The Dandie Dinmont Terrier in Belgium

For the following story, I paid a visit to the sisters Maria Bogaerts-van Brempt and Monique van Brempt. They could not wait to start telling me all about their favourite breeds, the Scottish Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, which they have bred with much devotion. The two sisters are known as very respected breeders successful exhibitors, and Mrs. Monique is also known as an international judge, qualified to judge groups 3, 4 and 9 of the FCI and is Chairman of the Royal Belgian Terrier Club for already more than 14 years.

Both of their homes are surrounded by large pines and it seems like paradise for men and animals. Their affix 'Limecourt' is a direct translation of their property name 'Hof ter Linden'. The connecting gardens have always been one big playground for all their terriers. The bitches stayed with Mrs. Maria, the dogs with Mrs. Monique. It was always very interesting whenever the bitches were 'in season'.

With the Dandies, it all started one day in 1976 at a Brussels Championship Show when they were handling their first Scottish Terrier Ch.Xeverius van het Rakkershome. Mrs. Maria fell in love with the great big hazelnut eyes of the Dandies of Mrs. Miep Later v.d.Willingen, the eye-catcher and pioneer of this breed. Mrs. Maria and the whole family visited Mrs. Later v.d.Willingen to look at her Dandies. This was a very exciting and unforgettable experience!

In 1978, their first Mustard Dandie 'Salicia's Oxlip Odilia' (Yelka) arrived. (Daughter of Ch.Pidwidgin Pendragon x Salicia's Jumping Joan). She became Belgian Champion, International Champion in 1981, won various titles in Cologn, Mouscron, Lille, Brussels, Antwerp.

Their second successful Mustard Dandie 'Ch.Nevets Maris Piper' (Lilah) arrived in 1980 (Daughter of Ch.Renald Glassford Crusader x Bourdette Pendlecyde Girl). At the age of 9 months she became Worldchampion Junior 1981 in Dortmund, and on the very same day their Scottish Terrier 'Ch.Penvale Priority' became Worldchampion, too! That same year "Ch.Drum Major of Limecourt' (Danny) became Belgian Champion. Mrs. Maria and Mrs. Monique known as 'the Ladies with the little black Lions' have always loved dogs with much temperament. They found out that these charming, loving, gentle Dandies were also able to fight like 'Lions', to catch birds, rabbits and hedge-hogs! Both sisters have spent much time and care on trimming, grooming, handling, always respecting the breeding standards.

On 27/02/94 Mrs. Monique was invited by the Scottish Terrier Club of The Netherlands to give a lecture on The Dandie Dinmont Terrier. She discussed the origin, hunting temperament, character and temperament, breed standards, type, movement, breeding and trimming.

In their breeding, Mrs. Maria and Mrs. Monique aimed for type, soundness, movement and temperament. They believe that all breeders should have a good relationship with each-other. This is not easy because at exhibitions we are all competitors. Above all the 'Well Being' of the breed is the most important to take care of!!!