Every club has a beginning. For the Caledonian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club, that story began on Saturday, 14 November 1987, when a group of owners, breeders and admirers of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier gathered at the Fleece Hotel in Selkirk to discuss the creation of a club dedicated to Scotland’s native terrier.
As recorded by the Club’s first Secretary, Deirdre McLeod, support for a Scottish club had already been building for several months. Between May and June 1987, a petition was circulated seeking backing for a proposal that would be submitted to the Scottish Kennel Club. The response was overwhelmingly positive and paved the way for the inaugural meeting.
Seventeen people attended that first gathering, with apologies received from a further fourteen supporters. During what the minutes describe as an “outstandingly frank and open” discussion, those present agreed the framework for the new club, including its constitution, committee structure and future direction.
A steering committee of six was appointed, comprising Mrs McLeod, Mrs Hulme, Mrs Dalziel, Mrs Robertson, Mrs Walkley and Mr McKenzie. Mr McKenzie agreed to serve as Treasurer, while Mrs McLeod became the Club’s first Secretary.
Founder membership was established with a subscription of £5, together with a £5 enrolment fee, and discussion turned to one of the most important decisions of the day—the Club’s name. Three names were put forward:
The Caledonian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of Scotland
The Scottish Dandie Dinmont Terrier Association
Following a vote, The Caledonian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was chosen, receiving fifteen votes. It was agreed that the Club would serve Scotland and the Border Counties.
An application was submitted following the meeting, and in April 1989 the Club was formally recognised by the Kennel Club.
The Founder Members
The following people became the Club’s Founder Members:
Mr J. Wiseman, Miss N. Paterson, Mrs D. McLeod, Mrs E. McLeod, Mr J. Robertson, Mrs I. Robertson, Mr P. Hulme, Mrs M. Nealy, Mrs Barnett, Mrs M. Wakley, Miss J. Walkley, Mrs B. Deacon, Mrs E. Dalziel, Mrs E. Melville, Mr P. McGurk, Miss C. McGurk, Mr R. Taylor, Mr A. Crawford, Mrs F. Crawford, Mr J. McKenzie, Mrs M. McKenzie, Mr T. McKenzie, Mr A. Harper, Mrs M. Harper, Mrs Barbour, Miss L. Barbour, Mrs W. Weatherstone, Mr W. Shore, Mrs J. Shore, Miss P. Davidson, Mrs R. Findlayson, Mrs S. Sharpe, Mr Jonas Wiborg, Mrs P. Gibbs, Mr P. Hannigan, Mrs Dalrymple, Mrs M. Dewar, Miss S. Parker, Mrs G. Wilson, Mrs Foster, Mrs Mabon, Mr Hicks and Mrs Hicks.
The First Committee
The Club’s first Officers and Committee were elected on 5 August 1989.
Convenor: Mrs Dalziel
Vice Convenor: Mrs Hulme
Secretary: Mrs McLeod
Treasurer: Mr Robertson
Committee
Miss Paterson
Mrs Nealy
Mr Wiseman
Mrs Walkley
Mrs Robertson
Mr Hicks
Mrs Crawford
Mrs Hicks
From those early meetings, the Club quickly began raising funds for its own Founders’ Trophies, establishing traditions that continue to this day.
Nearly four decades later, the Caledonian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club remains committed to the same purpose that inspired those first members in Selkirk: celebrating, protecting and promoting the wonderful Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
This article has been adapted from the Dandie Dialogue – 25th Silver Anniversary Edition, preserving the Club’s early history for future generations.
