Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 3: Terriers |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Weight | 8–11 kg |
| Height | 20–28 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
Temperament
Intelligent, independent and affectionate, calm at home.
History
A Scottish breed popularised by a novel by Sir Walter Scott (1815), which gave it its name.
Fun facts
It is one of the few breeds named after a character in a novel.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier coat
A wiry, harsh coat with a softer undercoat. It needs its own techniques to keep texture and colour.
A “pily” coat (a mix of harsh and soft) with a soft topknot; the harsh coat needs hand stripping.
What we do in the salon
To keep the texture of a wiry coat, hand stripping (manual removal of dead hair) is ideal. When a more practical option is preferred, we clip, knowing the coat will become softer and may change colour over time. Includes bath and conditioning.
Recommended services
- Hand strippingabout 2 h
- Clipper & scissor trimabout 2 h
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Cut / upkeep | Hand stripping 3 to 4 times a year, or a clipper trim every 6 to 8 weeks. |
Care at home between visits
- Brush once or twice a week with a firm-bristle brush.
- Avoid very frequent baths, which soften the coat.
- Wipe the beard and muzzle after meals.
- Agree with the salon on the best time for hand stripping.
Frequently asked questions about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Does the Dandie Dinmont Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little. Even so, the coat can tangle or build up, so it should be brushed regularly.
How often should I bring my Dandie Dinmont Terrier to the salon?
In general, a bath every 4 to 6 weeks. Hand stripping 3 to 4 times a year, or a clipper trim every 6 to 8 weeks. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
What is hand stripping?
It is the manual removal of dead hair, which keeps the texture and colour of a wiry coat. That is why it is the recommended technique for these breeds.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.