Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Developed in the Scottish Borders as a fearless farm and vermin terrier, the breed earned its name from “Dandie Dinmont,” a character in Sir Walter Scott’s 1815 novel Guy Mannering. Fanciers standardized the distinctive low, long outline, domed head with silky topknot, and steady, courageous temperament. Today Dandies are rare but cherished companions and sport dogs (earthdog, scent work, rally).

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Compact, long-bodied, short-legged terrier with a curved topline and expressive eyes.

• Weight: ~18–24 lb (8–11 kg)
• Height: ~8–11 in (20–28 cm) at the shoulder
• Coat Type: Hard, crisp outer coat with soft undercoat; topknot silky
• Coat Colours: Pepper (dark bluish-black to light silver-grey) or Mustard (reddish-brown to pale fawn); darker ears; lighter topknot
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Long, low outline with slight arch over loin, large round eyes, pendulous ears with feathering, scimitar tail carried at ~45°, substantial head with soft topknot

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Lower shedding when coat is hand-stripped; keep the topknot neat and silky.

• Brushing/Combing: 1–2×/week; line-comb furnishings/topknot to the skin
• Hand-Stripping: Every 8–12 weeks (or roll coat weekly) to maintain harsh texture and reduce shed
• Scissoring: Blend trim on feet, underline, and shape the topknot soft and rounded
• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks; gentle shampoo; fully dry undercoat/furnishings
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 3–4×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Shedding: Low to moderate (lowest with stripping; clipping softens coat and can increase visible shed)

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Moderate daily outlets; protect the long back from repetitive impact.

• Daily Duration: 45–60 minutes (split walks + games/training)
• Great Activities: Scent/nose work, earthdog/go-to-ground, trick training, fetch in short sets, relaxed hikes
• Suitability: Excellent for apartments/condos with daily enrichment; secure fencing advised (prey drive)

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Bright, affectionate, and independent—keep sessions upbeat and purposeful.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement; short, varied sessions; rotate food/toy rewards
• Focus Areas: Recall around wildlife, loose-leash walking, impulse control (“leave it,” doors), quiet on cue
• Management: Provide a dig box and chew rotation; teach cooperative care (stripping, topknot comb-outs, nail work)
• Socialization: Early, kind exposure to people/dogs/surfaces; channel terrier boldness into confidence

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Keep lean to protect joints and the long back.

• Food Type: High-quality small/medium-breed formula or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~1–1.75 cups/day total, split into two meals (adjust to dog/food/activity)
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; count training treats; consider omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; fresh water always

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Rarer in Canada—plan early and verify health/temperament transparency.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide eye/patella results, discuss back-safe management, teach hand-stripping, and offer lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Terrier/earthdog rescues and Dandie clubs may rehome adults—ask about eye/back history
• Canadian Resources: CKC breeder directory; Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club contacts; local scent-work/earthdog and obedience clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training/community

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Generally sturdy and long-lived, with a few breed-linked risks—screen and manage proactively.

• Spine/Ortho: Long-backed—IVDD risk; limit jumping/stairs, use ramps, keep lean
• Eyes: Glaucoma/angle abnormalities, cataracts—annual CAER exams and gonioscopy recommended
• Orthopedic (small breeds): Patellar luxation
• Dermatologic/Dental: Allergies occasionally; tartar buildup—routine dental care
• Endocrine: Hypothyroidism reported in some lines
• Life Expectancy: 12–14+ years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Eyes (CAER + gonioscopy), patellas; discuss family history for IVDD/thyroid and overall longevity

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Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes—adaptable and relatively calm indoors with 45–60 minutes of daily exercise and enrichment.

Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed?
Low to moderate. Hand-stripping every 8–12 weeks keeps shedding minimal and the coat harsh.

Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers hypoallergenic?
No breed is truly hypoallergenic; Dandies are lower-shedding with correct grooming.

How much grooming does a Dandie need?
Brush 1–2×/week, hand-strip every 8–12 weeks, and maintain nails/teeth/ears; keep the topknot neat and silky.

How much exercise does a Dandie need?
Plan for 45–60 minutes daily plus brain work (nose games, tricks, training).

Do Dandies bark or dig a lot?
They can—both are terrier traits. Teach “quiet,” provide a dig pit, and add scent games as outlets.

Are Dandies good with kids and other pets?
Generally affectionate with early socialization; supervise play and manage prey drive around small pets.

Dandie vs Cairn/Skye—what’s different?
Dandies are longer/lower with a silky topknot and come only in pepper or mustard; temperament is often calmer indoors than some cousins.

What health tests should breeders do?
CAER eyes + gonioscopy and patellas; discuss family history of IVDD and thyroid.

How do I protect a Dandie’s back?
Keep them lean, use ramps, limit jumping/stairs, and build core strength with controlled exercises.

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