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Terrier group · Scotland

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Also called Dandie, Hindlee Terrier.

Small dog, moderate energy, trains well with consistency.

  • Independent
  • Determined
  • Intelligent
  • Affectionate
  • Proud
AI-generated illustration of an adult Dandie Dinmont Terrier
AI-generated illustration
Size
Small
Weight
8 to 11 kg18 to 24 lb
Lives
12 to 15 years
Energy
Moderate
Trains
Moderate
Barks
Moderate

Training

Training a Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Terrier breeds. Impulse control and a rock-solid leave it. Short, high-value sessions; they bore fast.

  1. Protect That Back

    Start here

    Long back requires care. Use ramps instead of stairs, prevent jumping on/off furniture.

  2. Consistent Training

    Independent thinkers who need patient, consistent training. Don't expect instant obedience.

  3. Positive Methods

    Sensitive under their determined exterior. Harsh methods damage trust.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Dandie Dinmont Terrier and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to go to ground after vermin. Fearless, quick, and not built to back down.

Gets on with

  • ChildrenHigh
  • Other dogsModerate
  • StrangersModerate
  • CatsLow

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise
30-45 minutes daily. Moderate walks. Avoid activities that stress the back.
Grooming
Hand-stripping 2-3 times yearly. Regular brushing of the distinctive topknot.
Drool
Low
Coat
Crisp outer coat, Soft undercoat, Distinctive silky topknotPepper, Mustard
In a flat
Can work, with enough exercise outside it.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

  • Intervertebral Disc Disease

    Severe

    Long back makes them prone to spinal issues, prevent jumping

  • Glaucoma

    Severe

    Elevated eye pressure that can cause blindness

  • Cushing's Disease

    Moderate

    Adrenal gland overproduction of cortisol

Where they come from

History

The only breed named after a fictional character. Dandie Dinmont from Sir Walter Scott's 1814 novel "Guy Mannering." Developed in the border region between Scotland and England for hunting badgers and otters. One of the rarest terrier breeds today.

  • Dandie Dinmont · The fictional character who gave the breed its name was based on real farmer James Davidson

Similar breeds

All breeds

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