The Dandie Dinmont Breed Standard in Brief
 

The Dandie Dinmont is a long, low working terrier with a curved outline. The Distinctive head with its silky topknot is large but in proportion to the size of the dog. The dark eyes are large and round with a soft, wise expression. The sturdy, flexible body and scimitar shaped tail are covered with a rather crisp double coat, either mustard or pepper in color.

• Height is from 8-11 inches at the top of the shoulder.
   
• Length from top of the shoulders to root of the tail, is one to two inches less than twice the height.
   
• Weight is from 18-24 pounds.
   
• Head is strongly made and large, but in proportion to the dog’s size.
   
• Expression shows determination, intelligence and dignity.
   
• Eyes are large, round, bright and full, but not protruding.
   
• Ears are set well back, wide apart and low on the skull and 3-4 inches in length.
   
• Skull is broad between the ears, tapering towards the eyes; measures about the same from stop top occiput as it does ear to ear; stop is well defined.
   
• Cheeks taper from ears to the muzzle, in the same proportion as the taper of the skull.
   
• Muzzle is deep and strong. In length the proportions are a ratio of three (muzzle) to five (skull).
   
• Nose is moderately large and black or dark colored.
   
• Teeth meet in a tight scissor bite.
   
• Neck is very muscular, well developed and strong, well set into the shoulders and moderate in length.
   
• Topline is rather low at the shoulder, having a slight downward curve and a corresponding arch over the loins, with a very slight gradual drop from the top of the loins to the root of the tail. The outline is a continuous flow from crest of the neck to the tip of the tail.
   
• Body is long, strong, and flexible, with ribs well sprung and well rounded.
   
• Tail is 8-10 inches in length.
   
• Shoulders should have sufficient layback to allow for reach in front angulated to balance with hindquarters.
   
• Forelegs are short with good muscular development and ample bone.
   
• Hind legs are a little longer then the forelegs, and set rather wide apart.
   
• Feet are round and well cushioned.
   
• Coat is about 2 inches long, and the body coat is a hardish mixture of 2/3 hair with 1/3 soft hair giving it a rather crisp texture. The topknot is very soft silky hair.
   
• Color is pepper or mustard.
   
• Gait requires a free and easy stride, reaching forward with the front and driving with the rear. The legs move in a straight plane from shoulder to pad and hip to pad.
   
• Temperament of the Dandie is independent, determined, reserved and intelligent. He combines an affectionate and dignified nature with tenacity and boldness.

☼For a more detailed description of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, a copy of the illustrated standard may be purchased through the Properties Chair