Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Calm, independent and loving – here comes the Dandie Dinmont Terrier!

History of the Dandie

The native terrier that would become known as the Dandie Dinmont was developed in the border country between England and Scotland. They are one of 18 native Scottish dogs.

It was first mentioned in written history around 1700 as being good hunters of otters and badgers. 

The Dandie is named after a character in a book written by Sir Walter Scott in 1815. The book, called “Guy Mannering” features a character called Dandie Dinmont – a farmer with six “pepper and mustard” terriers. 

The six terriers were called Old Mustard, Young Pepper, Young Mustard, Little Pepper, Little Mustard, and Old Pepper. 

Today every Dandie can be traced back to Old Pepper and his lady love Old Ginger.

Some famous Dandie Dinmont owners include Agatha Christie and Queen Victoria.

Today,  Dandies are listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the UK Kennel Club. Only about 300 puppies are born worldwide annually.

Appearance

The Dandie Dinmont has a soft, curvy body, somewhat different to other terriers who have angular bodies. Its body is long, with short legs and a big head with big eyes. 

The Dandie’s coat colour can be “mustard” which is light fawn to red-brown, or “pepper” which is silver grey to blue-black. 

One of the most recognisable features of this breed is the soft silky hair on its head which forms a topknot.

These “big little dogs” stand between 20 to 28 cm high, with longer legs at the back than the front.

Temperament

Dandie Dinmonts have the nickname “gentleman of the terrier family” because of their calm and reserved nature. 

Dandies are loyal companions who need moderate exercise to avoid becoming frustrated. They are intelligent and affectionate with a strong personality.  They are equally happy living in the city or the country. 

Do you have a Dandie Dinmont in your family? What do you love most about them?