CHAPTER XXXrV 



The Dandie Dinmont Terrier 



UT for Sir Walter Scott there is reasonable doubt as to 

 whether the Dandie Dinmont terrier would ever have 

 reached the dignity of being considered a breed. The 

 hound origin of this terrier is most decided and his re- 

 semblance to the Bedlington in ears, coat and linty topknot 

 points to a close relationship between them. The low legs of the Dandie 

 - are of course in decided contrast to the Bedlington's legs, but it only needs 

 a glance at the Dandie to show that he is a dog reduced on the leg, for his 

 head and other proportions are those of a taller dog. James Davidson, the 

 Dandie Dinmont of Sir Walter Scott, is claimed to have written on a slip 

 of paper, dated 1800, that from a reddish bitch named Tarr and a light 

 shaggy dog named Pepper which he obtained from a Mr. Brown of Bonjed- 

 ward, he bred the race of dogs called Dandie Dinmont. This slip of paper 

 is alleged to have been sent by Davidson to the Hon. George D. Bailie of 

 Monteith and was brought to light by Mr. J. C. Macdona. A correspondent 

 of the London Field of January 30, 1869, writing as "A Breeder Sportsman," 

 stated that Tarr and Pepper were small dogs, members of a well-known 

 variety which ran from thirteen to eighteen pounds. He also states that 

 Davidson got another of the same variety from Rothbury on the Coquet, 

 where the breed was found in the greatest perfection, and this dog was also 

 used by Davidson in producing his Peppers and Mustards. Rothbury 

 on the Coquet was where the Bedlingtons came from originally and they 

 were first called Rothbury terriers. 



Doubtless these were thoroughly game little dogs, but we venture to 

 think that we owe the Dandie Dinmont to the care of the clever breeders 

 of the Kelso and Hawick districts, who from the game dog possessing only 

 some general characteristics developed the dog of type and character which 

 we know as the Dandie Dinmont. Davidson's connection with the breed 

 was not that of an originator, for he merely bred on from a few dogs of a 

 well-known variety. Beyond desiring to get a small, thoroughly game dog 



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