Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Complete Breed Guide
"I may look older, but I've never felt younger!"
Quick Facts About Dandie Dinmont Terriers
Terrier
18–24 lbs
8–11"
Yes
Overview
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are affectionate dogs that wiggle their way into your heart and home. These dogs’ little bodies can barely contain their big personalities. They may like to march to their own drum, but they also love climbing into your lap for a snuggle session.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are little dogs bursting with tenderness, love, and excitement. These little pups are great for both active and non-active families. They’re huge fans of long walks and digging, but they’ll also lie down with you when you’re not up for playing. When raised with kids, Dandie Dinmonts have a deep understanding and special connection with them. Their confidence makes them courageous and outgoing, but they appreciate relaxation and know when it’s time to calm down. The area where a Dandie Dinmont needs the most attention is its coat, which needs frequent grooming to stay soft and untangled. Let these small critters into your heart, and they'll never leave.
Temperament and Behavior
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s looks and personality make them stand out. Their long, low bodies are balanced by large faces that show off their spunk and excitement. These dogs are confident, smart, and occasionally a bit independent. While they like to be on their own once in a while, Dandie Dinmont Terriers bond with their families and have an uncanny ability to comfort them when needed.
Coat & Grooming
Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a unique coat that’s typically black, white, and mustard colored. Because of their fluffiness, these dogs are high maintenance when it comes to grooming. To keep them feeling and looking good, Dandie Dinmonts need to be brushed several times each week and professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks - especially if you want to keep their signature pouf.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are great with children, especially when they’re raised together. They have a keen ability to understand each other and play well together. Dandie Dinmonts need basic training, but they learn quickly and usually know when they’ve done something wrong. These pups are open to meeting new people, but they tend to stick close to family when strangers are near.
Exercise & Activity
Dandie Dinmont Terriers enjoy their exercise, but they can adjust to any family’s lifestyle. One long walk or hearty playtime each day is more than enough for these little dogs. Dandie Dinmonts are perfectly happy to lounge around for the rest of the day. In their typical terrier nature, Dandie Dinmonts love to dig and chase small animals, so games resembling those activities will get them particularly excited.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier FAQs
Common questions about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed, answered by our editorial team.
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