Not a lot of people know about this breed, but the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is not something you should ignore when you chance upon one.
Don’t worry; with their distinctly long body and adorable top knot, I’m sure you would recognize them easily.
That is, if you’d be lucky enough to meet one. You see, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a rare breed.
In fact, since 2006, the UK’s Kennel Club (KC) has included the Dandie in their Vulnerable Native Breed, a list of breeds that only have an annual registration of fewer than 300 puppies within the United Kingdom and Ireland.
In 2016, KC only had 90 registered puppies, which is still more than the American Kennel Club’s 75 registered Dandies in the same year.
Unfortunately, because of their waning number, Dandies are sometimes called ‘Scotland’s Forgotten Breed.’
If ever you get the chance to adopt one, I’d say go for it! But, of course, not without researching first if this is the best breed for you and your family.
In this article, we’ll get to meet the Dandie Dinmont Terrier—their appearance, personality, health concerns, and all there is to know about this rare breed.
Meet the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is of Scottish heritage. They are originally bred to work, especially to hunt rodents, otters, and badgers. Dandies are quite effective at this, thanks to their long, curved, and wiry body.
And just like some terriers, these dogs are considered small breeds.
The standard Dandie Dinmont Terrier stands at 8 to 11 inches from the withers. They weigh 18 to 24 pounds and live for about 12 to 15 years.
Appearance
The American Kennel Club’s Breed Standard described Dandie Dinmont Terriers as “long, low-stationed working terrier(s) with a curved outline.”
Dandies’ heads may seem a bit oversized to their bodies because of their fluffy ‘top knot, ‘ but they should still be proportioned to their bodies.
The eyes are mostly rich, dark hazel in color, and are rounded and expressive, with black rims on the outside. They’re large but not protruded.
Only two colors are considered standard by both AKC and KC for this breed—mustard and pepper.
The pepper color can range from dark bluish-black to light, silvery grey. Conversely, the mustard is more of a reddish brown to pale fawn in shade.
The top knot should also be either silvery white or creamy white, while the muzzle, legs, and feet should be slightly darker in color in comparison.
You’ll see their coloring concentrated at the shoulder and hips and then tapers off down the legs.
Personality & Characteristics
Dandies are described as independent dogs. They are dignified yet affectionate in nature. Adaptable and easy to please, yet have their own way of doing things.
Of course, this still varies from dog to dog, as they have their own individual quirks.
Generally, Dandie Dinmont Terriers are also intelligent dogs who are determined and persistent to accomplish whatever tasks are given to them, be they as little exterminators or watchdogs.
Yes, they are good watchdogs, especially with their deep baritone and loud bark. Oh, you’d be surprised by how much their barks pack a punch, given their tiny, lithe bodies.
But don’t worry; they’re not much of a barker. You can even say Dandies are more reserved than most of their terrier cousins.
And yes, that also means they aren’t much of a hyperball.
They still enjoy the company of kids (under supervision, of course!), but you won’t find them play-chasing them around the house or yard. Dandies will most likely just cuddle them, but with an occasional romping.
If you have other pets, there’s no need to worry about how your Dandie will react around them because these dogs are also fairly good with other animals, with proper socialization and training.
Image source: BBC News
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