Interview with Montizard

How did you first get involved in Dandie Dinmont Terriers?

I was showing a Bedlington Terrier at a dog show in 1972. That's where I saw my first Dandie and I still remember saying to the person standing next to me "What breed of dog is that - and I want one!" A year later I took my first puppy home and that was it....

What was the most appealing part of Dandies?

Their personality. Sure, they are very unique looking but even after all these years, they still make me laugh.

What were the drawbacks to the breed?

Grooming, definitely - but only if you want them to look like a dandie!

Would you recommend Dandies to the novice dog owner?

Yes. In fact, most first time owners become life-long owners of this breed.

What are the known problems in the breed?

Can be stubborn but not much worse that other breeds. Glucoma.

What are you doing to help with those problems?

We have a very active glucoma research project going one as this is a known health problem in some lines.

Sadly there are pet stores/backyard breeders nearly everywhere now, you do you get people to understand about the quality of your dogs compared to those?

Non stop education.

What added problems are seen in the backyard bred/pet store dogs that are not in well bred dogs?

Beside eye issues there are serious tempearment issues as these animals are not properly socilaized.

Do you recommend Dandies to people with children of all ages?

I do though some breeders have dogs that are not are sweet as mine - so those breeders might not recommed their dogs to people with children. But I love to find families with children - the dogs and the kids become great friends.

What type of excercise schedule to you recommend for Dandies?

Dandies don't need lots of exercise thought they do need playtime. They love to go for walks.

What type of feeding do you recommend for Dandies?

Only high quality dry food with canned food mixed in to spice up their meals.

When selling a puppy, how do you decide on the sale price?

I have an established price range but I have lowered that price for those special families that can't quite pay the normal price but they offer a great home - a home to good to pass up.

What is your greatest expense with your dogs?

Nothing unusual. Unless you do your own grooming, then grooming would be the greatest expense.

Would you recommend your breed to people with other animals?

Yes but we would have to discuss their home situation to see if such an arrangement would actually work.

Would you recommend Dandies to someone without a fenced in yard?

What is the best way to keep a Dandies coat looking best?

Bi-weekly brushing and baths when needed.

When your dogs have finished with their show career and are no longer being bred, what do you do with them?

Keep most but have re-homed some with great success.

What measures do you take to screen potential puppy buyers?

References and a solid contract.

Anything else you would like to add?

Just that most people who are lucky enough to own one Dandie usually become life-long owners of this breed.

Montizard Dandie Dinmont Terriers
I have been showing breeding and loving Dandie Dinmont Terriers for 35 years. Home of Akc championships, Best in Show Winners, and all around fabulous pets.
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