DOGBREEDS

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

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Last updated 2021-11-04

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a rare but magnificent companion.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was originally used for hunting. Rodents and badgers were its prime game, but these days they are mostly used as company dogs. It is a rare dog, to the point where it is hard to find a breeder, and it has become a popular target among dog thieves.

The breed, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, is a generally playful, friendly and calm dog. Not only towards its owners, but to everyone. Those traits make them suitable as company dogs.

We go well along with kids, but can be somewhat reserved towards strangers. We won't hesitate to alert our owners if we see something suspicious, for example, strangers arriving at our doorstep. In other words, we can also be used as guard dogs.

We rely on joining all our owners' activities because we love to be included. If you leave us alone for hours on a regular basis we might become depressed from feeling neglected.

Though, we are great family dogs we often tie stronger bonds to one person compared to the rest of the family. It is just our nature, don't take it personally.

«The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a philosophical Terrier»

We are often referred to as the 'philosophical terrier', and a 'clown with the pride of a king'. That is due to our habit of thinking things through before we act, and the clown part is because of how we choose to go through with it. If you're contemplating getting Dandie Dinmont Terrier, you better have a sense of humour.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is suitable for city- and country life.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an adaptable dog breed, and they can get used to living both in the countryside and in a city. It can be an apartment dog as long as you give it adequate physical and mental stimuli.

In short, the Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 'big dogs in a small format'. They have a big personality for being such a tiny dog. If you're looking for a child-friendly, kind, loyal, clever, and curious dog with a calm matter, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a perfect candidate.

Prone to overweight

The 'Dandie' has a moderate need for activity. You don't have to take us for hours-long walks every day, but like with any dog breed, we need physical activity to stay fit and healthy.

If we don't get adequate exercise we will become overweight and that could lead to serious back injuries. Make sure to exercise us.

How much exercise is enough?

A couple of 20-30 minute walks daily should be enough. If you play with and entertain us in between we will become happy dogs. Like most Terriers, we enjoy digging holes, so if you bring us to a place where we can dig holes, magnificent holes, we would become more than happy! I love digging holes.

Be aware

People rarely use us for hunting, but some of us have strong hunting instincts. Be aware that we might chase after small animals, like birds and squirrels, if we get the chance.

Can be a stubborn breed

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is far from the neediest breed out there. However, they can require quite a bit of patience from one time to another. In comparison to other terriers, the Dandie is self-willed and won't always respond to your commands.

If you train them in a repetitive pattern the Dandie can become bored and then it will do things its own way. However, varied training will solve that problem for you.

Not a noisy Terrier

Most Terrier breeds bark a lot but the 'Dandier' is an exception. We only bark when it is necessary– but when we bark– we bark deep and loud.

Maintenance

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a double-layered fur coat consisting of an overcoat and a woolly but waterproof undercoat. The undercoat requires regular grooming as it easily weaves together.

The Dandie does not shed but needs grooming 2-3 times a year.