Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Originally named the Mustard and Pepper Terrier, this is a working terrier developed in the 1600’s to hunt badger, otter and other quarry. In common with many terrier types, the Dandie Dinmont owes its existence to the common pastime amongst sporting men of developing their own specific type. However, the Dandie Dinmont gets its rather unusual name from the novel ‘Guy Mannering’ by Sir Walter Scott. The fictional character ‘Dandie Dinmont’ was based on a real borders’ farmer, James Davidson, who had a pair of this type of terrier named Mustard and Pepper. The fictional Dandie Dinmont was written as owning a pack of terriers named Auld Mustard and Auld Pepper, Young Mustard, Young Pepper, Little Mustard and Little Pepper, and so, despite Sir Scott’s claims to the contrary, there is little doubt who this character was based on. So much so that the real James Davidson’s friends took to teasing him and calling him ‘Dandie Dinmont’ following the novels publication.

Other farmers with dogs of this type took to calling them Dandie Dinmont’s Dogs and eventually the name stuck. The Dandie Dinmont breed club was formed in 1875 making it the second oldest breed club in the UK. The Dandie Dinmont is now a rare breed and the Kennel Club class them as vulnerable.

Dandie owners need to have a good sense of humour plus this breed’s traditional trim will draw attention and comment. Some experience in terrier ownership and behaviour will help, as despite their perhaps foppish ‘do’, the Dandie is all terrier! Rural or semi-rural dwellers with neighbours at a healthy distance, a secure garden and access to good country walks will enjoy this busy, clever dog. Better with older children or the child-free home. 

Despite their small size, the Dandie Dinmont requires at least an hour’s exercise per day, plus play and training that engages body and mind. Once that need is met however, they are quite easy going and undemanding to live with. They can enjoy a variety of dog sports, but keep in mind their short legs and long back means they can be easily injured by over extending themselves jumping or tackling steep stairs or slopes and so care must be taken with any activity that involves jumping.

A small dog, they are not demanding to house, but their longer backs and short legs means stairs are to be avoided wherever possible. This would rule out high-rise living or homes with multiple steep staircases, unless they can be kept on one level and carried. A secure garden of a decent size will keep a Dandie happy on days when walks are in short supply, but access to a variety of interesting walking routes is necessary.

Inclined to alert bark to suspicious activity, the Dandie Dinmont will need to be well supervised and trained in a busier, urban home, and may be better suited to a quieter more rural environment or at least somewhere with no close neighbours.

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

The hair of the Dandie Dinmont is about 5cm long and requires brushing at least twice a week. The coat is hand stripped at least twice a year. Finding a professional groomer who has experience of terrier coats is advised. Check ears and paws for foreign objects after each walk or trip to the garden as Dandies seem to bring a lot of the great outdoors back indoors!

Independent spirited, but loyal and affectionate, the Dandie Dinmont will be a fun challenge to train for those who enjoy working with terriers. Pay careful attention to socialisation with other dogs, cats and livestock, and work hard at training a recall, and of course, the ‘quiet’ cue. As with most terriers, the Dandie’s are a fan of the sound of their own voices if left untrained or unchecked! If motivated, they are capable of a variety of games and sports, and can enjoy scent work, the newer competitive sports of Rally and Hoopers - and digging!

An excellent family dog for those who like walking and training with terriers, but their small size and long back means they are better with older children who can be taught not to pick them up or play rough games with them.  

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.