Calm, affectionate, and dignified but still an independent terrier, the Dandie Dinmont may be quiet until an unfamiliar noise or arrival triggers brief alert barking; many retain a strong prey drive—avoid seating near cats, small mammals, or fast‑moving pocket pets. Owners may describe them as strong‑willed; short, positive interactions and keeping the owner nearby usually help. Because they are long‑backed, some owners prefer staff to ask before lifting and to support both chest and hind end and avoid sudden pressure over the spine. If a caller mentions sudden yelping with movement, reluctance to jump, new hind‑limb weakness, or inability to walk, treat as an emergency and alert medical staff immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Would you prefer a quieter entry or a room away from cats and small pets? For lifting or handling, would you like us to support their chest and back end, or would you prefer to place them on the scale/table? If you’re noticing sudden yelping, reluctance to move or jump, or any hind‑leg weakness, we’ll alert our medical team now and get your pet seen immediately.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers have several recognized breed-linked risks: primary glaucoma associated with drainage‑angle abnormalities (goniodysgenesis)—any sudden red, painful, or cloudy eye is an emergency; a long back/short‑leg build that increases risk for intervertebral disc disease (watch for sudden back or neck pain, reluctance to jump, or hind‑limb weakness); and an over‑representation for congenital portosystemic shunts in young dogs (signs can include poor growth or odd behavior after meals). Patellar luxation and Cushing’s syndrome are also reported in the breed. Front‑desk takeaway: flag eye pain or acute mobility changes for immediate veterinary triage; note growth/behavior concerns in puppies for prompt scheduling.
Front desk script: This breed can be prone to serious eye pressure problems and back issues, and young Dandies are over‑represented for a congenital liver shunt. If you notice a suddenly red, squinting, or cloudy eye—or sudden hind‑limb weakness or inability to walk—please tell us right away so we can arrange emergency evaluation today. For puppies with poor growth or disorientation after meals, or adults with intermittent ‘skipping’ lameness, we’ll book a prompt vet check to discuss next steps.
Small, sturdy terriers (about 8–11 in., 18–24 lb) with moderate energy and a calm, independent streak; they do well with families but may chase small pets. Plan on daily walks/play (up to ~1 hour total) and regular positive training. Their low‑shedding coat needs frequent brushing and periodic hand‑stripping by a groomer. Typical lifespan is roughly 12–14 years. Ask your vet about routine eye checks because this breed can be predisposed to glaucoma; keep an eye out for red, painful or cloudy eyes or sudden vision changes (emergency), and contact us the same day for new back pain or hind‑leg weakness.
Front desk script: They’re a small, low‑shedding terrier that needs daily exercise and regular grooming; most owners schedule professional hand‑stripping every few months. We also recommend periodic eye screening for glaucoma risk. If you ever notice a red or painful eye or sudden vision change, call us immediately or go to the emergency clinic. New back pain or hind‑leg weakness? Please contact us the same day.
Front desks most often hear from Dandie Dinmont Terrier owners about: sudden red or painful eyes, squinting, or vision changes (breed is predisposed to primary angle‑closure glaucoma—book an immediate exam or direct to ER); back pain, reluctance to jump, or sudden hind‑limb weakness in this long‑backed, chondrodystrophic breed (possible IVDD—urgent same‑day/ER triage); frequent ear‑shaking/odor or discharge (pendulous, hairy ears need regular cleaning—schedule evaluation); bad breath/tartar and dental‑cleaning requests (small breeds carry higher dental disease burden); plus routine grooming/coat and preventive wellness visits. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dandie-dinmont-terrier?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Dandie Dinmont Terrier. If the eye is red, painful, squinting, or vision seems off—or if there’s sudden back pain, wobbliness, or hind‑leg weakness—this is an emergency; please come in now, and if we’re unavailable, go to the nearest 24/7 ER. For ear odor/shaking, dental concerns, grooming/coat questions, or routine wellness, I can schedule our next available appointment and start an intake. May I confirm your pet’s name and best call‑back number?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a distinctive double coat (soft, linty undercoat with a crisp topcoat) that lies in “pencils” and is about 2 inches long; they are low‑shedding but need regular brushing and professional hand‑stripping to maintain texture and appearance—clipping can alter color/texture. Plan longer grooming appointments and, if owners don’t have a hand‑stripper, offer a referral. Watch for mats on legs/underside and in the topknot; trapped moisture and poor grooming can predispose to painful, smelly “hot spots.” Pendulous ears warrant routine checks during visits. Many owners schedule hand‑stripping every 2–4 months, depending on coat growth and desired look.
Front desk script: This breed usually needs hand‑stripping rather than clipping to keep the correct coat. Do you already use a groomer experienced with hand‑stripping? If not, we can refer you and plan slightly longer appointments. If you notice intense scratching, raw/oozing or foul‑smelling skin, or rapidly spreading redness, please call us for a same‑day evaluation; if you ever see facial swelling or trouble breathing, go to emergency care immediately.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are small, long‑backed terriers with documented breed risk for glaucoma and possible back/disc issues, so intake should quickly screen for eye and neurologic red flags and route accordingly: any sudden red, cloudy, bulging, or very painful eye or vision change is an ocular emergency; new back pain with reluctance to jump, hind‑limb weakness/wobbliness, knuckling, or loss of bladder/bowel control warrants urgent same‑day evaluation; otherwise, book the next available GP slot (within 24–72 hours) and note breed risk for doctor review, ask about prior eye screening/ophthalmology care and current meds, and flag weight/dental history given small‑breed tendencies.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Because this breed can be prone to serious eye and back problems, are you seeing a red, cloudy, bulging, or very painful eye, or any sudden vision changes? If yes, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now; I can help locate one. If there’s sudden back pain, trouble walking, dragging legs, or loss of bladder/bowel control, we need to see your pet today or direct you to emergency care; otherwise I’ll schedule our next available appointment and note these concerns for the doctor.
Lifecycle snapshot for Dandie Dinmont Terriers: Puppies need visit series every 3–4 weeks through ~16 weeks for vaccines and baseline exams; because this long‑backed breed is predisposed to spinal issues and later‑onset glaucoma, note mobility and discuss a baseline ophthalmology check by 6–12 months. Healthy adults typically book annual wellness with weight/body‑condition and dental planning; advise same‑day scheduling if new back/neck pain, reluctance to jump, or intermittent hind‑limb scuffing is reported. Seniors (roughly the last 25% of a 12–14‑year lifespan) benefit from twice‑yearly exams with mobility checks and eye monitoring for glaucoma signs. Escalate immediately for a suddenly red, painful, or cloudy eye, or rapid onset weakness/inability to walk; these are emergencies.
Front desk script: For Dandie puppies, we’ll schedule vaccine/health visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks and add a reminder to discuss an eye screening around their first year. For adults we’ll plan yearly wellness; for seniors we’ll book twice‑yearly visits focused on mobility and eyes. If you notice a suddenly red or painful eye, or your dog can’t walk, please come in now or go to the ER. New back pain or reluctance to jump should be seen the same day.
For Dandie Dinmont Terriers, set expectations around two high‑priority triage areas: eyes and backs. This breed has documented risk for primary closed‑angle glaucoma—if an owner reports a red, cloudy, painful eye, squinting, or sudden vision change, treat it as an emergency and offer the next immediate appointment; if we cannot see them within 1–2 hours, direct them to a 24/7 ER. Ask if the dog has had an ophthalmology screening (e.g., gonioscopy/eye pressures) and note results. Because their long‑backed build can be associated with intervertebral‑disc problems, ask about recent jumping and mobility; sudden yelping, reluctance to jump, wobbliness, or hind‑limb weakness should be booked same‑day, with calm transport and no jumping en route. Request prior eye records and insurance details so check‑in is fast if urgent care is needed. ([royalkennelclub.com](https://www.royalkennelclub.com/health-and-dog-care/health-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/glaucoma-in-dogs/))
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Because this breed can be at risk for sudden glaucoma, are you seeing any eye redness, cloudiness, squinting, or vision changes? If yes: That can be an emergency for this breed—we’d like to see you right away; if we can’t within the next 1–2 hours, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital. If you’re calling about back pain or wobbliness, we’ll reserve a same‑day exam; keep your dog as quiet as possible while traveling.” ([royalkennelclub.com](https://www.royalkennelclub.com/health-and-dog-care/health-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/glaucoma-in-dogs/))
Dandie Dinmont Terriers have breed‑linked eye risk for primary glaucoma due to drainage‑angle abnormalities (goniodysgenesis/PLD); book a baseline ophthalmic exam with tonometry and gonioscopy and plan periodic rechecks (about every 1–3 years). Treat any suddenly red, cloudy, or painful eye or abrupt vision change as an emergency. Their long back/short‑leg build increases back‑stress; keep weight controlled and ask about stair/jumping limits—sudden hind‑limb weakness, severe back pain, or loss of bladder/bowel control needs immediate emergency triage. Small‑breed dental disease is common—schedule early dentistry (around 1 year) and regular professional cleanings thereafter. Puppies/young Dandies are over‑represented for congenital portosystemic shunts; if poor growth, disorientation after meals, or unusual urinary issues are reported, flag for the doctor to consider screening at the next visit.
Front desk script: Because Dandie Dinmonts are at higher eye risk, we recommend a baseline pressure check and gonioscopy, then rechecks every 1–3 years. If you ever notice a red, cloudy, painful eye or sudden vision loss, go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way. Their long backs also warrant weight control and careful use of stairs/jumping; if sudden back pain, hind‑limb weakness, or trouble urinating/defecating occurs, seek emergency care. We’ll also keep dentistry on schedule (first cleaning around 1 year) and, for young dogs with poor growth or odd behavior after meals, we’ll flag the doctor to discuss liver‑shunt screening.
Temperament: affectionate yet independent, dignified, and sensitive; can be reserved with strangers but bonds closely with owners. Handling style: calm, low‑stress approach; allow sniffing and avoid heavy head/neck restraint; use treats and keep dog on the floor or low surfaces to protect the long back. What matters most: front desk should watch for eye red/blue-haze, squinting, head‑shyness, or sudden vision changes (breed predisposed to glaucoma) and for acute back pain, reluctance to jump, or hind‑limb weakness/dragging (long‑backed conformation). If any of these are reported or observed, escalate immediately; otherwise proceed with routine scheduling and note handling preferences.
Front desk script: Hi there—Dandies are affectionate but can be sensitive, so we’ll greet your dog calmly and let them come to us. Quick check: have you noticed any eye redness/cloudiness, squinting, or vision changes, or any sudden back pain, reluctance to jump, or hind‑leg weakness? If yes to any of those, this is an emergency—we’ll alert the medical team now and get you seen immediately. If not, we’ll note any handling preferences and get you checked in.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are rare, long‑backed terriers; during intake/adoption watch for back pain or reluctance to jump (risk of disc disease) and eye problems—this breed has a documented predisposition to primary angle‑closure glaucoma from abnormal drainage angles; if a newly adopted Dandie shows sudden hind‑limb weakness/paralysis, loss of bladder/bowel control, or a painful, red, cloudy eye or sudden vision loss, direct the adopter to an emergency veterinarian immediately. Puppies/young dogs have a higher breed risk of congenital portosystemic shunts—flag poor growth, bouts of disorientation after meals, or seizures for same‑day veterinary evaluation. Operational tips: handle with a harness and support both ends when lifting, limit stairs/jumping during the transition period, confirm microchip/ID (breed is uncommon), set expectations for regular professional grooming, and advise secure fencing and careful introductions around small pets due to terrier prey drive.
Front desk script: This breed can have back and eye vulnerabilities. If you see sudden hind‑leg weakness or a red, painful or cloudy eye, please go to an emergency vet now. For the first few weeks, use a harness, limit jumping/stairs, and schedule routine follow‑up with your veterinarian; call us the same day if a young dog shows poor growth or odd behavior after meals. They’re rare and strong‑prey terriers—verify microchip details and introduce carefully to small pets.
Affectionate with family yet independent and dignified, Dandie Dinmont Terriers may be reserved with strangers and retain a strong terrier prey drive; many are calm indoors but can bark when aroused. For check‑in and waiting room flow, seat in a quieter area, keep on a short, secure leash, and avoid face‑to‑face greetings with unfamiliar dogs or small pets; allow a slow, treat‑based approach and confirm owner handling preferences. For handling/handoff, use a calm voice, minimal restraint, and two‑hand support under chest and hindquarters (long back); avoid lifting by the forelimbs. If you observe or the owner reports red or cloudy, painful eyes, squinting, or sudden vision changes, treat as an emergency and alert the medical team immediately; also flag same‑day for reluctance to jump, sudden back pain, or hind‑limb weakness.
Front desk script: Dandies are usually affectionate but can be independent, so we’ll keep things calm and go slow. We’ll seat you in a quieter spot—please keep a short leash and avoid pet‑to‑pet greetings. If you’ve noticed any red/cloudy eyes, squinting, sudden vision changes, or new reluctance to jump or back soreness, please tell me now so I can alert the medical team immediately.
For Dandie Dinmont Terriers, escalate to emergency care immediately if the client reports any sudden, painful/red/cloudy or enlarged eye, squinting, or sudden vision changes (breed has documented glaucoma risk); any acute back/neck pain, reluctance to move/jump, wobbliness or “drunk” gait, dragging/knuckling, inability to walk, or new urinary/fecal incontinence (possible spinal cord compression); or universal crisis signs such as trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, pale/blue gums, persistent or bloody vomiting/diarrhea, non‑productive retching or a bloated abdomen, or marked weakness. If any of these are present, instruct the client to come in now or proceed to the nearest 24/7 veterinary ER without delay.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency and your Dandie Dinmont Terrier needs to be seen now. This breed is at higher risk for sudden eye emergencies and serious back/spinal issues, and waiting could cause permanent harm. Please come straight to the clinic; if we cannot see you immediately or we are closed, go to the nearest veterinary ER right away. I will notify the clinician so we’re ready when you arrive.