Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Description
Ever wonder what makes the Dandie Dinmont Terrier stand out? This breed has a long, low body with short legs, giving it a unique silhouette. Originating in the borderlands between England and Scotland, it was bred for hunting badgers and otters back in the 1700s. The Dandie’s name comes from a character in Sir Walter Scott’s 1814 novel, Guy Mannering. They’re known for their distinctive 'lion’s roar' bark, which is surprisingly loud for such a small dog. Dandies tend to be independent but affectionate with their families. They can be a bit reserved around strangers and might show aggression toward small animals if not trained well. Their intelligence means they learn quickly, but patience is key during training. These dogs weigh between 18 and 24 pounds and have a calm demeanor, making them great watchdogs without being overly noisy.
Grooming
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier sports a medium-length double coat that needs regular care. Why skip brushing when it keeps their coat healthy and mat-free? Brush your Dandie three times a week, increasing frequency during heavy shedding seasons in spring and fall. Use an undercoat rake to remove dead hair and reduce shedding around the house. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal, followed by blow-drying to help loosen dead undercoat and keep the coat fluffy. - Brush 3× weekly, more in shedding seasons - Use undercoat rake for dead hair - Bathe every 4–6 weeks - Blow-dry to aid de-shedding Pro tip: Regular blow-drying after baths not only helps with shedding but also keeps the coat looking its best in mustard or pepper colors, which don’t have patterns but show dirt easily.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
How much exercise does a Dandie really need? About 40 minutes once a day suits them perfectly. Their low energy means long hikes aren’t necessary, but they still enjoy a good walk to stay fit and mentally sharp. One daily session keeps them happy and prevents boredom. Example routine: A 20-minute morning stroll around the neighborhood followed by 20 minutes of gentle playtime in the yard or park. This routine balances physical activity with mental engagement, which is important for this clever breed.
Boarding
Planning to board your Dandie Dinmont Terrier? A crate size of 30 to 36 inches works well to give them enough room to stretch but still feel secure. These dogs prefer calm decompression time after exercise, so daily walks or play sessions should be part of their boarding routine. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and keep a predictable schedule to help the Dandie feel comfortable. Enrichment activities like puzzle toys or gentle training sessions can keep their minds busy. Because they’re not overly social with strangers, low-key interactions are best to avoid stress. Their quiet nature means they won’t disturb other boarders, but they do appreciate a peaceful environment.