Overview
The Dandie Dinmont is named after a character in a Walter Scott novel and comes from the Scottish Borders, where it hunted otter and badger. It is unmistakable: a long body, short legs, a curved topline and a large head with a fluffy topknot. It is one of Britain's vulnerable native breeds and you will not meet many.
The temperament is more reserved than most terriers. Dandies are calm, affectionate with their people and dignified with strangers. They still carry terrier courage and will not back down from a challenge, but they are less busy and less yappy than their cousins.
Exercise and walking needs
Forty-five minutes a day in two walks is enough for most. They enjoy a sniff and a potter and will hunt a hedgerow with interest, but they are not endurance dogs.
The long back and short legs are the practical concern. Avoid jumping down from heights and discourage stairs where you can.
On the walk
- Back: Lift the dog in and out of vehicles and avoid routes with steep steps or drops. Long-backed breeds are vulnerable to disc problems.
- Prey: Terrier instincts remain. Rabbits and rodents will be chased, so keep the lead on anywhere unfenced.
- Other dogs: Calm and not usually the instigator, but it will stand up to a bigger dog if pushed. Keep greetings civil.
- Recall: Moderate at best. A long line in open spaces is the sensible compromise.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a harness that spreads the load along the body rather than pulling on the neck.
- Keep the dog off high jumps and out of situations where it has to leap down.
- Dry the long coat and the topknot after wet walks and check the ears.
- Give the dog time; Dandies warm up to new people slowly.
What to ask the owner
- Any back problems or stiffness, and what are the rules about stairs, jumping and lifting?
- How does the dog react to other dogs and to cats on the route?
- Does the dog have a recall in the open, or only in the garden?