for a Historic Breed:Dandie Derby, 150 Years of the Club & Two New Heritage Trail Boards. All pictures curtesy of Simon Rishton
The first weekend of June 2025 was one to remember for Dandie Dinmont Terrier enthusiasts, as celebrations took place in the heart of the Scottish Borders to mark the 150th anniversary of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club — the oldest pedigree dog breed club in the world.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of The Haining in Selkirk, the anniversary weekend honoured not just the longevity of the Club and 2nd oldest, but the enduring appeal of this vulnerable native breed, whose loyal temperament and distinctive appearance continue to charm generations.
The Dandie Derby Returns to The Haining
The much-loved Dandie Derby made a triumphant return to its spiritual home at The Haining, where it all began in 2015. This year’s races saw a joyful turnout of Dandies and their humans, with events full of laughter, competition, and camaraderie. Held on the expansive lawns by the loch, the Derby captured everything we love about the breed: personality, spirit, and good fun.
The Haining has long played a central role in Dandie history — and this weekend, it was the heart of the celebration.
Two New Boards for the Heritage Trail
As part of the festivities, two new plaques were unveiled on the growing Dandie Dinmont Heritage Trail, which now connects key historical sites linked to the breed across the Scottish Borders.
At The Haining, a new board was unveiled to honour the estate’s pivotal place in Dandie history. It was here that Old Ginger, the foundational sire of the modern breed, was bred in the 1830s by Robert Pringle, the then-owner of The Haining. The board not only pays tribute to this significant legacy but also recognises the estate’s ongoing support for the breed today.
The second unveiling took place at the nearby Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, within walking distance of Dryburgh Abbey, where Sir Walter Scott is buried. Scott’s 1815 novel Guy Mannering famously introduced the world to the character Dandie Dinmont — the first time a dog breed was named after a fictional character — cementing the breed’s place in both literary and canine history.
These new boards bring the total number on the Heritage Trail to six, offering Dandie lovers and visitors a rich and engaging journey through the landscape and lore of the breed.
A Community United
The weekend was a resounding celebration not only of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, but of the community that surrounds and supports it — breeders, owners, historians, and supporters of all ages.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club, The Haining Charitable Trust, and the team behind the Heritage Trail have worked tirelessly to protect and promote the breed’s unique story — and this weekend showed just how much that work means.
Missed the event?
Better yet, walk the Dandie Dinmont Heritage Trail and experience the story for yourself.
#DandieDerby #Dandie150 #DandieDinmontTerrier #HeritageTrail #TheHaining #DryburghAbbey #ScottishBorders #VulnerableNativeBreeds #DandiePride
