The little Dandie Dinmond Terrier is perhaps the most romantic dog in existence. It is a dog for people who like the typical terrier character.
The emergence
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a romantic dog named after a novel character. At the beginning of the 18th century, gypsies wandered around the border of Scotland and led an adventurous life. The region in the north of England where they traveled was called Border. These itinerant gypsies (gypsies, as they are also called) were adventurers, engaged in music, hunting and poaching, assisted by fighting dogs. On average twice a year, different gypsy families gathered in the Cheviot Hills. In these hills they held competitions with their dogs. These dogs then had to fight against badgers, wild cats and foxes, which resulted in a dog breed that was strictly selected. A terrier with short legs and rough hair was born. These gatherings of gypsies and their dogs did not go unnoticed in England. The Duke of Northurmberland also wanted such a dog at all costs and offered the bagpiper William Allan (nickname Piper Allan) a farm in exchange for his dog named Hichem. William Allan declined, because what does a bagpiper do with a farm? But that’s how the variety got its first name, which is; Piper Allan Terrier or Gipsy Piper Allan.
As Sir Walter Scott, the author of Ivanhoe, wrote about this breed, they gained fame unexpectedly quickly. In 1815 he wrote the novel, Guy Mannering, the book is about a farmer with a deep red face named Dandie Dinmont who is surrounded by a pack of fierce, cheerful but feared terriers. This terrier was then unofficially called Guy Mannering Terrier, Catleitht Terrier, Hindlee Terrier and Otter Terrier. Ultimately, the breed was given the official name Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The Dandie was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1876. Finally, it is often said that the Dandie Dinmont resembles the Dachshund. That’s right, because the Dandie Dinmont is one of the ancestors of the wirehaired Dachshund. Around the 19th century, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was one of the most popular dog breeds in England.
The race
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a terrier, but it hardly resembles the other terriers. Most closely resembles the Bedlington Terrier. The nature of the Dandie Dinmont is calm, spry and confident. The Dandie Dinmont’s eyes are lively and mischievous, he can look at you very piercingly. This dog is easy going because of its calm nature. The Dandie Dinmont is very social with other dogs and animals, it is not a quarrel-seeker and also gets along well with children. Of course, all this applies if the dog is properly socialized and trained.
The Dandie Dinmont is an excellent watchdog, its heavy bark will keep many intruders at bay. The Dandie’s coat should be brushed regularly and the coat should be stripped twice a year. Stripping means picking, but by hand. Bitches should be stripped more often, namely after the heat. The Dandie comes in mustard color (reddish brown to pale yellow) and pepper colored (black / gray to silver gray). It grows to 20-25 inches high and weighs between 8-11 pounds. On average, Dandie Dinmonts live to be between 12-14 years old. He can live well in a flat, but needs exercise.