Dandie Dinmont terrier

noun

: any of a breed of terriers characterized by short legs, a long body, pendulous ears, a rough coat, and a full silky topknot

Illustration of Dandie Dinmont terrier

Illustration of <span class=syl>dan</span><span class=syl>die din</span><span class=syl>mont terrier</span>
  • Dandie Dinmont terrier

Word History

Etymology

Dandie Dinmont, character owning six such dogs in the novel Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dandie Dinmont terrier was in 1875

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dandie Dinmont terrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dandie%20Dinmont%20terrier. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on Dandie Dinmont terrier

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster