Legendary Status of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Attributed to Sir Walter Scott
In the picturesque Scottish Borders, a small yet spirited breed has captured the hearts of many – the Dandie Dinmont terriers. Named after Sir Walter Scott's sporting-farmer character in his 1815 novel, Guy Mannering, these terriers have a history deeply intertwined with the region's heritage.
Scott's character, Dandie Dinmont, was famed for his pack of terriers: Auld Pepper, Young Pepper, Little Pepper, Auld Mustard, Young Mustard, and Little Mustard. The breed's name and the inspiration for these characters came from James Davidson's terriers, Pepper and Mustard, which sparked public interest in the breed.
Dandie Dinmont terriers are small in stature but big in personality, making them adaptable companions for a variety of lifestyles. They are equally at home in town or country, a trait that has undoubtedly contributed to their enduring popularity.
The breed's history can be traced back to 'Old Ginger', a dog bred from one caught in a trap on the 5th Duke of Buccleuch's Selkirk estate in 1839, and a bitch descended from Scott's own dogs. Today, Dandie Dinmont terriers are mostly companions but still possess the courage that made them favoured by travellers and poachers in the past.
Throughout history, these charming terriers have been favoured by some of the most influential figures. Queen Victoria and Edward VII, both British monarchs, were notable owners of the breed. The renowned mystery writer Agatha Christie, the famous artist Sir Edwin Landseer, the playwright George Bernard Shaw, and the actor Sir Alec Guinness were also among the breed’s admirers.
In modern times, Boris Johnson, while editor of The Spectator, reportedly had a Dandie Dinmont terrier named Laszlo. The 2nd Earl of Snowdon (David Linley) and the 10th Duke of Buccleuch are contemporary devoted fans of the breed.
The Dandie Dinmont terriers are known by their accepted colors: pepper (blue/grey) and mustard (sandy/brown). In 2015, the Duke - Chief of Clan Scott - granted the Dandie Dinmont terriers permission to wear the official black-and-white Sir Walter Scott tartan.
In 2024, only 81 Dandie Dinmont terrier puppies were registered with the Kennel Club, marking them as a rare breed. Despite their rarity, their soulful eyes, long low 'weasel-like' bodies, and signature silken topknots continue to captivate the hearts of many.
This article originally appeared in the March 25, 2025, issue of Horse & Hound.
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- Dandie Dinmont terriers, with their unique silhouettes and soulful eyes, have been cherished companions for various lifestyles, including home-and-garden settings and those with pets.
- Known for their renowned owners and the permission granted by the Duke - Chief of Clan Scott, Dandie Dinmont terriers continue to wear the official Sir Walter Scott tartan, symbolizing their deep connection with the Scottish Borders' heritage.
