The Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed is built long and low to the ground.
They are a good-natured pet who has a soft, loving expression, while maintaining their terrier tenacity.

Physical Characteristics

• Solid head covered with silky topknot
• Coat: Mixture of hard and soft hair, medium length
• Legs short and muscular
• Large head in good proportion with body
• 3- to 4-inch pendant ears
• Dark hazel eyes
• Breed colors are mustard and pepper
• Height: 8-11 inches
• Weight: 18-24 pounds
• Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament

• Affectionate, fun-loving, independent, smart
• Interaction with people: Good with mature children; good companion dog
• Interaction with animals: Males can be aggressive with other male dogs in home; OK with cats with which they've been raised
• Training: Can be stubborn and not keen on obedience but not difficult to train
• Bark: Can be highly vocal

At Home

• OK for apartments
• Needs small yard
• Needs daily walk

Grooming

• Sheds little to no hair
• Needs brushing twice weekly
• May need professional grooming

Brief History

• First appeared in the 1700s in the border country between England and Scotland
• Possibly developed from the Scotch terrier (now extinct) - not to be confused with today's Scottish terrier or Skye terrier
• Raised by gypsies and used by farmers to kill vermin
• Named after the character "Dandie Dinmont" in Sir Walter Scott’s 1814 novel "Guy Mannering"

Fido's Facts

• Excellent mouse catcher
• Enemy of martens, weasels and skunks
• Has become a highly sought-after companion dog
• Queen Victoria owned a Dandie