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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+6
Dogs
# The Dandie Dinmont Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Great Britain
A small rustic and original terrier, lively without being excessive, with an elongated body and a well-asserted character.
Size SmallLife expectancy 11–13 yearsBudget ≈ €81/monthPuppy €800 – €1,500
[Find a breeder 3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dandie-dinmont-terrier) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=dandie-dinmont-terrier)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs Moderate
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Very good
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Original and rustic format: Its small, low-to-the-ground build comes with an overall solid constitution.
- Balanced companion: It combines affection, vigilance and independence without being excessive in one area or the other.
- Proper adaptation to indoor living: It can live well in a house as well as in an apartment if its outings are respected.
- Back to protect: Its elongated morphology requires avoiding ill-suited efforts, jumps, and repeated stairs.
- Sometimes stubborn temperament: Its independence requires regular and consistent training from the youngest age.
- Rare breed: Its limited distribution can make it harder to find a serious, well-selected breeder.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Calm and present households: He appreciates a stable family life with regular interactions and daily outings.
- Fans of moderate terriers: He offers character and courage without having the level of agitation of the most restless terriers.
- People attentive to grooming: His coat and morphology require regular and careful upkeep.
Not recommended for
- Very athletic households: This is not a dog designed for intensive exertion or repetitive high-impact activities.
- Homes with many stairs: Frequent going up and down is not ideal for its back and joints.
- Adopters wanting a very obedient dog: Its natural independence may disappoint if you are looking for immediate docility.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
24 cmDandie Dinmont Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 20–28 cm
- Weight
- 8–11 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, double
- FCI group
- 3
- Origin
- Great Britain
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Dandie Dinmont Terrier in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Dandie-Dinmont-Terrier is an ancient breed originating from the Borders region, in southern Scotland and northern England. It was selected for hunting rabbits, otters and various pests, which explains its courage, determination and its low, elongated silhouette. Its fame took off after the publication in 1815 of the novel Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott, in which a character owned several terriers of this type. The breed then kept this name, which became unique in the canine world, and was then definitively recognized by the FCI in 1955. Today, it remains rare, with modest numbers.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Dandie-Dinmont-Terrier is a small dog low on legs, with an elongated body, strong and supple. Its neck is muscular, its back slightly arched and its chest well let down. The head, broad and powerful but proportionate, is covered with a characteristic silky coat. The eyes are large, round and dark, with a lively and intelligent expression, while the drooping ears are set low. The tail, strong at the base, is carried gaily in a scimitar shape. Its double coat combines a fairly harsh outer coat with a softer undercoat, with fringes on the limbs, and the coat comes in pepper or mustard colours.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier retains the terrier spirit, with bounce, determination and a real capacity for initiative. It is affectionate with its own, intelligent and generally balanced, while keeping a degree of independence and a strong character. It is not a noisy dog by nature, but it remains vigilant and courageous.
Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Dandie-Dinmont-Terrier appreciates a regular life, daily outings and a calm but stimulating environment. He can live in an apartment if he is taken out enough, even if repeated stairs are not ideal for his back and joints. Playful without being hyperactive, he likes to take part in household life, explore and follow scents, with a hunting instinct that can resurface when faced with small animals.
Training
## Training and socialization
His training must begin early, with clear rules, consistency and careful socialization. The Dandie-Dinmont-Terrier can be stubborn, which requires patience and firm but always gentle handling. Brutal methods are to be avoided. Short, consistent and motivating sessions give better results than an overly repetitive approach.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The price of a Dandie-Dinmont-Terrier varies depending on the lineage, the seriousness of the breeding, the screenings and the socialization. The maintenance budget (food, veterinary care, training) often exceeds the purchase price over time.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dandie-dinmont-terrier/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
Rustic and generally robust, the Dandie-Dinmont Terrier copes rather well with bad weather thanks to its double coat. Like many low and elongated dogs, it nevertheless deserves special attention for its back, its joints and certain breed predispositions. Regular veterinary monitoring, good weight management and moderate activity help to preserve its health.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dandie-dinmont-terrier/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Dandie-Dinmont Terrier needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its small size, its age and its activity level. Good-quality food helps support muscle mass, coat condition and the maintenance of a stable weight.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dandie-dinmont-terrier/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Dandie-Dinmont Terrier is one of the rare dog breeds whose name comes from a fictional character. Its original silhouette, its pepper or mustard coats and its very distinctive expression make it immediately recognizable. Despite its sometimes peaceful appearance, it descends from true little hunters used to pursue tough prey in difficult terrain. The breed remains uncommon today, which makes it a rather confidential companion.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Dandie-Dinmont Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, provided it benefits from daily outings and a regular routine. Apartment living is not a major problem in itself, but frequent stairs should be limited to protect its back.
### Is the Dandie-Dinmont Terrier easy to train?
It is intelligent and receptive, but also independent. Early, consistent and kind training is important to channel its stubborn side without alienating the dog.
### Does the Dandie-Dinmont Terrier shed a lot?
Its shedding is generally moderate. Regular care, with weekly brushing and periodic grooming, helps keep the coat clean and shedding well controlled.
## Find a Dandie Dinmont Terrier breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Dandie Dinmont Terrier breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Dandie Dinmont Terrier breeders by country
[6 breeders of Dandie Dinmont Terrier in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dandie-dinmont-terrier/germany) [3 breeders of Dandie Dinmont Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dandie-dinmont-terrier) [1 breeder of Dandie Dinmont Terrier in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dandie-dinmont-terrier/austria) [1 breeder of Dandie Dinmont Terrier in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dandie-dinmont-terrier/denmark)
[All breeders of Dandie Dinmont Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dandie-dinmont-terrier)
## Ready to welcome a Dandie Dinmont Terrier?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dandie-dinmont-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
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](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cairn-terrier)
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](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/scottish-terrier)
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[Skye Terrier
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