We are delighted to welcome back the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America as the proud sponsors of the beloved Fictional Character Photo Challenge, a perennial favorite challenge of National Purebred Dog Day’s Photo Contest.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only breed in the world named after a literary character. In this challenge, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America summons photographers to portray their dog as any fictional character that should be obvious to our judges;
In the 19th century, Sir Walter Scott based his character Dandie Dinmont in the 1815 novel ‘Guy Mannering’ on farmer James Davidson, who kept ‘pepper-and-mustard’ terriers. The breed took its name from that character, and today the AKC standard lists its colors simply as pepper or mustard
The challenge: Portray your dog as any fictional character. Judges should be able to easily determine who the character is.
The prize: In 2015, Richard, Duke of Buccleuch (also the chief of Clan Scott) gave his blessing for Dandie Dinmont Terriers and their owners to wear the Sir Walter Scott Black and White Tartan as the breed’s “official” tartan. This makes the Dandie Dinmont Terrier the only breed in the entire world to have its own Clan Chief approved tartan.
The DDTCA has donated a 100% lambswool Sir Walter Scott Black and White tartan scarf (about 74″ x 10″) and a custom‑fit Dandie Dinmont–sized bandana. We hope the winner understands how special this prize is: the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a vulnerable breed whose numbers are so low it is outnumbered by panda bears.
The winner of this scarf and bandana will attract plenty of compliments—and we hope they’ll use every one to spread the word about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dreaded Small Print You Must Read To Enter
•••• This contest happens on May 1 on our Facebook page. It is open to domestic and international participants;
•••• One entry per person; You may enter four different photo challenges. If you enter this one, you may enter three more;
•••• When submitting your photo entry on Facebook, you must indicate the name of this contest which is The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America’s “Fictional Character 2026” Photo Challenge
•••• Your entry must be for the 2026 contest. Photos submitted from previous years’ contests will be disqualified, and yes, we remember photos from one year to the next;
•••• Within the photo, your image must include a purebred dog and one of the following either downloaded from the link or handmade:
The “Happy National Purebred D♥g Day” sign
The “I L♥ve My Purebred Dog” sign
OR any official National Purebred Dog Day item available here.
•••• No photoshopping, and that includes the required sign. Our judges, David Frei and Jack Grassa must see what you actually shot with your camera;
•••• Many people may help you take your photo, but the prizes goes to the person submitting the winning photograph.
•••• Entering this contest implies consent that your photo may be shared on NPDD’s social media platforms, and by the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America;
•••• A full explanation of how, when, and where to submit your entry can be read here;
•••• Important! You and your dog should have safe fun when composing your entry!
•••• Judges’ decisions are final
PhotoContest2026
Photo of “Britches” by Patrick Blackmon