Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Breed Features and Dog Care Tips

The fashion for decorative small dogs is celebrated among breeders today. Among the large number of interesting on the exterior of animals is to highlight the dandy-dinmont terrier, which in addition to its external characteristics has a lot of positive features.

Breed is considered one of the oldest, since the first mention of dogs with a similar exterior date back to 55 g. e. At that time, animals were present on the lands of the Roman Empire, and their main occupation was hunting for small rodents and other game of small size. Locals called four-legged "earthen" dogs. The ancestors of the modern dandy-dinmont terrier were famous for their ability to sneak up to the victim on the ground almost silently, which made it possible to overtake her even in sly built burrows.

People appreciated the similar qualities of animals, so the breed was soon domesticated, and dogs were used to hunt larger fur animals with a man. There is information that terriers very often took part in the hunt for bears, standing out with their courage even in the light of the large size of the predatory beast. In everyday life, terriers did not stand out for being too aggressive towards people, they were in good contact with children. The ancestors of the dandy-dinmont terrier were used on farms to protect crops and crops from various rodent pests that raided the farmsteads.

Today it was not possible to reliably establish all the breeds that participated in the development of attractive terriers. There are versions that animals have genes of sky terriers and bedlington terriers. Also among dog handlers there is an opinion that dogs are descended from artificial selection of Scottish terriers.

Later, animals began to be used less and less for hunting, and were popular among traveling musicians, the gypsies. In the 18th century, terriers took part in different performances; very often dogs became participants in demonstrative small game hunts. There is an opinion that the breed got its name thanks to the world famous writer Walter Scott, who had a sincere sympathy for dogs with such an exterior.

The animal stands out against the background of other representatives of terriers. The dandy-dinmont terrier should have an elongated body, limbs shorter than the average, and also a rather massive head with a cap, which serves as a sort of business card of the breed. The height of four-legged pets at the withers is 20-28 centimeters, with a weight in the range of 8-10 kilograms.

The dogs have a well-developed muscular corset, a strong skull, with an expressive and strong lower jaw, a bite in a scissor animal. Teeth with white enamel, canines can act on the background of the rest of the teeth. On the head there is a softer coat. The muzzle is about 3/5 of the length of the entire skull, there is a triangular area, devoid of hair.

The dog's eyes have a brown color, are set wide, repeat the shape of a circle, the protein does not stand out. Auricles are trailing, placed close to the back of the head.

The terriers' neck will be strong and muscular, the back line has a slightly noticeable bend, at the level of the shoulder blades it rises smoothly, thanks to which an arch is formed at the back, falling towards the tail area. The chest is lowered between the front limbs, the tail is small, but well protruded by its diameter, slightly narrowed to the tip. In the normal state, the tail is slightly higher than the back, and if the animal is excited, it is located almost vertically. The upper part is covered with a hard wool cover, the bottom of the wool is a little softer.

The limbs of the dogs are straight, set wide, have strong bones and developed muscles. The hind legs will be slightly longer than the front, the claws and pads are colored dark. Wool is the main characteristic of the breed. The cover will be double with a soft undercoat, on the back it is placed in strands, there are tows of 3-5 centimeters on the limbs.

All shades of pepper, from dark (almost black) to light silver, are considered acceptable choices for dogs. On the limbs and in the lower part of the body, a reddish and pale-yellow shade of wool may be observed, while the cap on the dog's head is usually silvery, in dogs it mustard color will be cream. In addition to pepper colors, there are terriers with reddish-brown coat.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a dog with a strong immune system, so pets of this breed are very rare. However, animals are prone to the following diseases:

• glaucoma;
• epilepsy.

To prevent many diseases, it is recommended timely vaccination of puppies and adult dogs, and do not neglect haircuts, which will help to avoid the development of diseases affecting the organs of sight.

Such dogs are sure to become pets, in the light of an agreeable temper, pets will be suitable companions for single people or a large and friendly family with small children. In addition to its sociability, the breed stands out preserved hunting instincts, as well as the ability to carry guard duty. Despite its modest size, the animal will always protect its loved ones.

Dogs are not required to provide long walking., therefore, dandy will feel comfortable in small city apartments. However, animals are quite mobile, so in the open area will require constant monitoring by the breeder. In relation to other animals, dogs are not distinguished by excessive aggression. But with same-sex pets conflicts may occur due to the identification of the leader.

Terrier owners celebrate dogs' cheerful disposition, dedication, and also innate curiosity. In addition, a dandy-dinmont terrier may exhibit stubbornness, as well as a tendency to make independent decisions. Such character traits manifest themselves at a younger age and, with proper education, are amenable to correction.

Animals are very affectionate with their owner, in addition, they are reputed to be "silent" - without any need for terriers bark will not. Dogs of this breed choose for themselves only one owner, in his presence they will execute commands and other family members. But in his absence, most often ignored any attempts to control oneself.

Dogs of this breed are not long-lived, on average, a pet will be able to live with a person about 10-12 years old.

For animals, it is important that the diet is balanced, so many breeders prefer to feed the dandy-dinmont terrier feed industrial production. Products should be selected according to the weight and age of the dog. Suitable option for pets will be premium, super premium or holistic feeds. It is important that in the composition was predominant meat component.

Also, the dog can be fed natural food, then in the menu, in addition to meat and offal, vitamin supplements and cereals, as well as dairy products and vegetables should be included on a mandatory basis.

The following products will be banned:

• bakery products;
• smoked meat and pickles;
• flavor enhancers;
• tubular bones.

The animal must always have access to fresh drinking water. Terriers are not eating very much. Before serving, it is recommended to boil the products. Puppies are fed from 5 to 7 times a day, by half a year the number of meals can be reduced to 3-4 times, after a year the dog is fed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Mandatory event concerning the care of animals, will be a regular haircut. The dog is combed with a soft brush, and the loose wool is removed, as a rule, the fur "cap" on the dog's head is left. It is important to trim the hair around the fingers, around the eyes and on the stomach. From the point of view of hygiene, it will not be out of place to cut the coat in the genital area of ​​the dog. Care is better to entrust a professional who will take into account all the features of the breed. Today, there are several options for haircuts dandy-dinmont terrier, so the breeder can choose the right one according to personal preferences.

In addition to wool, the dog must regularly trim the claws. Perhaps the edges will have to file, so that they do not cling. Also, the attention of the breeder will require the oral cavity of the animal, caring for her involves the use of special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. Cleaning is carried out a couple of times a week.

Ears are subject to daily inspection, as insufficient hygiene can lead to inflammatory processes. Clean the ears as they are polluted with cotton pads or cotton buds 2-3 times a week. Since terriers are prone to developing glaucoma, the eyes should be cleaned with special lotions or decoction based on chamomile flowers. Film or eye inflammation will require an urgent visit to the vet.

Due to thick wool and undercoat, animals are not afraid of severe weather conditions, so they do not need extra clothing. In the summer, the coat reliably protects dogs from overheating. Walking with a pet should be daily. If a terrier is contained in an apartment, then it is very important for him to maintain muscle tone.

It is important to start practicing with a dog as early as possible in order to avoid the pronounced obstinacy inherent in this breed. Terrier training will require a long time from the breeder, as well as patience. Typically, training for basic teams start from 4-5 months. First you need to teach the dog to respond to its nickname, walk alongside on a leash. Also, an important team for the pet will be “fu,” which means “no”.

Beginners are not recommended to engage in self-training of dandy-dinmont terrier, it would be more correct to entrust your pet to an experienced dog handler Good results are given by joint training with dogs in one group. Self-study is usually carried out in the form of a game. And collective activities will help to avoid excessive aggression towards other animals.

All about breed dogs dandy-dinmont-terrier look in the next video.