Dandie Dinmont Terrier
A gentleman among terriers — long, low, topknotted, and named after a novel.
Vital stats
| Size | Small · 20–28 cm |
| Weight | 8–11 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate — 45 min/day |
| Shedding | Low |
| Coat | Crisp double coat with silky topknot · pepper or mustard |
| Group | Terrier · FCI №168 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred in the Border country to bolt otters and badgers, the Dandie kept the terrier's courage but lost the terrier's clatter — it is calm, thoughtful, even dignified indoors. Expect independence and a determined streak wherever there's a hole, a startlingly deep bark, and a quiet, devoted attachment to its own people.
Habits & quirks
The dignified entrance
No terrier clatter — the Dandie surveys the room before committing.
Foghorn surprise
The bark arrives two sizes deeper than the dog.
Topknot upkeep
That silken crown collects burrs, crumbs and admiration in equal measure.
Underground opinions
Show it a hole and centuries of otter-hunting wake up.
Care
| Grooming | Hand-strip two or three times a year to keep the crisp coat and famous topknot. |
| Back care | That long, low spine dislikes stairs and leaps — keep it lean and use ramps. |
| Exercise | A couple of good daily walks suffice; the Dandie is a rambler, not a marathoner. |
| Containment | A determined digger with an otter-hunter's past — check the fence line. |
Common questions
Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers rare?
Very — the Dandie is listed among Britain's vulnerable native breeds, with only a small number of puppies registered each year. Finding one usually means a waiting list.
Are Dandies good with children?
With respectful children, yes — they're calmer and more tolerant than most terriers. The long back means rough-and-tumble handling should stay off the menu.
Do Dandie Dinmonts shed?
Very little — the crisp double coat holds dead hair until it's stripped out. Hand-stripping a few times a year keeps coat and skin healthy.