Meet the Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Charming, scruffy, substantial—a big dog on short legs

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With its large head, long body, and unique topknot, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is one of the most charming and underappreciated breeds in the terrier world. Developed in the Scottish Borders to hunt otters and badgers, this breed combines dignity with boldness. Its coat is a crisp blend of soft and harsh hair, and it comes in two color varieties: pepper and mustard. Dandies are calm, affectionate, and deeply loyal, making them delightful companions for those who appreciate their old-fashioned charm.

In 2024, the DDTCA (Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America) recognized the need to highlight the Dandie’s natural abilities and developed a program to recognize the wide range of Performance activities in which the Dandie is very successful. This step to move beyond the “traditional” activities of Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, and Tracking with the associated AKC (American Kennel Club) titles opened a whole new world of sport to Dandies across the country. Thus, the question: What activities bring out the true nature and character of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier? The Versatility Award scheme is designed so that the average Dandie and owner, with some effort, can earn the Versatility Award. No level of Versatility requires a Conformation Championship. Titles are recognized from both AKC and non-AKC events. The owner must be a member of the DDTCA to apply for these recognition titles.

“The Versatile Dandie Dinmont Terrier” by D’Arcy Downs-Vollbracht and Sandra Wolfskill SHOWSIGHT July 2025

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Meet the Smooth Fox Terrier: Should stand like a cleverly made hunter

Sleek, sharp, and brimming with energy, the Smooth Fox Terrier was bred to bolt foxes from their dens and keep farms free of pests. With its wedge-shaped head, lively eyes, and flat, dense coat, this breed is built for action and clever enough to stay one step ahead. Smooth Fox Terriers are bold, curious, and highly social, often stealing the spotlight with their antics. They thrive on activity, interaction, and a touch of mischief, making them joyful, tireless companions in homes that embrace their zest for life.

The American Fox Terrier Club’s Standard for the Smooth Fox Terrier (SFT) is different than those approved by The Kennel Club (UK) and by the FCI. Their Standards use weight alone to define the size of dogs and bitches. This is not to say they do not ask for a compact, shortbacked terrier, but their Standards do not set forth measurements on how that goal should be reached. The American Standard does not have any size disqualifications but contains specific measurements for overall height and length, length of back, and length of head. It then emphasizes that the balance of these parts, and others described within the Standard, is the keystone of the terrier’s anatomy. It is important that any judge, utilizing the American SFT Standard, be familiar with the relative proportions expressed in the measurements contained within the Size, Proportion, and Substance section.

"Judging the Smooth Fox Terrier" by Bill Potter SHOWSIGHT May 2013

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