by Sharon Chapman

Created on: November 16, 2008

The Noble Terrier

At first glance you wonder what you are seeing. Big, black eyes that seem to speak to you; a silky, puffy, topknot; curving, long body with short legs, it's a low-riding dog with a terrier mustache. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier will give you cause to look more than once and then you are hooked.

The oldest breed of the terriers, the Dandie dates back to the 1700's. The only breed of terrier not to have straight lines and the only breed of dog to be named for a fictional character, the Dandie Dinmont is unique in appearance and personality.

Named for a character in Sir Walter Scott's 1814 Guy Mannering, Dandie Dinmont, a man who had terriers that were native to the area where England and Scotland meet. These mustard or pepper colored terriers became known as Dandie Dinmont's Terriers. Later, the s would be dropped and they would be Dandie Dinmont Terriers.

Dandies are full of pride and determination, loyalty and love. They are protectors of their family their voices deep and gruff. To hear one on the other side of a closed door would scare away a would-be intruder, unless they saw the little guy first. They don't back down from confrontation but neither are they bullies. They can be stubborn and determined to do things their own way.

Dandies make wonderful companion dogs. They seek to be loved and to show you they love you as well. They are not obsessive about attention and therefore not as demanding as some other breeds.

Because Dandies were originally used for hunting vermin, they are not good around smaller pets, such as hamster or other rodents. They can be raised around cats if they are introduced to them at a young age.

The Dandie Dinmont has only one major health issue to be watched for and that is glaucoma. Dandies should not be allowed to become overweight, due to being longer than they are tall, as this could cause back injuries. For this reason, Dandies need regular exercise, either in an enclosed area or on a leash.

Grooming the Dandie requires regular attention to the coat. The Dandie's coat is a mixture of a soft under coat with a hard outer coat that is wiry or crisp. The color of the Dandy is on the ends of this outer coat and it is this outer coat that is plucked to remove dead hairs. Plucking is usually done twice a year by hand. If it is cut or trimmed with scissors it will lose its color and texture. Dandies, like all terriers, do not shed their old coats; they need to have it pulled out.

Dandies must also have the hair pulled from their inner ears and from around their eyes. Their nails must be trimmed and the hair removed from between their pads. Dandies are considered medium to high maintenance. Very high is they are to be show dogs. There are videos and books available on grooming the Dandie.

Having a Dandie Dinmont as a family pet is not as easy as going to the local pet shop or looking in the classifieds. The Dandie is among the rarest and most endangered pure bred dogs. Dandie Dinmont breeders take great care in keeping the breed pure. If you are lucky enough to find a breeder who has pups you will most likely have to go through a thorough adoption process and sign a contract stating that you will not breed the Dandie. Some breeders go so far as to spay or neuter the Dandie before adopting them out.

Should you be lucky enough to adopt or be adopted by one of these loveable little guys or gals, you will not be disappointed. The Dandie Dinmont will cast his loveable spell on you and be your best friend for many years to come.

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