| Category : Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
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| Description |
Description
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a low to the ground, longer than he is tall, little dog. The large head has a topknot that is in proportion to the body. The skull is broad between the ears, gradually tapering to the eyes. The muzzle is deep, with a well defined stop. The large teeth meet in a scissors bite. The moderately, large nose and the lips are dark in color. The large, round, wide-set eyes come in dark hazel with dark eye rims. The 3 to 4 inch (7-10 cm.) ears are pendant, set low and wide, hanging close to the cheeks. The legs are short with the back legs being a little longer than the front legs. The "scimitar" tail looks like a curved sword and is about 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm.) long, thicker for about 4 inches then tapering to a point. Dewclaws may be removed when puppies are three or four days old.. The coat is about 2 inches (5 cm.) long with with a mix of soft and hard hairs. Hair on the underside is softer in texture and the head is covered with an even softer, silky topknot. Coat colors come in pepper (dark bluish black to a light silvery gray) or mustard (reddish brown to a pale fawn). Mustard puppies are born with a dark brown coat which lightens into varying shades of red when it reaches an adult. Pepper puppies are born black and tan, that silvers later in life. Pepper coats have a silver topknot and mustard color coats have a cream colored topknot.
Temperament
The Dandie Dinmont makes a great companion dog, affectionate and happy-go-lucky. Lively, bold, brave, independent and intelligent. Because of this terrier's hunting instincts, it should not be trusted with non-canine pets, such as hamsters, rabbits, pet mice and guinea pigs. It will be okay with cats that it is raised with from puppyhood. They are not difficult to train, if you are firm and consistent. Makes a good watch dog, but needs to be told, after getting your attention with the first warning bark, it is time to be quiet and let you handle the rest. Because of this breeds small size, a lot of Dandie Dinmont Terriers develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog believes he is king of the home. Led to believe they own the humans and everything else around them, and do their best to keep and defend what they own. This causes many varying degrees of behavior issues, including, but not limited to stubbornness, determined, willful, guarding, separation anxiety, hard to obedience train, reserve with strangers, snapping, biting, dog-aggressiveness, and obsessive barking, as the dog tries to keep his humans and everyone else around him in line. These are NOT Dandie Dinmont traits, but behaviors brought on by the lack of a firm consistent pack leader, who provides, rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do, along with the lack of a daily pack walk. As soon as the humans take the control away from the dog, and the dog's instincts are met, the negative behaviors will begin to subside and the Dandie Dinmont will be a wonderful, trustworthy, family companion.
Height, Weight
Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm.)
Weight: 18-24 pounds (8-11 kg.)
Health Problems
Generally a healthy breed. Some are prone to glaucoma and epilepsy. Hypothyroidism can occur when the dog is older. Do not overfeed as an overweight dog can have back problems.
Living Conditions
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do as long as you take them for daily walks. Likes to chase, be careful when taking them off the leash.
Exercise
Dandie Dinmont need to be walked daily. They will also enjoy sessions of play in the park or other safe open areas.
Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years. |
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