By Heidi Clayton
Before you consider getting any sort of doodle mixed breed, take a look at the Dandie Dinmont terrier. This little dog is one of my favorites for its reserved and determined personality packed into that small body and for its sheer determination in life to accomplish any task given.
The Dandie Dinmont is perhaps one of the oldest documented terrier breeds with records going back to the 1700s. They were primarily seen on farms in the border areas between England and Scotland and were known as formidable vermin eradicators. They became known throughout England in 1815 with the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s book “Guy Mannering”. The novel centers around a farmer named Dandie Dinmont and includes tales of his plucky little dogs with their domed heads and long bodies. The dogs soon became known as Dandie Dinmont’s terrier, or the Dandie Dinmont terrier.
The British Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club is the second oldest breed club in England and was established in 1875 with the AKC recognizing the breed shortly thereafter in 1886. Today the Dandie’s standard remains virtually unchanged. They are considered today to be a low-entry breed and in danger of extinction if it were not for the dedicated breeders who have devoted themselves to preserving these wonderful little dogs. Only 187 were registered with the AKC in 2023 as opposed to roughly 98,500 French bulldogs. There is never a danger of getting a Dandie from a backyard breeder that is for sure.
Along with having a sound temperament, the Dandie has very few known health issues. The misnomer that “all purebred” dogs get a myriad of diseases is not exactly true. It certainly does not apply to the Dandie. The Dandie Dinmont Club of America has created a health register with CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) to which breeders give blood samples to check for genetic issues. To date, there are no known genetic issues. About 25 years ago, there was an issue with glaucoma. Thanks to diligent breeders, it is all but eradicated.
The Dandie is a low little dog with a long curved body. They are ideally only 8-11 inches high and weigh from 18-24 pounds. Keep in mind there is no such thing as a dog that does not shed! The Dandie is a double-coated breed that will only require as much grooming as any other dog. They come in two colors which are pepper and mustard. Pepper is dark bluish-black to light silvery gray. Mustard refers to reddish brown to pale fawn. Their heads are their defining look, large with a dome or topknot and they are known for their large, but never bulging, round eyes. They are quite frankly very handsome little dogs.
One of the reasons I recommend the Dandie Dinmont to families looking to bring a dog into their lives is their reliable health and temperaments. An added bonus will be there will never be a mouse in your house or a gopher or mole in your yard! To find a Dandie Dinmont breeder, visit the Dandie Dinmont Club of America’s web page.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, reward-based dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net or learn more at https://fouronthefloordogtraining.net
