Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Edit
The Dandie Dinmont and the Bedlington are the two Terriers that sport a topknot on the head. It is probable that the two are related, at least distantly. Both originated in the border areas situated between England and Scotland.
A novel by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1814, helped spread the fame of the Dandie Dinmont beyond the Border. In the novel, “Guy Mannering," was a Terrier-owning farmer named Dandie Dinmont. As Scott used the expression, the dogs were Dandie Dinmont's Terriers, and that in time became the breed name.
You can read about "Cairn Terrier" here
You can read about "Cairn Terrier" here
Before that the dogs had been known by a number of names, the breed tracing back to a Piper Allan, who in the early 1700s developed a silent hunter with a coat on the dark side. The purpose? Poaching. The accepted colors today are mustard or pepper, with hair about two inches long that is a mixture of hardish and soft. The topknot is soft and silky, lighter and softer than the body coat.
Conjecture plays a large part in efforts to trace the background of the Dandie Dinmont. It is assumed that many crosses were made before the low-set, sturdy dog was achieved, one suitable for hunting anything from rats to fox.
The breed was recognized by the A.K.C. in 1886. There was no promotion of the breed and for a while it almost disappeared. Revived interest through new kennels brought it from the verge of American extinction in the 1930s and it has been coming along since, despite the handicaps of World War II.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is adaptable to any mode of life, being happy in city or country.
Characteristic of Dandie Dinmont Terrier
One-man dog which makes an excellent watchdog; courageous and intelligent; not good with children or with other pets.
Color : Pepper or mustard
Height : 8-11 in
Weight : 18-24 lb
Coat type : A mixture of hard and soft hair about 2 in length, giving a crisp feel; needs grooming with a stiff brush; old or straggly hairs should be hand-plucked.
Exercise : Needs a lot of exercise to keep fit