How to Identify a Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a breed from Scotland and a member of the terrier group. [1] Owing its name to a fictional character that owned dogs of the breed, Sir Walter Scott, the character's creator, is credited with bringing the breed to fame. [2] Though distinct in appearance, Dandies can still be confused with other terriers despite their unique features. By recognizing their distinguishing traits, this wikiHow will help you identify a Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Analyzing the Structure

  1. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are a bit small in size. They may weigh anywhere from 18 to 24 pounds (8.2 to 10.9 kg) and have a height of 8–11 inches (20–28 cm). [3]
  2. A Dandie's head is proportionate in size to the overall body but is notably large. Starting with a broad area that is between the dog's ears, it tapers to the point of the eyes slowly, and the cheeks also taper. With a clearly pronounced stop and forehead in the shape of a dome, the head as a whole is good in muscle and equal in length from one ear to the other and from the occiput to the stop. [4]
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  3. The ears of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier are low- but well-set with a tapering back edge that goes from a broad base to a near point at the tip. They are a good distance apart from each other and drop by the dog's cheeks, measuring to about 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) long. Their fold projects a small amount, and they are of thin leather. [5]
  4. Dandies have round eyes that do not protrude but are full and large in size. They appear bright, though their color is a dark and rich hazel, and they have dark-pigmented rims. Looking straight forward, they are low-set and a good distance apart, giving the dog a dignified and determined expression while conveying intelligence. [6]
  5. A Dandie Dinmont Terrier's muzzle appears strong, though it is short compared to the head, having a 3:5 ratio from muzzle to skull length. Their teeth, which are placed in a scissors bite, are notably large and strong for a dog their size and are concealed by the dark or black lips. The mouth's inside is also dark or black in color, as is the nose, which is a large size. The muzzle overall appears deep. [7]
  6. The paws of a Dandie are good in cushion and give off a rounded appearance. Though the strong nails tend to be a dark color, they may sometimes be white or be a different color based on that of the coat. With the back paws being a greatly smaller size than those in the front, the front paws may have dewclaws, while the back paws' dewclaws, if any, tend to be removed. [8]
  7. Having a length of 8–10 inches (20–25 cm), a Dandie Dinmont's tail is carried in a scimitar-like manner slightly above the level of the topline, though the tip and root may be perpendicular in carriage when the dog feels excited. It begins at a thick root and increases in thickness before tapering to the tip, the area of increased thickness measuring around 4 inches (10 cm). It is set as an extension of the dog's croup, which drops only a small amount. [9]
  8. Dandies are sturdy in build, curved in outline, balanced, well-muscled, and rather long. They have a muscular neck, laid-back shoulders, a chest of good development, ribs that are both good in spring and a fairly round shape, short legs (though the hind legs are slightly longer), and a curved topline and underline. Their gait is free, good of force, easy, and straightforward in movement. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. A Dandie Dinmont Terrier's coat is comprised of roughly 1/3 soft hair and 2/3 hair that is somewhat hard, making the coat feel rather crisp on the body without being wiry. The coat naturally grows to a length of 2 inches (5.1 cm). [11]
  2. The head of a Dandie is well-coated in hair that is both silky and soft in texture, forming not only a topknot but a good coat on the ears and above the eyes. The ears are coated with soft hair that is short in length and has a velvety texture, and the area from 2 inches (5.1 cm) above the tip to the tip of the ear is feathered in a similar manner to the topknot. The muzzle has hair that is trimmed shorter and less plentiful for roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) after the nose. [12]
  3. Along with the facia feathering, a Dandie Dinmont Terrier typically has feathering on their forelegs and tail. Despite being well-feathered, the dog's forelegs are identical in texture to the muzzle, as are the much less feathered hind legs, and the foreleg feathering reaches a length of 2 inches (5.1 cm). The soft feathering on the underside of the tail, also measuring 2 inches (5.1 cm), helps give the tail its scimitar appearance, though it decreases in length as it nears the tip. The top side of the tail has a crisp coating. [13]
  4. Dandies may have a pepper or mustard coat. Regardless of which color they are, this main color covers the dog's hips and shoulders to blend into a lighter color on the legs. Under the tail, the coat is the same color as the legs, while the upper side of the tail is a dark shade of the main color. The dog may have a bit of white near their chest area, with hair darker than the topknot on the muzzle and harmony in color on the ears. [14]
    • A pepper coat has silver ears and a silver topknot so light as to almost appear white, while the feet and legs are a tan shade, ranging from pale to rich. The main pepper color is between a silver-grey that is light in color and a blue-black that is dark in color. [16]
    • A mustard coat has cream ears and a cream topknot that may appear nearly white, while the feet and legs are darker. The main mustard color is between a pale colored fawn and a red-brown color. [17]

    Did you know? Old Pepper, Young Pepper, Little Pepper, Old Mustard, Young Mustard, and Little Mustard, six Dandies owned by a breeder named James Davidson reflecting the names of the breed's coat colors, are considered the "immortal six" among the breed. In fact, some believe that Old Ginger, a dog whose parent was Old Pepper, has roots in every living Dandie in this time. [15]

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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Understanding Temperament

  1. As a terrier breed, Dandie Dinmont Terriers maintain a strong hunting instinct and act rather bold once these instincts are brought up. One such instinct is a strong prey drive, so they may try to chase small animals. [18]
  2. Dandies tend to be tough toward other dogs, especially ones of the same sex. Additionally, though they are usually polite with strangers, they are not trusting of them, which makes them good watchdogs. [19]
  3. Having an independent mind, Dandie Dinmont Terriers may act stubborn and willful. They require a confident owner willing to train them with firm consistency. [20]
  4. Most terriers are full of energy, and the Dandie is no exception. This made them great hunters and can make them good companions as they generally know to be calm indoors. [21]
  5. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are affectionate and companionable dogs. They love being around their families and can form strong bonds with them. [22]
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      Tips

      • Consider using a DNA test if you'd like to know your own dog's breed. This will confirm if your dog is a Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dandie-dinmont-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dandie-dinmont-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dandie-dinmont-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dandie-dinmont-terrier/
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/DandieDinmontTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/dandiedinmontterriers.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/dandie-dinmont-terrier-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/dandiedinmontterriers.html
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/dandie-dinmont-terrier-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/dandie-dinmont-terrier-temperament/

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