DOG enthusiasts are set to have ‘terrier-ific’ time at a breed’s ancestral home in the Borders.

More than 150 Dandie Dinmont Terrier owners and enthusiasts from 14 countries including the USA, Canada, Scandinavia and Europe are gearing up to visit the region in honour of the 175th birthday of the breed’s founding father ‘Old Ginger’, born at The Haining in Selkirk on June 4, 1842.

The anniversary celebrations, which form part of Scotland’s 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, will take place across three days (June 2 - 4) enabling locals and visitors to step back in time and explore the ancestry of the breed named after a character from Sir Walter Scott’s novel ‘Guy Mannering’.

Activities across the weekend include a ‘Barking Plaid’ Tartan Fashion Show at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, which will see items styled in the historic Walter Scott black and white tartan fabric for both dogs and owners on Friday, June 2; plus a ‘Meet the Dandies’ public event at Bowhill House and Country Estate on Saturday, June 3. 

A street parade of Dandie Dinmont Terriers through Selkirk will kick-off the birthday party proceedings on Sunday, June 4, followed by the opening of the Dandie Dinmont Discovery Centre and the Dandie Dinmont Derby. 

This will be followed by the unveiling of the ‘Old Ginger’ bronze statue by the Queen’s sculptor for Scotland, Alexander Stoddart, all due to take place at The Haining – which is recognised as being the home of the Dandie Dinmont terrier.

Locations such as Abbotsford House, Lochcarron of Scotland and Dryburgh Abbey, will also be explored by enthusiasts and their dogs throughout the weekend.

The dogs are among the rarest on earth and the only breed to have its own tartan bestowed by a Clan Chief.

The event is also aiming to highlight the plight of the endangered canine which saw only 316 puppies born worldwide last year.

Manuela Calchini, VisitScotland Regional Partnerships Director for the South of Scotland, said: “The Dandie Dinmont is such an iconic, rare breed, originating from the Scottish Borders, and it is fantastic that the region is hosting this celebration in the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

“Scotland’s history and culture are among the top reasons for visiting Scotland and the opening of this permanent tribute to the Dandie Dinmont at the home of the breed demonstrates a real commitment to further enhancing our region’s tourism offering and attracting more visitors to delve into the past and to discover some of the hidden gems and fascinating stories that they perhaps weren’t previously aware of in the Borders.”