Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a unique look that requires regular grooming. His coat must be scissored and shaped every four to six weeks to maintain its distinctive appearance. It is important to begin grooming the Dandie when he is very young -- this early introduction teaches him to accept the handling and fuss of grooming patiently.

At home, he needs to be brushing several times a week with a soft slicker brush to prevent or remove mats and tangles. The good news is that the coat doesn’t shed much.

The rest is basic care. Trim his nails as needed, usually once a month. Brush his teeth frequently for good overall health and fresh breath. Check his ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian.

This little dog needs a moderate amount of exercise to keep him healthy and happy. A daily walk or vigorous play session is all they need. Because of their flexible exercise requirements, a Dandie can live an apartment or condominium, as well as in the suburbs.

Proper feeding of your Dandie is important – if he becomes overweight, it can lead to back problems. You’ll need to monitor his food intake carefully and ensure he gets out for regular exercise. Usually, you can feed your Dandie about 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, depending on the brand and formula.

Dandies have an average life span of 12 to 15 years. Breeed health concerns may includeintervertebral disc disease, epilepsy,glaucoma, refractory corneal ulceration,hypothyroidism, primary lens luxation and hypochondroplasia, which causes short, bowed legs, accepted in this breed standard.

Dandies are tough but dignified big dogs in a little body. With lots of patience and a positive reward-based approach, you will get wonderful results.

They are “rough-and-tumble,” sturdy little dogs with lots of energy but are very adaptable and eager to please. Typical terriers, they can be stubborn, independent, and a little too sure of their ability to take on all comers.

It is imperative that you train the Dandie well so that you not only have a companion with good manners but also that you can take the lead in unexpected situations.