Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Dog Breed Information

May 17, 2016

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is small breed of dog in the Terrier family which has its origin in Scotland, United Kingdom. This is named Dandie Dinmont after the name of the character in the Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Guy Mannering” by the father of this breed James Davidson.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Facts, Information and Characteristics

This breed is actually bred to hunt animals like fox, otter and badger. Later on, this made up to be a good companion dog. This is termed as an endangered native breed in UK as only fewer dogs are registered every year.

Like any other terrier, Dandie is not an aggressive dog but doesn’t give up once it is driven into fight.
As they have elongated body they are very much prone to spinal problems.
The Dandie Dinmont needs consistent training to achieve good behaviour and crate training is recommended.
They should be kept in fenced areas or indoors as they may chase the small animals like birds and rabbits.
The Dandie needs proper training and space to develop friendship with other dogs and cats.
They are fine with kids but make sure the kids don’t irritate the pet or force him to react.
Dandie needs several months for a litter to be born after breeding.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a hypoallergenic dog.
The price of Dandie Dimont is about $1300 to $1500 USD on an average.

Appearance

This is a short-legged, long bodied and silk coated dog with attractive appearance. The coat forms a topknot on the dome shaped head of the Dandie and the drooping ears fall on the head. The Dinmont is double coated with harsh outer coat and soft under coat.

The outer coat is longer with little harsh touch and the topknot is silky and soft. The Dandie comes in two coat colours namely pepper and mustard, the pepper colour comprises of dark bluish black to light silver gray colour and the mustard colour comprises of reddish brown to fawn colour.

On an average the height of this Terrier breed ranges in between 8 to 11 inches (20-28 cm) and the weight of this breed ranges in between 18-24 lbs (8.2-11 kg).

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Behaviour

The Dandie Dinmont is friendly, bold, intelligent, happy and enthusiastic breed. They make good watch dogs and make good companion dogs to the people. They are more likely to adjust with the old children rather than small kids. This breed should be socialized well to have good temperament.

They are playful and love to hang out with the owners. Though they may have some heredity peculiarities but they can be overcome with regular and consistent training. They need good attention and proper training to understand the humans.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Issues

This breed is prone to some disc problems like spinal disc herniation due to its long back. They are very much vulnerable to eye problems like glaucoma and skin problems. Some dogs are also prone to canine cancer, hypothyroidism and epilepsy in this breed, so under any serious health issue vet’s advice is compulsory.

Diet

Though the diet plan differs based on the size, age and activity of the dog, it must be fed with proper meal. This may need about one and a half cup of meal daily which comprise of high quality dry food and liquid food. The dry food can also be dog biscuits or any proper feed the dog loves to eat. Do not over feed the dog or it may result in over weight problem.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Habitat

The Dandie Dinmonts can adapt to any type of life that is either the rural life or the urban life. They can adapt to the apartment living when the exercise requirements are met. They love to play in small yards under proper protection. They love to dig and proper care must be taken as they dig large holes in no time. They need moderate weather conditions and too much of any type of environment cannot be tolerated.

Lifestyle

The Dandie is an active breed and they are playful at the yards. They have prey drive for smaller animals, so they have to be in fenced yards. They cannot be left alone as they like to spend time with the family and children. They like to dig large holes in the yard and play in the yard. They are independent and needs a strong commander to control them.

Lifecycle

This breed has an average litter size which gives birth to 3 to 6 puppies at a time on an average. Proper attention has to be paid towards the puppies and pet at the time of pregnancy.

Predators

Though they are not so aggressive, but they never let back if other animals drive them into fights. So unleashing the dog on daily walks is not advised. Bigger animals and other external issues may affect the dog so be careful on outdoors.

Breeding

At proper age the pet will be ready for breeding and make sure both the pet’s health condition is in good state while breeding. This is a rare breed, so breeding may be little difficult process. However, professional breeding is necessary for the pet’s and puppies’ good health.

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Life Span

The Dandie lives about 11 to 13 years on an average and sometimes it can make about 15 years. Proper care and attention towards the health of the pet can help to prolong the pet’s life span.

Grooming

The dense and harsh coat needs regular grooming to keep the pet clean and tidy. Brush the coat regularly to prevent formation of mats and remove the dead hair through plucking the hair by hand or by using plucking tool.

Removing the dead hair or harsh hair helps in growth of new hair. The extra hair around the eyes, inside the ears and between the foot pads should be trimmed or plucked to them clean. Brush the teeth regularly to remove tartar and prevent from gum diseases. Trim the nails if they have grown too long. Occasional bathing is sufficient or bathe the pet if it is untidy.

Shedding

The Dandie sheds moderately and sometimes they don’t shed at all. Though they shed little, regular brushing and grooming is compulsory to keep them clean. Regular grooming helps in preventing the hair from heavy shedding.