Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Terrier Group
Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Overview
Dandie Dinmont Terriers possess a distinctive appearance with their long body, short legs, and notable topknot of silky hair. Their large, expressive eyes and scimitar-shaped tail create an unmistakable profile. The breed's coat combines a soft, silky topcoat with a crisp undercoat, appearing in either mustard or pepper colors. Their proud carriage and dignified demeanor reflect their independent nature.
Collie Overview
Graceful and elegant, Collies possess a distinctive wedge-shaped head crowned by a refined muzzle and alert, almond-shaped eyes. Their double coat features a harsh outer layer and soft undercoat, coming in four recognized colors. Standing proudly with an air of intelligence and dignity, Collies exhibit a well-balanced body structure with deep chest and level topline, moving with smooth, effortless strides.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Dandie Dinmont Terriers are less energetic than Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dandie Dinmont Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dandie Dinmont Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Collies.
- Trainability: Dandie Dinmont Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Dandie Dinmont Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Collies adapt better to apartment living, while Dandie Dinmont Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 18-24 lbs 8-11 kg | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Independent, Smart, Proud | Devoted, Graceful, Proud |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Temperament
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is known for being independent, smart, proud, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Collie Temperament
The Collie is characterized by being devoted, graceful, proud, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Collie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Collie
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dandie Dinmont Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dandie Dinmont Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Collies need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Glaucoma
- Disc Disease
- Hip Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cushings
Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- PRA
- MDR1
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Pros
- Loyal companion
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low shedding
Cons
- Independent nature
- Grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Limited exercise tolerance
Collie
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Loyal and protective
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Sensitive personality
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.