Consider These 13 Factors Before Purchasing a Dandie Dinmont Terrier Puppy

Known as the gentleman of the terrier packs, Dandie Dinmont Terriers may look like adorable lapdogs, but they have the drive of a hunter. The Dandies are cute pets that initially hailed from a region near the boundary between England and Scotland. Dandies were originally bred to hunt vermins. These canines exude swagger and sophistication with their pouffy topknots, dark eyes, and confident demeanor. Here are the things you need to know if you consider bringing these furballs home!

They are considered to be the most gentle of all terriers.

Dandie Dinmonts are said to be the calmest, gentlest terriers, but they have the bark of a much larger dog. The Dandie Dinmont terrier is a loving companion who is also cheerful and energetic. Although he is not designed to be a pack animal, this dog can make an excellent addition to any family.

This breed isn't aggressive and may be trusted with kids. The temperament of this dog is more laid-back than that of most terriers. Despite its reputation as the gentle terrier breed, a Dandie can unleash its inner terrier when given a chance. He can be violent toward canines he doesn't know, and his dominant personality comes out whenever he has the opportunity to chase prey like rats or squirrels.

These dogs are affectionate and loving but not overbearing.

Dandies, as a whole, has a reputation for being devoted, loving, and resilient. They will cheerfully welcome all of your visitors and return to sit by your side once the party is over. They also have a reputation for being low-maintenance pet since it rarely demands human care.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are known for their friendly nature and toughness. Since this is the case, it can survive and even thrive in almost any setting. It's excellent as a companion animal for a single individual or as part of a larger family.

The Dandie makes for a good house pet because it is elegant and affectionate without being overbearing. It's a faithful friend for individuals of all ages.

Dandies are generally a healthy breed.

Dandies are healthier than many other breeds, yet no dog is truly immune to illness. The Dandie is a tough little dog that suffers from a few frequent diseases. Hip and elbow dysplasia, lymphoma, glaucoma, intervertebral disc, patellar luxation, and epilepsy are some diseases that affect a small percentage of this breed. Still, otherwise, they tend to live long, healthy lives. Their large eyes and a thick mop of hair on top might irritate them if they aren't groomed and checked regularly.

These dogs do not shed.

The Dandie's trademark silky topknot and tassels do not shed. But even though Dandie Dinmont Terriers don't shed, that doesn't mean they don't need regular maintenance. The Dandie requires regular clipping and daily brushing to prevent matting and to maintain its neat and sleek appearance. It is necessary to strip Dandie Dinmont's body coat by hand or to trim it around twice a year because it does not molt.

While all dogs sweat occasionally, dandies seem to do so less frequently. They also don't leave their furry scraps all over the place. Despite the low shedding, they are not hypoallergenic, so anyone prone to developing a dog allergy should be kept away from them.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier needs moderate exercise.

The Dandie dinmont terrier follows the same exercise schedule as any other dog breed. Despite their small stature, Dandie Dinmonts Terriers need at least an hour of daily activity. Two 30-minute walks each day, or playtime will do wonders for your Dandie's health and happiness. Even though they aren't as hyper or aggressive as some terriers, these smart tiny pups need daily playtime and mental challenges.

Once their exercise requirement is met, they become low maintenance and easy to live with. While these dogs can participate in several dog sports, it's important to remember that their long back and short legs make them vulnerable to injury if they overextend themselves. Jumping up and down must be avoided. A fall from even a modest height could cause severe damage to the dog's spine. Because of their length and width, dandies are not the best choice for owners searching for a running or riding companion.

Dandies can be a handful to train.

The Dandie Dinmont has maintained the traditional terrier characteristics of a solid drive to hunt and a stubborn, self-reliant character. While Dandies tend to be quieter than other terriers, any terrier can develop into a noisy pest if not adequately trained. Just like other terriers, they can be headstrong, self-reliant, and overconfident in their abilities.

Although clever, it's not usually the most obedient pet and will go about its day with a certain air of disinterest if given a chance. Due to their independent nature, Dandie Dinmont terriers require a firm yet a patient teacher. You will succeed marvelously if you are patient and use an approach based on positive reinforcement. Use a combination of praise, playtime, and treats to help Dandie learn their new behaviors. Train your Dandie to know when he can use his voice and when he has to keep silent.

They need high-quality dog food for moderately active dogs.

Dandie Dinmonts of all ages benefit from a healthy diet of high-quality dog food for moderately active and small canines. They are predisposed to being overweight, so you must be careful feeding them. Avoid feeding your pet too many table scraps, and keep them away from cooked bones and fatty meals.

These dogs have a quick metabolism; consequently, they need to eat frequently but in small amounts. Small-breed diets contain lower calories and higher concentrations of essential nutrients to accommodate their smaller jaws.

The Dandies are amiable towards other pets, except for small furry ones, if socialized properly.

Regarding other dogs, Dandie Dinmont Terriers generally have a pleasant demeanor and don't like to start fights. However, when it is provoked, it proves to be a formidable adversary.

Dandies raised with cats from an early age tend to get along well with them, but they have a solid drive to hunt small furry animals like birds, hamsters, and more.

Despite its reputation as one of the calmest and least demanding terrier breeds, it can be territorial and fight other creatures to defend its territory; therefore, early socialization is crucial.

They are excellent pets and adore children.

The Dandie Dinmont is an excellent family pet because of its amiability and gentleness with youngsters. They are kind, caring, and devoted to those they care about, making them a wonderful friend and a pleasure to own and be around. It is flexible regarding its living situation, but it appreciates a yard.

Because of their long bodies, Dandie Dinmont Terriers shouldn't live in homes with very young kids, as a fall from even a moderate height could cause severe damage to the dog's spine. Although many dogs have earned the reputation of being kid-friendly, everyone benefits from learning the proper ways to interact with and care for a dog. An adult should supervise all interactions between the two.

These dogs are pretty easy to groom and maintain.

To maintain their beautiful coats, the Dandies need daily brushing. You need to brush not just on the surface but also on the skin with a comb to avoid matting and tangling.

Ear infections are common in Dandie Dinmont Terriers, so trimming his fur near the ears will help keep it at bay. The wax in its ears needs to be cleaned out regularly too.

The rests are primary care and maintenance. Their teeth should be brushed regularly, and you shouldn't bathe your Dandie unless it is filthy. Vet check-ups must be regular and up to date.

They are prone to leg injuries.

Although they are little dogs and hence not particularly demanding to care for, their longer backs and shorter legs indicate that staircases should be avoided wherever possible because they are prone to injury.

This would make it difficult to live in a building with numerous stories or a house with multiple steep staircases. If you have stairs at home, ensure they are gated to prevent them from going up and down.

They are excellent watchdogs and rodent hunters.

Although not a particularly hyperactive or rowdy breed, the Dandie makes for an excellent watchdog thanks to its loud bark. In addition, it is a good watchdog because it has a focused and observant demeanor. It will bark at the sight of anyone, friend or foe, approaching the area.

Moreover, he can and will eliminate any rodents that have taken up residence in your house or yard. As a watchdog breed, Dandie Dinmonts need close monitoring and training in places with many people and noise, and they fare well in rural areas or neighborhoods with few neighbors.

They need a huge and fenced space to roam around.

Build a secure fence around your yard to keep the Dandie Dinmont safe inside because nothing can stop it if it spots something to chase. Dandies are hunting dogs through and through, and even the most well-trained of them will bolt at the sight of what they take to be prey. When taking your dog outside, ensure it is secured on a leash.

Remember that they are still terriers by nature and are exceptional excavators. If you don't provide your Dane with its digging area, it will become restless and might destroy your yard.

Small in stature but big in character, Dandies will surely make beautiful pets. They have extraordinary qualities that make them an excellent addition to any home. Dandies are vigilant and intelligent watchdogs who have a booming baritone bark. So beware when living with so many neighbors around. One thing that makes Dandies even more remarkable is that they aren't as hyper as other tiny dogs, but they enjoy playing around and snuggling with children. In classic terrier fashion, they are stubborn, self-reliant, and fearless. You should be ready to make a long-term commitment to your dog when you bring one into your home.