Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed Information

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are a member of the ‘Terrier’ breed group. Dogs in the Terrier group were originally bred for hunting vermin. They are hardy, brave dogs bred to pursue the likes of foxes, badgers and rats (to name a few) above and below ground.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are affectionate with their owners but can also be quite independent. They are intelligent dogs but can be quite stubborn and are not always very obedient, which can make training a little challenging. They will learn with plenty of patience and perseverance. To find out more about training your dog using reward-based techniques, take a look at our dog behaviour page.

Dandies get on incredibly well with children and will lap up family life. They can be quite reserved with strangers and other pets, so early socialisation is important.

Breed-related health problems:

Owners are, understandably, upset when their dog develops a health problem linked to its breed. Often they wish they’d known what problems the breed was prone to have. The potential health problems that Dandie Dinmont Terriers are prone to include:

• Intervertebral disc disease – abnormality of the discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae (back bones).
• Glaucoma – increased pressure within the eye.
• Portosystemic shunt – abnormal blood circulation, with the blood effectively bypassing the liver and entering general circulation.
• Cushing's syndrome (Hyperadrenocorticism) – hormonal disorder which results in the production off too much cortisol.

For some conditions, there are screening programmes available through the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Kennel Club. The Canine Health Schemes allow breeders to screen for a range of inherited diseases, so it’s a good idea to check the parents of any puppy you’re looking to rehome have been screened under these schemes. We’d also recommend discussing the medical history of your potential puppy’s parents and grandparents, and think very carefully before taking on a dog with any of the health conditions listed above evident in the family line.

You can find out more about the Canine Health Schemes on the BVA's website.

Exercise and grooming requirements:

Dandies need up to an hour of exercise per day. Grooming is minimal with a comb through twice a week, but four times a year they’ll also need scissoring and shaping by a professional groomer.

Estimated lifetime cost:

The likely lifetime costs for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier are based on estimates calculated using current market prices and include:

• Initial costs of the purchase of the pet
• Neutering
• First vaccinations and booster vaccinations
• Microchipping
• Accessories
• Food
• Pet insurance
• Toys
• Grooming
• Worming
• Flea treatments

The list above does not include veterinary costs if your pet becomes sick or injured, so these average lifetime costs could be even higher.

Insure your Dandie Dinmont Terrier with PDSA:

1 in 3 pets need vet treatment each year and vet bills can come to hundreds of pounds. PDSA Pet Insurance can give you peace of mind when your pet is poorly, especially for breeds like Dandie Dinmont Terriers that are prone to certain conditions. PDSA Pet Insurance offers:

1. Dog and cat insurance policies from 8 weeks of age.
2. 24/7 veterinary advice online or over the phone with Petcall.
3. Manage your policy online with the PDSA Insure Hub.
4. Monthly payment at no extra cost.

By insuring your Dandie Dinmont Terrier with PDSA Pet Insurance you’ll also be helping to provide vet care to some of the UK’s neediest pets.

For more information on taking care of your dog please visit our puppies and dogs section.

Rehoming from a reputable source:

Where you get a dog from can have a big effect on how healthy and happy it is for the rest of its life. Find out where our PDSA vet experts recommend you get your dog from.

Not sure if the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the right pet for you?