proprietor with a miscellany of lifestyles .

Breed Overview

Group : Terrier

Height:8 to 11 inches

Weight:18 to 24 Ezra Loomis Pound

Border collie standing on hill

Credit:The Spruce / Kelly Miller

pelage : Double coating with waterproof undercoat and silky topcoat

Coat Color : Pepper ( patrician - Shirley Temple Black to silver ) or mustard ( red - brown to light greyish brown ) ; saturnine on leg and feet

Life Span:12 to 15 long time

Red Miniature Poodles

disposition : Affectionate , unagitated , companionable , independent , playful

Hypoallergenic : Yes

Origin : England and Scotland

Characteristics of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a playful , affectionate pocket-sized strain . These dogs make great family favourite or travel companions , and they enjoy spending time with their human crime syndicate ( though they sometimes have a reserve temperament with strangers ) . Thanks to theircompact size , Dandie Dinmont Terriers are typically a practiced choice for households with cats despite their origins in hunt . They may not be suited to subsist alongside smaller dearie like hamsters or mice , but they can do well with other dogs when raised together . Their modest exercise indigence and independent personalities also make them ideal for urban life or owner without slew of fourth dimension to spend with their cad .

History of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

originate in the Cheviot Hills on the border of England and Scotland , the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was originallybred to huntotters , badgers , and blighter like dirty dog and mice during the 1600s . Although there are conflicting origin stories and theories , it ’s normally believed that Dandie Dinmonts were the result of breeding Scottish Terriers with Skye Terriers , or Otterhounds and rocky - haired terrier .

Despite their hundreds of geezerhood of history , Dandie Dinmont Terriers were n’t generate their unique name until 1814 when Sir Walter Scott published his book , Guy Mannering . The Good Book sport a character named Dandie Dinmont , who have terrier named Pepper and Mustard ( after their coat colors ) .

AfterGuy Manneringwas published , Dandie Dinmonts gained popularity among European royalty , including King Louis Philippe and Queen Victoria . It ’s commonly believe that during these class of growth , Dandie Dinmonts were bred with Dachshunds , resulting in their unique , elongated bod .

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) in 1886 , and it remains the only recognized strain named after a fictional character .

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Care

Because of the Dandie Dinmont ’s minuscule size and calm disposition , this stock is comparatively easy to manage for when it comes to exercise . However , they can require specific training to maintain their coats along with persistent training .

Exercise

Dandie Dinmonts have low - to - moderateexercise requirement . They can flourish in belittled space , like apartments , as well as larger house with G . point for a few walkway or two 20- to 30 - minute blocks of playday each day to keep your Dandie Dinmont decently exercised . It ’s also crucial to note that these hound should never be allowed off - rope in an unfenced country . They have a strong prey driving , mean they ’re potential to go after after birds , squirrels , and other creature if present the chance .

Grooming

Although Dandie Dinmonts are working dogs , their coating need regular upkeep . you may expect to dress their coats with scissor grip every four to six hebdomad to maintain their unparalleled shape and appearance . Dandie Dinmonts should also be brush several multiplication per week with a soft encounter to remove any mat or tangle . Even though this strain ’s pelage is higher maintenance than other terriers , theirlow - shedding natureis ideal for owner with allergic reaction and cuts down on the need to vacuum-clean best-loved hair .

In orderliness to prevent plaque build - up that can lead to gum tree disease and bad breathing space , it ’s authoritative tobrush your dog ’s teethat least two to three times per calendar week ( but every twenty-four hour period is preferred ) .

Training

Like other terriers , train a Dandie Dinmont requires persistence and patience . These dogs are highly intelligent , so they can become blase easily . Keep breeding piquant and interesting by incorporate playday and challenges for your dog . In honest terrier mannequin , Dandie Dinmonts are alsoprone to digging , so it ’s helpful to train against this habit or produce a designated dig area in your yard .

Overall , Dandie Dinmont Terriers are highly reasoning but lower - energy terrier that are adaptable to their surroundings . Expect to be helping hand - on during obedience training and gear up for holes in your backyard . Dandie Dinmont Terriers may be the " gentleman " of the group , but their terrier instinct can sometimes take over .

Common Health Problems

As with other purebreds , Dandie Dinmonts are susceptible to certain wellness concerns . Responsible breeders take steps to reduce their litter ' risk of developing health problems , but your wienerwurst may feel these vulgar circumstance :

The Spruce / Kelly Miller

Diet and Nutrition

Your dog ’s nutritionary penury depend on its age , action level , size , and metabolism . Generally , most Dandie Dinmonts should eat between 1 and 1 1/2 cups of gamy - character , high - protein food double per day .

Overfeeding your dogcan lead to a host of health trouble , including eye disease and diabetes . Talk to your vet to determine a goodish repast program for your specific dog to prevent canid obesity and ensure it receives the proper nutrients .

Where to Adopt or Buy a Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an especiallyrare dog stock . follow this type of dog may leaven hard , but there are quite a little of other alike terrier breeds ready for adoption . If you ’re interested in a Dandie Dinmont , look at rescuing a terrier from your local tax shelter or seek for strain - specific rescues .

If you do find a bedding material of Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppies , traveling or get together a waiting list may be required . see the breeder provides the medical chronicle of the litter ’s parents to increase your dog ’s chances of living a farsighted , respectable life-time . These puppies typically be between $ 1,500 and $ 3,000 depending on pedigree and availability .

The national breed order and AKC listings are bang-up resources to commence your hunt :

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Overview

Calm personality

Low - shedding

capital apartment and travel fellow

ask considerable grooming

Can be stubborn during prepare

Prone to turn over

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier right for your mob ? Before bringing any weenie household , it ’s important to do your enquiry . Ensure your young dog ’s grooming , grooming , and workout needs fit your family unit ’s lifestyle .

If you ’re interested in similar dog stock , find out out :

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a rarefied click breed . While its personality and characteristic are ideal for many owner , prospective adoptive parent may have difficulty deliver this breed from shelters or finding healthy bedding throughresponsible breeder .

Dandie Dinmont Terriers have naturally humiliated - moult coat and are classified as ahypoallergenic breed . Though no dog is completely hypoallergenic , this breed is suitable for owners with soft to moderate allergies .

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are modest , unagitated dogsthat are adaptable to a salmagundi of life-style . They make bang-up phratry PET for owners who can put up the proper grooming and preparation care to keep them tidy .