The Duke, the Tartan and the Terrier: Exploring Dandie History with Dick Yoho
This episode of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Diaries is part of Pure Dog Talk’s Clubhouse. The series features members of the Club Partnership Program who are working to preserve the knowledge of their legacy breeders.
Host Laura Reeves sits down with veteran breeder Dick Yoho of Wind’s Edge Dandie Dinmont Terriers to celebrate a golden milestone. Marking his 50th anniversary as a member of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America, Dick takes listeners on a captivating journey through the art, heart and deep historical roots of this rare breed.
With a master’s degree in printmaking and interior design, Dick brings a unique artist’s eye to preservation breeding. He shares how his design background helps him visualize the perfect Dandie silhouette, why he prioritizing the breed standard over show ring ribbons, and how he navigates the challenges of a global “gene puddle.”
But the true heart of this episode lies in the incredible, aristocratic history of the breed, from Sir Walter Scott to royal connections in Scotland.
Did you know the official Dandie Dinmont Terrier tartan has direct royal ties? Dick shares the fascinating history behind this distinctive black and white pattern:
- Sir Walter Scott’s Personal Tartan: The official Dandie tartan is a black and white pattern that originally belonged to Sir Walter Scott, who immortalized the breed in his writing.
- A Gift of Friendship: This historic tartan was originally gifted to Sir Walter Scott by his cousin, the Duke of Buccleuch.
- A Castle Room Dedicated to Dandies: Dick recounts meeting the modern-day Duke of Buccleuch (cousin to the King of England) during his travels to Scotland. The Duke and his wife have been active supporters of the breed, even dedicating an entire room in their historic castle to Dandie Dinmont Terrier archives.
Key Highlights and Takeaways
- The Wind’s Edge Origin Story: How Dick and his partner, Steve, named their kennel after their windy Connecticut home, which sat high on a hill overlooking Katharine Hepburn’s estate.
- The Artist’s Eye in the Ring: How Dick’s background in design helps him appreciate the breed’s distinct hallmarks, including the soft, soulful expression of the eyes, the curved top line, and the elegant chest drop.
- Navigating the Gene Puddle: The realities of preservation breeding in a rare breed, using modern tools like TCI (Transcervical Insemination) and global collaboration to import fresh lines from Germany and England.
- Finding the Sparkle: Dick’s unique puppy evaluation process, which involves watching them play, analyzing video footage and seeking guidance from trusted mentors.
- The Clever Singleton Puppy: A delightful story about Dick’s clever singleton puppy (nicknamed “a lit”) who inherited the “pizazz” of her ancestors, including a hilarious knack for opening her own crate latch with her nose.
About the Guest
Dick Yoho is a double past president and current AKC Delegate for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America. Through his Wind’s Edge kennel, he has spent half a century dedicated to preservation breeding, mentorship, and introducing the world to this enchanting, historic Scottish breed.
