A charming little terrier from the country of Scotland, the Dandie Dinmont is the only breed of dog that has been named after a fictional character.


Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a long, low body that is longer than it is tall, with back legs slightly longer than the front. They weigh in at 18-24 pounds and stand 8-11 inches tall. Their most distinctive feature is the topknot of silky fur on the top of their head. The coat is a mix of soft and hard hairs and their only two colors are pepper (dark bluish black to a light silvery gray) or mustard (reddish brown to a pale fawn).

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a debated history, although it is generally accepted that the breed was developed around the 1700s. Where is part of that debate, as some sources claim it was along the border region between England and Scotland, while others state the Isle of Skye or even as far as Bedlington. While the location remains lost in time Scotland is created with its origin, along with the Cairn, West Highland White, Skye, and Scottish Terriers. Thought to share a common ancestry with these other breeds from the old Scotch type terrier, other contributions to the bloodline may include the Otterhound or Flanders Basset.

The name of the breed, however, is well documented. Their name comes from the farmer, Dandie Dinmont, in Sir Walter Scott’s Guy Mannering. Even the breed specific coloring of pepper and mustard are adopted from Dinmont’s dogs.

Thought to have originally been the companions of Gypsies the Dandie Dinmont was originally used to exterminate vermin and hunt a wide variety of prey including badgers, otter, rabbit and weasels. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888 and the United Kingdom’s Kennel Club (KC) in 1918. Unfortunately, today they are considered one of the rarest of all pedigree dogs, with numbers dropping so low in registries that it is in danger of extinction.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are an affectionate and lively breed, yet remain independent. They are intelligent and normally easy to train with a consistent owner. A good watch dog, but not yappy, they are wary of strangers and affectionate towards family members. Because of their high prey drive they do not do well with non-canine pets, although they can get along with cats if raised with them in the household. They do well with other dogs and well behaved children.


Generally a healthy breed, the lifespan of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is between 12-15 years. They are prone to glaucoma and epilepsy and overfeeding can lead to back problems.

With a daily walk this breed can adapt easily to apartment life, as they are relatively active indoors. Because of their prey drive use caution when exercising them off leash.

This breed sheds little, but they need to be brushed regularly. Minimal clipping is needed and the coat should be striped twice yearly.