| Dandie Dinmont Terriers: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Dandie Dinmont Terrier personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, including these excerpts:
"The plucky Dandie Dinmont is one of the brightest of the terriers -- but also one of the most independent.
Though undemanding, dignified, and relaxed in the home, he can become bold and tenacious in a working situation when his hunting instincts are aroused.
One look at his long, low-slung body and it's obvious that he isn't built for long-distance jogging or running beside your bike. He is content with daily walks and regular opportunities to play.
Though diplomatic with strangers, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is confident of his territory and makes a determined watchdog.
He doesn't put on a macho posturing act with other animals, as some terriers do, but he is exceedingly tough and will not back down from a confrontation. Two adult males are definitely an unwise combination.
Assertive and strong-willed, with a definite mind of his own, he requires consistent leadership.
Obedience training should include food rewards and praise, for the Dandie is sensitive and proud and will become more obstinate and uncooperative with heavy-handed training."
History
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier hunted otter and badger in the border country between England and Scotland. He takes his name from the hunting terriers described in a Sir Walter Scott novel about a fictional farmer named Dandie Dinmont.
Size
8-11 inches and 24-28 lbs |
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Dandie Dinmont Terriers
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- Is a "big dog with short legs" i.e. built low to the ground, but with a robust body, heavy bone, and a strong temperament
- Is unusual-looking, with a curvy body, large expressive eyes, and a bushy topknot on his head
- Is calmer than most other terriers
- Needs only moderate exercise
- Is polite with strangers, but makes a determined watchdog with a surprisingly deep bark
- Doesn't shed that much
A Dandie Dinmont Terrier may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- One of the most self-willed and independent of the terriers
- Aggression toward other animals -- chasing instincts
- Regular clipping/trimming of the coat
- Waiting lists (very hard to find) and a high price tag
A Dandie Dinmont Terrier may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Dandie Dinmont Terrier... |
My major concerns would be:
- Animal aggression. Like all terriers, Dandie Dinmonts can be scrappy with other dogs of the same sex. They are a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. And because of their hunting background, most terriers have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures. This can make for conflict if you own a cat. It may be much worse than that if you own a pet rabbit or hamster!
| Terriers cannot be trusted off-leash. They will take off -- oblivious to your frantic shouts -- after anything that runs. |
- Strong mind of their own. Terriers are not Golden Retrievers. They must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. Terriers are stubborn and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
- Defensive reactions. If you need to physically chastise a terrier, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, terriers (as a group) are more likely than other breeds to growl or snap. It may be because they were bred to become more fierce when their prey fought back, i.e. terriers are apt to "return pain" if they "receive pain." As an obedience instructor, I'm always extra careful when putting my hands on any terrier for a correction.
| I do NOT recommend terriers for small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children. |
- Grooming. Dandie Dinmont Terriers require clipping and trimming every few months, to keep their coat short and free of mats. But don't expect your pet Dandie Dinmont to look like the Dandie Dinmont show dogs you've seen in books or on TV. That particular look takes hours of work by experienced show groomers.
- Finding one and paying the price. In the United States, less than 100 new Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppies are registered each year. Compare that to over 60,000 new Golden Retriever puppies! And many breeders are charging $1000 and up.
| Not all Dandie Dinmont Terriers are alike! |
- There are energetic Dandies, and placid Dandies.
- Hard-headed Dandies, and sweet-natured Dandies.
- Serious Dandies, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Dandies, and Dandies who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
| If you're considering an adult Dandie Dinmont Terrier... |
There are plenty of adult Dandies who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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