Taprell Holland
A more correct supposition is that he was bred from some other varieties of the terriers, to suit the requirements of the pitmen who wanted a speedy and active dog which could catch a rabbit as well as kill rats and other vermin, and would be useful for dog racing. He is a particularly wiry animal, more slender in build than any other of the terriers that are used for sport, can go a great pace, and is very plucky when occasion requires; in fact, his disposition to fight, and jealousy of temperament with other dogs, has had something to do with his not becoming a very popular favourite. Another reason for his not having taken a high place in public estimation is that, before he can be exhibited in the show ring, he is often BEDLINGTON TERRIER. subjected to a considerable amount of trimming. In appearance he is somewhat delicate looking, but in this respect belies his looks, as, although a dainty feeder, he is hardy enough.
There The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has peculiarities in conformation which are not to be seen in any other family of the terrier.
These consist of a long body, short legs, and a head which appears to be abnormally large, partly owing to the topknot and moustache with which it is adorned. is no doubt that the Dandie Dinmont terrier owes much of its prominence in public favour to Sir Walter Scott, who in Guy Mannering introduced the character of Dandie Dinmont with his pepper and mustard terriers. It had, however, existed long before 1814, when Guy Mannering was written, and was well known about the borders of England and Scotland, but from whence his peculiar shape was derived no one has been able to discover. Still, there is evidence that in the last century the north [DOGS country farmers, vermin killers, and others kept a hardy race of short-legged terriers, which assisted in hunting the otter, and DANDIE DINMONT TERRIERS were strong enough to kill a fox in its earth.
Beside his long body, the dog has a decided arch in his back, which is considered one of the chief characteristics of the variety; his legs, although short, have immense muscular development, the chest being well let down between them; the hind legs are a little longer than the fore, and are set rather wide apart. His head, surmounted by a top-knot of silky hair, which also appears between the eyes, is strongly made and large, this extra growth of hair being lighter in tint than the body colour.