Dandie Dinmont Terrier — size comparison

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a low-set dog with a long body, large eyes and a distinctive topknot of soft hair. Its short legs are strong, and the back rises gently towards the rear. The coat combines harsher and softer hairs and comes in pepper or mustard colouring. A pale topknot contrasts distinctly with darker ears.

It descends from working terriers of the Scottish-English border country. They helped hunt burrowing animals, so persistence and the ability to move underground were valued. The breed's name comes from Dandie Dinmont, an owner of such dogs in Walter Scott's novel 'Guy Mannering'. This fictional character popularised a dog type previously known chiefly to local hunters.

The Dandie can be affectionate and deeply devoted to those close to it. It nevertheless retains terrier independence: an interesting scent or a small animal's movement readily absorbs its attention. It usually does not seek contact with everyone it meets, instead first examining a new situation. At home it is generally calm, but when particularly interested it acts boldly and decisively.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec i masa — FCI
• Zakres wysokości — Canadian Kennel Club
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia