Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The only breed named after a character in a novel, from Walter Scott's Guy Mannering. Long, low and topknotted, with a bark far bigger than the body under it.
Photo by Petful.com, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Dandie Dinmont is the only breed named after a fictional character: Dandie Dinmont, a farmer in Walter Scott's 1815 novel Guy Mannering, who kept terriers of this type. It comes from the Scottish borders and it hunted otter and badger.
The look is distinctive: long and low with an arched back, large expressive eyes and a soft silky topknot on the head that contrasts with the crisper body coat.
Temperament
Independent, dignified and considerably calmer than most terriers. Dandies are affectionate with their families and reserved with strangers, and they have a surprisingly deep bark for their size.
They are stubborn and they are terriers, so the prey drive and the digging are intact. They are generally good with older children and less tolerant of rough handling than a sturdier breed would be, given the long back.
Care and grooming
The crisp body coat needs weekly brushing and hand stripping a couple of times a year, and the topknot needs regular attention. It sheds very little.
The long back on short legs brings intervertebral disc disease, and weight control matters accordingly. Glaucoma occurs in the breed and is worth screening for. Cushing's disease is also seen.
Living and exercise
Forty five minutes to an hour a day on the flat, with jumping discouraged and ramps provided.
The breed is on the UK Kennel Club's vulnerable native breeds list with very low annual registrations, so finding one takes real effort. Twelve to fifteen years is normal.
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