Dandie Dinmont Terrier: The Most Unique and Charming Dog Breed
Dandie Dinmont Terrier: The Most Unique and Charming Dog Breed
Written by Silvia Capelli
March 12, 2023
Character and Characteristics
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog of Scottish origin. It has a long body and a lovely round head, thick and silky fur, and a nice pair of mustaches framing its cute little face.
Like all terriers, it has a strong and independent character, but it can also be a loyal companion, always ready to engage and please its beloved master.
In Italy, this breed is not very common, but it is still worth getting to know. Continue reading and we will give you many details about the history and personality of this beautiful little dog.
History of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier originated in Great Britain, in the Teviotdale hills, on the border between Scotland and England. It likely descended from rough-coated terriers native to the area.
Dating back to the 1700s, this breed was developed for hunting small game. Initially, these dogs were known as Pepper and Mustard Terriers, named after the distinctive colors of their coats.
It is believed that they were owned by gypsy families who rented them out for otter extermination and other pest control. The Duke of Northumberland even offered a whole farm to the gypsy with the most talented dog, but the offer was declined, recognizing the dog's value.
The real story of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier actually begins in 1815, when author Sir Walter Scott wrote a book titled “Guy Mannering”.
As a child, the renowned writer spent much time in Northumbria, where local farmers bred a very distinctive-looking and highly fox-hunting adept breed of dogs.
Among them was a man named James Davidson, who named all his terriers, both pepper and mustard, Pepe and Senape.
Sir Walter Scott transformed James Davidson into a rough but kind-hearted farmer named Dandie Dinmont. In the story, this rustic breeder lived in a farm called Charlieshope, in Great Britain, with his pack of six terriers named Old Pepper and Old Mustard, Young Pepper and Young Mustard, and Little Pepper and Little Mustard.
The book was a huge success, and James Davidson became as famous as the book's protagonist. Customers continuously visited him, referring to him as the fictional character. He even gifted two of his terriers to Sir Walter Scott.
Little is known about the origins of this small hunting dog: it is assumed that the breed mix included the now-extinct Scotch Terrier, Hotterhund, Bulldog, German Dachshund, and Yorkshire Terrier, but there is no certainty. The progenitor of the Bedlington Terrier, called the “Rothbury Forest dog,” might have also been included.
Unfortunately, no records were kept regarding the crossbreeding and bloodline selection, so the genealogy of this dog will always remain a mystery.
Towards the end of the 1800s, the breed nearly went extinct. It was only thanks to the perseverance of a breeder that the breed did not disappear completely, and due to the scarcity of specimens, practically all modern Dandie Dinmont Terriers descend from a single dog named Old Pepper.
The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today, unfortunately, the number of births is so low that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier has been classified as a vulnerable breed.
Character of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This small companion dog is tenacious and brave, showing no fear just like its hunting ancestors.
It has a cheerful and sunny disposition and becomes very attached to family members, while not being too fond of other animals, neither its kind nor cats. It also doesn't get along well with strangers.
Unlike other hunting dogs, it does not have a very independent nature and does not like being left alone for many hours.
Unfortunately, it can be quite stubborn, and if not trained from a puppy, it might become unmanageable. It tends to run away easily and is prone to barking.
Curiosities about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only English terrier not named after the region it comes from.
Physical Characteristics of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This Terrier is not very widespread, and because it somewhat resembles more well-known breeds, it can be difficult to identify. As mentioned, its general appearance is very similar to the West Highland White Terrier, which, however, is only white in color.
In this article, we will try to explain how to recognize it and understand if your loyal friend meets the F.C.I. breed standards.
NB: These are the breed standards set by FCI and ENCI and therefore valid for Europe. Standards of size, color, or coat admitted by AKC or other federations, for example, the Canadian one, may differ. For more information, check the standards of the country of interest.
The photos on this site may represent both FCI and AKC standards or those of other federations.
ENCI FCI Standards
Group 3 Terriers
Section 2 Small-sized Terriers (short leg)
Without working trial
Sizes
There is only one size:
Dandie Dinmont Terrier height at the withers 20-28 cm, weight 8-11 kg
Type of Coat and Fur
This breed has a double coat with a soft undercoat and a harder outer coat, not rough but crisp. The fur does not fall from the back but appears in tufts that emerge from the undercoat.
Dandie Dinmont Colors
Color: Pepper or Mustard.
Pepper: This shade ranges from dark bluish-black to light silver grey, but a medium grey is preferred. The color on the trunk extends down to the shoulders and hips, gradually blending with the color of the limbs and feet, which varies from dark tan to light fawn. The tuft on the head is silver white.
Mustard: Ranges from reddish-brown to light fawn. The tuft on the head is cream white, with limbs and feet a darker tone. The fringes on the forelegs are lighter than the hair on the front of the limbs. The fringe on the lower part of the tail is lighter than the hair on the upper part, which in turn should be darker than the body fur.
Head
Wide and robust, with a black nose, dark hazel eyes, and a scissor bite jaw.
Body
Long, strong, and flexible, with well-rounded ribs and short limbs.
Tail
Rather short, thick at the base, and not curled.
Lifespan of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This delightful little dog typically has a lifespan of 12-15 years. The best way to help it live even longer is to take good care of it!
Diseases of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is naturally healthy and robust, but it can suffer from hereditary diseases common to these types of dogs or the usual canine diseases. Among the most frequent are:
Ear infections, congenital deafness
Food and fur allergies
Various spinal problems
Disc herniation
Bone cancer
Hypothyroidism
Spondylosis
Cushing's syndrome
Glaucoma, cataract
Diet of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very active dogs and thus do not have a natural tendency to gain weight. However, a family lifestyle and lack of physical activity can cause overweight. Therefore, be careful not to overfeed to avoid future problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cholesterol.
Puppy Diet
Weaning of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy begins around 4 weeks of age. From the first month of life, you can start introducing specific puppy food or finely ground meat, starting with one meal a day combined with mother's milk.
Between the first and second month, solid food-based meals should be given about 3/4 times a day, and three from the second month of life.
Adult Dandie Dinmont Terrier Diet
For a small breed dog, it is advisable to provide two meals a day and not overburden the animal with a single meal. Meals must be balanced and contain the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals.
Dry Food (Dog Kibble)
The obvious choice is good quality dry food, but it's important to strictly adhere to the recommended doses for weight and age. Choose a product designed for small breed dogs with characteristics suitable for the breed (there are even some varieties specifically for small terriers on the market).
Always check the ingredients and especially the vitamin and mineral content, essential for keeping our dogs healthy. Using only wet food as an alternative is not recommended, but a small amount can be added to make dry food more palatable.
Homemade Dog Diet
If you prefer not to use commercial food and cook for your dog, the most suitable choice for homemade food preparation falls on primary products to be served predominantly boiled.
Allowed Foods
Meat
Innards
Fish
Cereals
Fruits and vegetables suitable for dogs
Only occasionally eggs and a bit of cheese.
Forbidden Foods
Sweets
Baked goods
Fatty and greasy foods
Tubular bones
Spiced and smoked food
Onions and garlic
Mushrooms
Avocado
Remember, a homemade diet does not mean kitchen leftovers, but food specially prepared for your companion, which can be frozen and defrosted as needed.
Cooking at home is not difficult; just prepare a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables (50% - 25% -25%) and add a multivitamin and a glucosamine and omega-3 supplement.
The proportions of the components in homemade dog food can vary, but the majority should always be protein, which is the basis of a correct diet.
For more information on how to properly feed your dog with homemade food, you can follow the suggestions in our guide: “The homemade diet for the dog”. However, it is always advisable to consult a veterinary nutritionist.
Dogs do not like changes in diet, so it's best to choose one from the beginning and strictly stick to it.
Deworming the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
It's important to remember to periodically deworm both puppies and adult dogs, especially if they are adopted from shelters, kennels, or private owners.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers, like all small hunting breeds, love to dig and hunt, so be mindful of parasites. Choose a dewormer suitable for your dog's weight and age.
Other Tips to Keep Your Dandie Dinmont Terrier in Shape
Tick and Flea Prophylaxis
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier requires daily walks and, like small breed terriers, loves to burrow into holes to chase anything that moves. Therefore, if you live in high-risk areas, it's recommended to regularly perform flea and tick prophylaxis.
Also, be wary of grass awns during the warm season, as they can be very dangerous.
Nail Trimming
Even if the dog goes out little, its nails should be regularly trimmed to prevent injury during running.
Ear Cleaning
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is prone to ear canal infections and deafness. Ear cleaning is essential to avoid unpleasant odors or conditions such as:
Ear mite infestation
Bacterial otitis
Fungal otitis
Ear catarrh
Foreign body otitis
Dental Cleaning
Dental hygiene is also very important, as poor oral hygiene can lead to serious disorders such as:
Gingivitis
Stomatitis
Periodontitis
Oral tumors
Halitosis
If possible, perform daily dental cleaning to prevent early tooth loss or costly cleanings under sedation.
In addition to classic toothbrushes, finger brushes or brushes that clean both the inner and outer arches, and various flavors of enzymatic toothpaste for your pet can be helpful!
Brushing the teeth at least once every two days will help maintain a dog with a perfectly healthy mouth.
Administering a dental cleaning snack every day can be helpful, and there are many different tastes and shapes available on the market. However, they alone do not solve the problem; teeth still need to be brushed!
Anal Glands
Remember to periodically check the state of the anal glands to avoid situations such as:
Anal sac abscess
Tumors (adenomas and adenocarcinomas)
Atypical bacterial infections
Fungal infections
You will know it's time when the dog starts to drag its anus on the floor, scratches or licks repeatedly, and has a bad odor.
Spaying/Neutering
Spaying or neutering your dog can protect it from future problems: a female, if operated on before the first heat, is much less likely to develop malignant breast tumors, while a male will be less aggressive and less prone to running away.
Remember that small breed dogs often don't know their size and may provoke much larger dogs. Neutering in males limits this risky behavior.
Who is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Suitable For?
For people who can train them firmly. And for those with enough space, as they need a lot of exercise. Also suitable for families with children.
Who is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Not Suitable For?
For those with cats or other animals, as they don't get along even with their kind. For those with little space or unable to provide much exercise, and for those with intolerant neighbors, as they bark a lot.
