Buying or Adopting a Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Dandie Dinmont Terrier the right breed for you?

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
• No young children in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running, no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Dandie Dinmont stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• Brushing – moderate
• Trimming/clipping – every few months
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Dandie Dinmont Terriers are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Dandie to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Dandie Dinmont, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very rare in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Dandie Dinmont Terriers rank 167th. The breed is very difficult to find.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are seldom available from a Dog Rescue group, but you can contact the national breed club to inquire.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
I've never heard of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier being found in an animal shelter.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Dandie Dinmont Terrier from a show breeder, who breeds Dandie Dinmont Terriers to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy a Dandie Dinmont from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I have never seen a Dandie Dinmont in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Dandie Dinmont Terrier Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?