Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only dog breed named after a fictional character — Dandie Dinmont, a farmer in Sir Walter Scott's 1815 novel Guy Mannering who kept a pack of small terriers.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
8–11 kg (18–24 lbs)
Height
20–28 cm (8–11 in)
Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality small-breed kibble
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only dog breed named after a fictional character — Dandie Dinmont, a farmer in Sir Walter Scott's 1815 novel Guy Mannering who kept a pack of small terriers. The novel made the breed famous overnight, and the dogs were subsequently called "Dandie Dinmont's Terriers" after the character. Developed in the Border Country between Scotland and England to hunt otter and badger, the Dandie is one of the most unusual-looking of all terrier breeds — long, low body, domed skull, large soulful eyes, and a distinctive round topknot of soft cream hair. It is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the UK Kennel Club.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Dandie Dinmont has a unique profile — a long, low, substantial body (similar to a Dachshund's proportions) with a large domed skull, soulful dark eyes, and the characteristic large round topknot of silky cream or off-white hair. The body coat is a mixture of hard and soft hair forming a distinct "pily" texture. Only two colours exist: pepper (blue-grey body with cream topknot) and mustard (reddish-brown body with cream topknot).
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Dandies are affectionate and companionable with their family but reserved and independent — they are not typical demonstratively enthusiastic dogs. They are calmer than many terriers and less hyperactive, making them suitable for less active households. Their independence means training requires patience and positive methods. They can be dog-aggressive and have a strong prey drive.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
stubbornness, barking, aloofness, digging
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise of 20–30 minutes daily. The mixed-texture coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming every 8 weeks. Back care is important — avoid jumping from heights due to long back.
Nutrition Notes
IVDD risk (long body, short legs) — weight management critical. Glaucoma breed-predisposed. Moderate calorie needs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
IVDD (like Dachshund). Glaucoma — regular eye pressure checks. Cushing's disease. Only breed named after a fictional character (Sir Walter Scott's novel "Guy Mannering," 1814). Distinctive topknot. Critically endangered. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
600 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
400 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Intervertebral disc disease is a concern due to the long, low back. Glaucoma occurs at elevated rates. Hypothyroidism is seen. Cheyletiella mite infestation occurs more in this breed than most.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Only breed named after a fictional character. Pepper and mustard colours. Critically endangered. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only dog breed named after a fictional character — Dandie Dinmont from Sir Walter Scott's 1815 novel Guy Mannering. Scott's novel essentially created the breed's fame overnight.
Queen Victoria kept Dandie Dinmont Terriers — her patronage helped establish the breed's fashionable status in Victorian England.
The Dandie is listed as one of the most endangered native dog breeds in Britain, with typically fewer than 100 puppies registered annually — fewer than some endangered wild species.
