| Trainability: | 3/10 |
| Shedding: | 1/10 |
| Energy Level: | 7/10 |
| Guard Dog: | 8/10 |
| Good With Children: | 10/10 |
| Popularity: | 1/10 |
Behavior
A fun-loving breed, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier makes a great pet and companion. These dogs are generally easy-going, but they can also be very strong-willed. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a playful dog with a lot of energy, so active games and play sessions for frequent exercise will be necessary. Their strong personalities can make them a challenge to train. A firm hand and proper training techniques will go far in preventing this breed from taking over the household.
The breed is sociable and gentle, making these dogs perfect candidates for family pets. Children should be taught to play with the dog gently to prevent snapping at other people and injury to the dog. This dog can be socialized to interact gently with other dogs and even cats, but they tend to chase small animals and should not be trusted near small pets. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier should not be left alone outside for extended periods, as they may become destructive and dig up yards and gardens if they have too much energy.
Appearance
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 8 to 11 inches tall and 18 to 24 pounds, making this a small breed. Their medium-length coats come in bluish black or silvery gray tones, with some having a reddish or pale tan hue. Their coats have soft undercoats with wiry outercoats. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier also has a silky topknot covering the head. They have large, dark eyes and feature sturdy builds. The tail of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier features a “scimitar” curve.
Grooming
This breed features a coat which requires regular brushing. Additionally, dead hair should be removed from the coat a few times a year. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier sheds very little, and sometimes they dont shed at all. Like any other dog breed, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier requires proper dental care and regular nail clippings to remain healthy.
History
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier dates back to the 1700s and originates from an area between England and Scotland. They descend from Skye and the now-extinct Scotch Terriers. The breed was often used to catch vermin in areas where gypsies lived. The breeds name comes from a 1814 Sir Walter Scott novel, “Guy Mannering”. The novel featured a character named Dandie Dinmont, and this name eventually was lent to the breed. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is now considered a rare purebred dog breed.