The first written record of a distinct terrier that was bred for appearance – as well as having a purpose –  came from the novel, “Guy Mannering,” by Sir Walter Scott. In the view of some, the story was essentially a travel novel about hunting excursions in Northern England and Scotland, but in the view of fans the breed, the Dandie was special, and not like other terriers.

The general group of terriers from Scotland that covered many short-legged terriers included the Dandie, but in 1873, the Dandie was recognized as it’s own special breed.