| Description: This is a high-spirited yet calm breed that will be devoted to its family/owner/handler. Dandie Dinimont Terriers are independent, intelligent, a little stubborn, vigilant, tenacious, but sensitive nature. Because of its independent nature, these dogs sometimes will obey a command reluctantly.
If a Dandie Dinimont Terrier comes up on a rodent, the hunting instinct comes alive, so keep the dog on a leash or in an enclosed, dog-safe area.
Height: 8 - 11 inches
Weight: 18 - 24 lbs.
Colors: Pepper (from bluish black to pale silvery gray) or mustard (from reddish brown to pale fawn).
Coat: Soft, linty undercoat and harder topcoat, not wiry and feeling crisp to the hand.
Temperament: Independent, lively
With Children: Yes, get along well with children who are older than 10.
With Pets: Yes, friendly with dogs, good with cats when raised together; rodents incite hunting drive.
Special Skills: Hunting dog and family pet.
Watch-dog: Medium, announces visitors but does not become aggressive.
Guard-dog: Low
Care and Training: Regular grooming with a pin brush three times a week. Loose hair if left will soon mat. Long hours of regular exercise will keep him healthy and well adjusted. Has a tendency to dig and crawl under fences training should begin at a young age to discourage this type of behavior. Training of the young should be sympathetic, never harsh as he is a sensitive dog.
Learning Rate: Smart, but not always obedient. He excels in obedience, tracking and agility.
Activity: High, he is happiest when busy.
Living Environment: Apartment is ok, home with a backyard and lots of human companionship.
Health Issues: Intervertebral disc disease,
Life Span: 12 -14
Litter Size: 3 - 6
Country of Origin: Great Britain
History: His origins are from the border of England and Scotland where he claims ancestry with the Bedlington Terrier, Skye Terrier, Otterhound and English Terrier. His name is from a character in literature "Dandie Dinmont" who appeared in the 1814 novel "Guy Mannering" written by Sir Walter Scott. Developed for hunting small game like badgers and foxes. Used by poacher and gypsies he was particularly good at tracking otters.
First Registered by the AKC: 1886
AKC Group: Terrier
|
