What do Agatha Christie, Queen Victoria and Sir Alec Guinness have in common? They all owned a Dandie Dinmont terrier. Discover more fun facts about this iconic and now extremely rare Scottish dog breed with our expert guide.
The Dandie Dinmont terrier is an affectionate, intelligent and determined breed of dog developed in the border counties and Scotland. Named after a fictional character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Guy Mannering, the breed has a long and intriguing history to match its charm.
But sadly the Dandie Dinmont is a breed at risk, with just 102 puppies born and registered in the UK in 2023.
We spoke to The Kennel Club to find out more about the iconic Scottish dog, from its fascinating history and famous owners to what’s being done to save the breed.
Characteristics
An iconic Scottish dog, with particularly expressive eyes and a distinctive trim focused on the top of their heads, Dandie Dinmonts are intelligent and determined, but also sensitive and affectionate.
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History
Dandie Dinmont terriers originate from Scotland and the border counties and are the only breed of dog to have been named after a fictional character. The breed came to prominence in 1815, following the publication of Guy Mannering, a novel by Sir Walter Scott, featuring a farmer called Dandie Dinmont.
Following publication, many readers flocked to the Scottish Borders to find “Dandie Dinmont’s terriers” and, as such, the breed acquired its iconic name.
A forgotten breed
Sadly, owing to the breed’s low annual registration numbers – with just 102 puppies born and registered in 2023 – the Dandie Dinmont is currently classed by The Kennel Club as a vulnerable breed, which monitors breeds that register less than 300 puppies a year.
“There are more than 200 dog breeds in this country, each with different personalities, characteristics and needs, and yet people are increasingly opting for the fashionable or obvious choices,” says Bill Lambert, Health and Welfare Manager at The Kennel Club.
“The Dandie Dinmont terrier is one of our most historic breeds, but you rarely see one now in our streets and parks. The breed has a wonderful character, with particularly expressive eyes, but sadly it seems that TV, celebrities and social media, rather than responsible research are having a bigger impact behind our choice of dog, and which ones are ‘in fashion’.
“Our ‘Save the Forgotten Breeds’ campaign is all about protecting native breeds, like the Dandie Dinmont terrier, and includes a competition for at-risk breeds as well as a meet and greet zone at Crufts.
“One of the main reasons there is such a decline in popularity of these dogs is because people simply don’t seem to know of them, so we encourage prospective buyers to come and meet these breeds, speak to experts and owners who can tell you all about what it is like to own these breeds, and their different personalities and needs.”
Colour
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier can be one of two colours:
- Mustard (sandy/brown)
- Pepper (blue/grey)
Suitable owners
Dandie Dinmont terriers are small but strong dogs that are independent and highly intelligent. They enjoy exercise as well as their alone time and make a great companion for anyone living in a city or the countryside looking for an even-tempered four-legged companion.
Surprising fact
Famous owners in history have included Agatha Christie, Queen Victoria and Sir Alec Guinness.
In February 2015, the Duke of Buccleuch – the chief of Clan Scott – gave permission for the Dandie Dinmont to wear the Sir Walter Scott tartan, making the breed the only one in the country to have an official Scottish Clan Tartan.
Further information can be found on The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breed list. The Kennel Club also has a breed A to Z with information on all 223 breeds.