Discover the Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s versatility in performance sports, from scent work to dock diving – and couch lounging!
D’Arcy Downs-Vollbracht and Sandra Wolfskill
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As any Dandie Dinmont Terrier owner can attest, the Dandie is an active and versatile dog. They were bred to have the skills and drive to excel in the field and are happiest when working closely with their owners. Left on their own, Dandies will demonstrate just how versatile they really can be, given any or all opportunities, such as toy destruction, woodworking, yard excavation, home renovations, and, of course, vermin removal! Not that these activities can replace the two all-time favorite activities of any Dandie—eating, followed by sleeping on the family room sofa or recliner!
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 list of additional Performance activities open to the Dandie Dinmont is long and continues to expand. Currently, titles in any of the following activities contribute to meeting the Versatility Awards requirements:
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.
Versatility: This is the introductory title that owners will be able to apply for after meeting the basic beginner requirements of seven points in three categories.
Versatility Excellent: This is the second level of the program and can be achieved after meeting the requirements for the first title and adding some additional achievements in one additional category of events for a total of 12 points in at least four categories.
Versatility Supreme: This is the highest level title. It adds a requirement to obtain a working title and a total of 15 points from four categories.
For 2024, a total of nine Versatility titles and five Versatility Excellent titles were awarded. At the 2025 National Specialty, winners were acknowledged with an in-ring parade and presentation of rosettes to celebrate their accomplishments.
Earlier, title certificates, designed by DDTCA Past President Richard Yoho, were sent to all winners.
Each year, all Dandies that earn a Versatility Title will be invited to the National Specialty week of events, where Conformation and Performance events will be hosted by the DDTCA. Check our website (https://www.ddtca.org) for more information.
Agility
Watch the inaugural AKC Agility Team Challenge on ESPN2 as six cities compete in a fast-paced team Agility competition.
