It’s thanks to Sir Walter Scott that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier acquired its name. In 1815 Scott published his book “Guy Mannering”. A principal character in the book was a Border farmer named Dandie Dinmont who kept a pack of the Mustard & Pepper terriers, as they were then known. Scott’s character was based on a real Border farmer; James Davidson from Hyndlee near Jedburgh. The book was a massive success and the Mustard and Pepper dogs became now known hence forth as “Dandie Dinmont Terriers”. As a result, this previously unknown terrier enjoyed massive success and became much sought after in the 19th century. No less than QueenVictoria and French King, Louis Philippe and the Tzar of Russia all had Dandies. They were also very popular with the landed gentry and the ordinary folk of Victoria’s reign. Demand outstripped supply and they were often “dognapped” and sold in London and further afield.
The 1st recorded breeder of the “Dandie” was William “Piper” Allan born at Bellingham, Northumberland in 1704. Although not himself a gypsy, Willy enjoyed the company of gypsies & travelling folk. He was a great character, a tinker, a player of Northumbrian pipes, hunter, fisherman and water bailiff on the Conquet Water. He died at Holystone, near here, on 18th February 1779 and is buried across the road in an un-marked grave in All Saints Churchyard. Willie’s son Jamie also a famous piper and was appointed as personal piper to the Countess of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle. Unfortunately he was also a ne’er-do-well, horse thief, deserter and bigamist. But he also cherished and continued to breed and develop his father’s Dandies. After Jamie’s death in November 1810 the prize dog, “Old Pepper” was sold to Mr Francis Somner of Yetholm. Francis Somner was Border farmer and seed merchant from Erlston near Kelso. In 1820, during harvest, he came across “Nette”, one of James Davidson’s dogs. He was so taken with her he bought her and she, along with “Charlie” & “Old Pepper” (above) were the foundation of the famous line of Somner Dandies. It is from these dogs, along with “Old Ginger”, a foundling caught on the Duke of
Below is a summary of the trail, this will be updated shortly.
The Dandie Dinmont Heritage Trail should take 4 hours and 30 minutes to drive, however you should take your time and enjoy the beautiful countryside and possibly break up your journey with a few overnight stops?
The start of our journey is the oldest town of Rothbury where the first named Dandie Dinmont breeder is buried. Unfortunately, he is in an unmarked grave. A stonemason was commissioned to make a gravestone however he died before it was made.
Take A697 until Akeld the B6351 for Kirk Yetholm.
Home of the Gypsy Kings and Queen’s and main place of Dandie Breeding in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s and also the start of the Pennine way.
Depart on the B6252 to Kelso. Kelso is a beautiful market town, home to Francas Somner and also Archie Steele. John Emms famous painter of animals used Archies Dandie Dinmont often in his paintings
Depart on the A698 for Oxnam Kirk burial place of James Davidson. He was called Mr Dandie Dinmont by his peers and by many he is known as the father of the modern breed.
Depart on the A698 and then take the A68 at Bonjeward to Dryburgh Abbey where Sir Walter Scott is buried.
B6356, A68, A6091 to Abbottsford home of Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford House has a visitor center, Gardens and there are many walks around the estate and of course the house.
A7 to The Haining home of Old Ginger and also his statue created by. The Haining estate was left to the people of Selkirk. The Estate is managed by trustees for the people of Selkirk.
A708 to Bowhill Estate Duke of Buccleuch and home of Old Pepper and his walks.
Then it’s on our last leg back to Rothbury. We go back to Selkirk and then on to A699 and then A68. We go through Hepple where Willie Allan was born, just outside of the village however his has was demolished many years ago.
The Dandie Dinmont Heritage Trail should take 4 hours and 30 minutes to drive, however you should take your time and enjoy the beautiful countryside and possibly break up your journey with a few overnight stops? The start of our journey is the oldest town of Rothbury where the first named Dandie Dinmont breeder is buried. Unfortunately, he is in an unmarked grave. A stonemason was commissioned to make a gravestone however he died before it was made. Take A697 until Akeld the B6351 for Kirk Yetholm. Home of the Gypsy Kings and Queen’s and main place of Dandie Breeding in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s and also the start of the Pennine way. Depart on the B6252 to Kelso. Kelso is a beautiful market town, home to Francas Somner and also Archie Steele. John Emms famous painter of animals used Archies Dandie Dinmont often in his paintings Depart on the A698 for Oxnam Kirk burial place of James Davidson. He was called Mr Dandie Dinmont by his peers and by many he is known as the father of the modern breed. Depart on the A698 and then take the A68 at Bonjeward to Dryburgh Abbey where Sir Walter Scott is buried. B6356, A68, A6091 to Abbottsford home of Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford House has a visitor center, Gardens and there are many walks around the estate and of course the house. A7 to The Haining home of Old Ginger and also his statue created by. The Haining estate was left to the people of Selkirk. The Estate is managed by trustees for the people of Selkirk. A708 to Bowhill Estate Duke of Buccleuch and home of Old Pepper and his walks. Then it’s on our last leg back to Rothbury. We go back to Selkirk and then on to A699 and then A68. We go through Hepple where Willie Allan was born, just outside of the village however his has was demolished many years ago.
Can you please think about making a small donation we are short of funds for board number 6. https://www.gofundme.com/f/dandie-dinmont-terrier-hertiage-trail