DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER

In Guy Mannering, Walter Scott describes the aspect and character of these Terriers, belonging to a character of the novel called Dandie Dinmont, in the memory of who the name for designating this breed has been chosen. Before having this name, it was known as Mustard or Pepper. It is one of the most ancient English Terrier breeds, originally bred to exterminate badgers in the north of England.

 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Walter Scott perfectly knew how to describe this intelligent dog when he called it "the great little dog". Due to its impatient character, it can be hard to train, but it is a dog that feels really comfortable in a domestic environment. In order to take advantage of this courageous little dog, it is mandatory to gain its respect, but once it knows its owner (normally only one person); it shows a lot of loyalty and closeness.

 PHYSICAL ASPECT

Curly external hair. It can be of two colors: mustard, that goes from very soft beige to a toasted-fire, with a silver white tuft on the head; and pepper, that goes from a soft silver color to a bluish black. They have very big, rounded eyes, dark hazel in color. Ears placed pretty back and very separated from each other and pretty low. The tail is between 20 and 25 cm of length, slightly curved. Smaller feet on the front paws than in the rear ones. Long and strong body, with arched ribs and a curved back line, slightly concave and descendent on the direction of the cross and convex and ascendant to the hindquarters.

 PRACTICAL DATA

• LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 years.
• PHYSICAL EXERCISE: Moderate.
• MAINTENANCE: Difficult.
• LEVEL OF NOISE: Noisy.
• HEALTH PROBLEMS: It is recommended to rule out ocular malformations; some back problems.
• HEIGHT: 24 cm.

BREED RECOGNIZED BY THE CANINE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION (CIF)