Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dandie Dinmont Terrier dog

Low-built Scottish terrier known for its long body, topknot, and independent nature.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Small 18 - 24 lbs 8 - 11 inches 12 - 15 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United Kingdom



Own a Dandie Dinmont Terrier? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Dandie Dinmont Terrier? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier originated in the border country between Scotland and England, where low, tough terriers were used to hunt animals including otters and badgers. Dogs resembling the modern breed existed before they had their current name. That name came from literature rather than a place: Sir Walter Scott's 1815 novel "Guy Mannering" featured a farmer named Dandie Dinmont who owned a group of distinctive terriers. The fictional character was inspired partly by real people and dogs Scott encountered in the Borders, and the popularity of the novel caused dogs of this type to become known as Dandie Dinmont's terriers. This makes the Dandie one of the few breeds named after a fictional character. The breed developed a distinctive long, low body, large head, curved topline, and soft topknot while retaining the courage required of a working terrier. Organized breeders established a breed club in 1875, making the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club one of the world's oldest breed clubs. Despite that long formal history, the Dandie has never become extremely numerous and is now considered a relatively rare British breed. Its dignified appearance and unusual proportions can obscure the fact that it originated as a serious hunting terrier expected to confront formidable quarry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier generally has a moderate energy level.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has moderate trainability and generally benefits from patient, consistent training.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.