Overview
Average lifespan
Dandie Dinmonts will usually live to 12 years of age, but with plenty of loving attention and the correct nutrition will quite easily live up to 14 years.
Average size and weight
In peak condition these dogs should weigh 8kg for the female and be about 20cm tall, while the males are usually 11kg and 28cm in height.
Care requirements
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
The Dandie, with its tasselled ears and large soulful eyes, is a very distinctive little dog. Described as the most placid, docile and gentle of all terriers, the Dandie Dinmont is prone neither to snapping nor yapping, and indeed has the bark of a much larger dog. This breed is more likely to reach up lightly for a pat than jump up and bowl you over.
Compatibility with other pets
The Dandie on the whole has an amiable disposition toward other dogs and is not prone to initiating conflict. However, if roused it can be a fearless opponent and an excellent guard dog.
Care requirements
The Dandie does not require extensive exercise as long as it has sufficient garden to play in and is taken for walks from time to time. While intelligent, it is not always the most obedient of dogs and will, if allowed, go about its business in a rather aloof manner. Its coat requires some trimming and grooming, primarily to remove loose and dead hair that can cause matting, but also to retain the distinctive Dandie features, such as the silky topknot and tassels. The Dandie Dinmont does not moult, so its body coat either needs to be stripped by hand or clipped approximately 2-3 times a year. Like all dogs, its toenails need trimming regularly.
The Dandie is a hardy little dog, with few common ailments. However, due to having large eyes and a profuse topknot of hair, it can suffer some eye irritation if not regularly groomed and checked.
