Dandie Dinmont Terrier Breed Profile
First recorded as a distinct breed in about 1700 in the rough terrain between England and Scotland, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier distinguished himself as an otter and badger hunter extraordinaire. This breed is almost a Dachshund look-alike, except for the fact that everything that is correct in this breed is undesirable in the Dachshund. The Dandie Dinmont has an arched topline, a broad and relatively short head, tassels on the ears and a topknot of softer, silkier hair than on his body; it also has characteristic large eyes. They are, however, true terriers. The Dandie Dinmont may actually share a common ancestor with the Bedlington, though the two breeds have both been altered significantly over the past three hundred years of selective breeding, both physically and temperamentally. This breed makes a fine companion when raised well. Though the Bedlington has a coat that gets scissored when groomed, the Dandie Dinmont is a true wirehair that needs to be handstripped.