Technically rarer than giant pandas, the Dandie Dinmont terrier is an endangered breed with an estimated global population of just 3,000. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Edmonton will host a special parade of these unique dogs at Hawrelak Park at 2 p.m., led by a kilt-wearing bagpiper.
Edmonton Owner Mary Machum and Her Three Dandies
Mary Machum of Edmonton owns three Dandie Dinmont terriers, representing about a tenth of a percent of the world's population. She believes there are fewer than 20 of the breed in all of Alberta. Machum is organizing the local event as part of World Dandie Dinmont Day, a global effort to raise awareness and appreciation for this beloved canine.
“It’s a wonderful breed that people don’t know about, and this is why we’re doing World Dandie Day,” Machum said.
Origins of the Dandie Dinmont
The Dandie Dinmont is the only breed of dog named after a literary character. Sir Walter Scott's 1815 novel Guy Mannering featured a Scottish farmer named Dandie Dinmont who owned six of these round terriers. The breed also has its own tartan, a black-and-white pattern granted by the head of Clan Scott in 2015, the 200th anniversary of the novel's publication.
“It’s the only breed of dog that is named after a fictional character in a book, and it’s also the only breed of dog which has its own tartan,” Machum said.
Historically, the breed was favored by luminaries such as George Bernard Shaw, William Wordsworth, Karen Blixen, Agatha Christie, and Queen Victoria, who owned and bred them. There have also been a train, a boat, a tobacco, and a whiskey named after the breed.
Ancient Roots and Near Extinction
The Dandie Dinmont's roots are ancient and local to the Scottish borders country. Unlike other Scottish breeds like Cairn Terriers and Scotties, Dandies remained in a small triangle of the border country. During wartime, food shortages led to the culling of many dogs, including one major breeder who euthanized her entire kennel of 10 English champions.
“All the Dandies in the world today are just descended from a dog named Old Ginger. And we know the kennel that he was born in, and it’s been restored in Selkirk, Scotland,” Machum said.
Today, only about 250 Dandie Dinmont puppies are born worldwide each year.
Characteristics of the Dandie Dinmont
The Dandie Dinmont is known for its distinctive appearance: tasseled ears placed low on the sides of the head, a sweet face reminiscent of an Ewok, and a large, soft top knot of fur. They are short-legged, cuddle-loving dogs with large, melting brown eyes and a people-loving nature. The breed frequently wins dog show honors.
Machum encourages dog lovers to consider the breed: “Don’t just rescue a dog, rescue an entire breed.”
The Edmonton parade will showcase Alberta's Dandie Dinmonts and celebrate the breed's unique heritage. The event is free and open to the public.
