The Dandie Dinmont Terrier shown here “reading” an article in “Country Life” about the plight of the breed seems erudite and dapper, but this is a breed that was bred to hunt vermin, and when it comes to doing his job, Dandies have a fierce reputation.  Any dog that can go to ground to pursue prickly badgers, weasels and martens had to be tough.

Dandies most likely originated from the Skye Terrier and Scotch Terrier (the latter, an ancient breed now extinct, was unrelated to the Scottish Terrier).  Originally called the “Pepper and Mustard Terrier” before the novel, “Guy Mannering,” popularized the breed and changed its name to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier,  these dogs were favored by farmers and roma (gypsies) who lived on the border between England and Scotland.

This is a hardy little breed that’s in trouble.

In 2010, 151 Dandies were registered in its country of origin. In 2015, only 88 dogs were registered. It’s an alarming trend that has landed the breed on the Vulnerable Breeds list of the British version of the AKC, The Kennel Club. This list is made up of breeds that achieve 300 or fewer registrations each year in the UK.  You’d be surprised what else is on the list.  If you’re considering a dog for your family, look into the Dandie Dinmont. If, after doing your homework that the breed is a good fit for you, contact the breed club to find breeders who may have your next puppy in their whelping box.