Rare Breeds

The Senior Animal Management students were lucky to find themselves in the company of a rare breed of dog called the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. On November 10th, Janette Shorrock brought this unusual dog, named Charlie, to the classroom to share her grooming secrets with the students. grooming secrets with the students. Charlie is a champion show dog as well as a Delta Society certified therapy dog. Grooming a Dandie for show takes a bit of practice and knack. Janette demonstrated an advanced grooming technique called plucking. When plucking, you literally pluck the longer hairs from the coat of the dog. You need a good eye for the areas that need plucking.
The “Dandie” is referred to as the “gentleman of the terriers”. The breed originated in the 1700s in the border country between England and Scotland.
Janette chose this breed as a companion because she is also a native of England. The Dandie Dinmont is named for a farmer in a Sir Walter Scott novel and used to eradicate vermin, like rats and badgers. Dandies are hypoallergenic, but require regular coat care and grooming. Janette Shorrock is the Breeder Referral Chairperson for the Dandie Dinmont Club. She says you must be very patient to acquire a Dandie. The cost for a pet quality Dandie Dinmont is $1,500.00. There are not many breeders in the United States and they are quite particular about protecting the breed and promoting responsible breeding practices.There are not many breeders in the United States and they are quite particular about protecting the breed and promoting responsible breeding practices.