Curved Toplines and Hearts of Gold: Tarwathie Dandie Dinmont Terriers
Veteran breeder Kay Simpson of Tarwathie Dandies shares the precise combination of physical structure and gentle disposition that defines this rare, historic breed:
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Diaries are part of the Pure Dog Talk Clubhouse … Shining a Spotlight on the Legends, History and Future of the Breed
Several of Kay’s recent Dandies.
Temperament First and Foremost: In a group known for fiery attitudes, the Dandie Dinmont stands out as a uniquely laid-back, non-aggressive terrier. Kay ranks temperament as the absolute number one priority in her breeding program.
The Defining Head: Widely regarded as a “head breed,” a correct Dandie must feature a large, perfectly proportioned head with expressive eyes, specific ear placement and strong jaw.
The Curvaceous Topline: Unlike a flat-backed dachshund, a true Dandie requires a distinctive curved topline rising from the shoulders, arching over the loins, and dropping gently to the tail. This curve is structurally vital to prevent back issues, according to Kay.
Turned-Out Front Legs: In Kay’s telling, true Dandies do not have perfectly straight front legs. Their front legs must be slightly turned out to allow them to push dirt to the side rather than under their bellies when going to ground.
The “Tarwathie” Backstory: The mythical kennel name was chosen by Kay’s late husband. He discovered it in a document describing a mythical location on the outskirts of Scotland, right off the island. Because the place was entirely mythical, they knew no other breeder would ever have it, making it the perfect unique identity for their line.
Strategic Breeding for Fertility: While the typical Dandie Dinmont litter is a small three to four puppies, Kay actively fought the breed’s declining numbers by favoring and selecting highly fertile bitch lines. Rather than spending time on bitches that only produced one or two puppies, she bred prolific mothers who consistently delivered litters of five to seven puppies. This strategic focus on maternal fertility has successfully helped to increase the breed’s population and public visibility.
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