By Mike Macbeth, International Coordinator, Dandie 200 and President, Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of Canada
February 24th, 2015 marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Sir Walter Scott's novel Guy Mannering, which (as all Dandie enthusiasts know) was responsible for the naming of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. To celebrate, Dandies and Dandie owners from around the world will take part in a three-day event held in Scotland from February 22-24, 2015. People from nine countries will be in attendance, including several American visitors.
Three extraordinary Scottish mansions, vital to the history and development of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier are privately opening their doors, one time only, to Dandies worldwide to celebrate our heritage. Abbotsford, Bowhill and The Haining are within 10 km of each other. Those who study our breed’s history know that they represent the Dandie’s most important historical geographical triangle.
Abbotsford, of course, is the home of Sir Walter Scott, and where he wrote Guy Mannering, the second of his famous Waverly novels. The visit to Abbotsford will occur on the exact 200th anniversary of Guy Mannering.
Exceptional permission by His Grace, the Duke of Buccleuch (head of the Scott Clan) has been granted to hold a media event at Abbotsford, to have online interaction with Dandie owners from around the world, and to possibly create the largest gathering ever of Dandies and owners.
By the kind invitation of His Grace, Dandies will visit him at Bowhill, returning for the first time in 150 years. Old Pepper, the “founding father” of our breed, was once found caught in a trap by the Bowhill gamekeeper. Old Pepper’s son, Old Ginger, was whelped at the kennels at The Haining in Selkirk. Every Dandie on earth goes back to Old Ginger.
The house tours and the media event at Abbotsford represent an opportunity to celebrate this ancient breed and its unique history. It is hoped this gathering will generate a huge amount of publicity for the endangered Dandie Dinmont Terrier.