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Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog

Breed Origins: Border of Scotland and England (1700's)
Breed usage: Hunting otter and badger
Dog Weight: 18 - 24 Pounds
Dog Height: 8 to 11 inches to the shoulder
Cost of Puppies: Cost of puppies varies depending on location, breeder and pedigree history


Information, Facts & Origins of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed


The Dandie Dinmont Terrier originates from the borders of Scotland and England and was bred originally for hunting otter and badger. It's origins can be dated back to the 1700's. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is also known by the other names of Catcleugh, Hindlee or Pepper and Mustard terriers. This breed was believed to have inspired Sir Walter Scott's characters of Dandie Dinmont and his dogs in Guy Mannering which was published in 1814. This dog is classified as one of the Terrier Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1886. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as terrior and Dandy Dinmont.


Description of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information

The Dandy Dinmont Terrier's coat is normally a shade of pepper (from black to pale silvery grey) or mustard (from reddish brown to pale fawn). The coat is normally hard and crisp.


Description of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog and Puppies Character & Temperament

The Terrier dogs are small to medium size and are often described as fiery or feisty. The smallest terriers are ready to take on any opponents - a necessary attribute when hunting and killing vermin but not so good for a family pet! Some terriers are yappy and are known to nip boisterous children. They can also be quite independent and difficult to train. On the positive side Terriers can be friendly, stable and loyal pets.


Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed 

All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Dandy Dinmont Terrier may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

  • Shoulder and elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of the joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Patellar Luxation ( The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place )

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems


This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.


Information on Grooming and Care of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed 

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Dandie Dinmont Terrier dogs.


Life Expectancy information of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed 

The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 – 14 years.


Age comparison between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed and a Human

Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.


The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!

The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Dandy Dinmont Terrier - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.


Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog - Puppies Info and Names 

The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:
  • Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
  • Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
  • Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
  • Exercising requirements for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed
  • Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
  • Family - child suitability
  • Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names

Terrier Dog Breed Information

Dogs in the Terrier group, which include the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, were developed to hunt and kill vermin. The vermin included control rats, mice and other predatory animals such as foxes that might raided a farmer's produce and livestock. The very nature of these tasks require an energetic, tenacious, brave and determined dog such as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier . Terrier dogs have always been viewed as real assets by their owners and have worked with man for centuries. 










Terrier Dog Breed Duties and Tasks

Characteristics and features of Terrier Dogs have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. The trait encouraged was the ability to dig up underground dens and burrows and "go to ground" whilst barking noisily to frighten out any inhabitants. Thus, the various Terrier breeds, including the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, were introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:
  • Hunting vermin
  • Hunting larger animals such as foxes
  • Some terriers were also able to kill their quarry

In this day and age not every Dandie Dinmont Terrier might be called to undertake these vermin -related tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Dandy Dinmont Terrier breeding program successful. 


Examples of other Breeds within the Terrier Dog Group 

The Terrier group includes the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and all of the following breeds:
Airedale Terriers, American Staffordshire , Australian , Bedlington Terriors, Border , Bull , Cairn , Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Irish Terriors , Kerry Blue Terriers, Lakeland , Manchester (Standard), Miniature Bull Terriors, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich , Parson Russell, Scottish, Sealyham Terriors, Skye, Smooth Fox, Soft Coated Wheaten, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Welsh, West Highland White and the Wire Fox Terriers. Pictures and information about all of the above Terrier breeds