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Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier the Right Dog Breed for
You?
By: Tippy & Alfred
The name of the Dandie Dinmont breed comes from a character
in a famous novel from the eighteen hundreds by Sir Walter
Scott titled Guy Mannering. They are a funny looking dog
with a long body, short legs, and with what looks like a
toupee on their head. They have become a highly sought after
companion dog.
The Dandie has a big bark for its relative size. This makes
it a good watch dog but they need to be told to be quiet
after getting your attention with the first warning barks.
There is a danger of this dog breed developing small dog
syndrome if spoiled or treated harshly because of their
small size. Small size dogs have an issue with being treated
as toys or as people and usually are thoroughly spoiled by
their owners. This results in bad behaviors in the dog like
protecting and guarding as though it were the pack leader.
When this dog breed develops small dog syndrome they can
develop several bad behaviors like biting, determined dog
aggressiveness, guarding, being hard to obedience train,
obsessive barking, reservation or shyness with strangers,
separation anxiety, snapping, stubbornness and willfulness.
These are not natural Dandie Dinmont traits and are only
brought on when the dog is overly spoiled and not
consistently trained. When humans take control of this dog
the negative behaviors exhibited from small dog syndrome
often go away.
Dandie Dinmonts were used mainly to kill vermin on farms and
were often raised by gypsies. Even today the instinct to
hunt vermin is still strong in this breed. The Dandie has
been used to hunt badger, otter and rabbit. They are a
wonderful mouse catcher. They are also enemies of the
martens, skunks and weasels.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier dog can reach eight to eleven inches in
height (twenty to twenty-eight centimeters) and weigh
between eighteen and twenty-four pounds. These are based on
healthy averages for this breed. They have a life expectancy
of twelve to fifteen years.
Special Health Care for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Jane R. Bicks, D.V.M.
Bloat prevention is wise for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
He is a deep chested, fast moving terrier.
See How to Prevent Bloat
His rough, double coat makes him the perfect
candidate for brewer's yeast and garlic, particularly
during the summer.
Since the hair can tend to matt, a good quality food
is necessary. Vegetable enzymes can be added to that
food if necessary.
The Best Dog Food for your Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Treats for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Picture of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
All about Every Dog Breed
Special Gift Ideas for
Terriers & every Dog Breed
