Differences and Similarities between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

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Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and for the Estrela Mountain Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog

Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Estrela Mountain Dog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Estrela Mountain Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dandie Dinmont Terrier to the Estrela Mountain Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Dandie Dinmont Terrier Estrela Mountain Dog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 15 years
Weight 18 to 24 pounds 75 to 130 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 30 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $2000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Estrela Mountain Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. So, you should get the Estrela Mountain Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most different:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    The Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers weigh 18 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Health Problems of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Health Problems of Estrela Mountain Dog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Estrela Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Estrela Mountain Dog than for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    2 health tests are recommended for Dandie Dinmont Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dandie Dinmont Terriers and in Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Problems

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dandie Dinmont Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dandie Dinmont Terriers for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dandie Dinmont Terriers here.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Estrela Mountain Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Estrela Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Estrela Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Estrela Mountain Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain Dogs here.

    Which one drools more, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Easier to Train than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not easy to train.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed more than Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed moderately.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs. Estrela Mountain Dog

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    How Kid-friendly are Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good family dogs? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier:

  • Cavapoo (79 percent match with Dandie Dinmont Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Cavapoo.
  • Shih Tzu (79 percent match with Dandie Dinmont Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Shih Tzu.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Estrela Mountain Dog:

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and how the Estrela Mountain Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and of the Estrela Mountain Dog to other breeds:

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Bloodhound     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Chinook     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Australian Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Maltese     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Chow Chow     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Goldendoodle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Affenhuahua     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Dachshund     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken     

    Conclusion: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.