Kristine Prostinak, age 11, of Casper, Wyo., for her question:

HOW DID THE DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER GET ITS NAME?

The Dandie Dinmont terrier is a dog that received its name from a book. Sir Walter Scott wrote a novel called "Guy Mannering" in which a farmer named Dandie Dinmont raised an unusual pack of terriers that were all the color of either mustard or pepper. In the book, the dogs were famous as hunters of foxes, badgers and otters.

A bit later, a new breed of dogs was introduced and it was named Dandie Dinmont after the farmer in Scott's book.

The new terrier had a big head and large, soft brown eyes. Its forehead was covered by a topknot and its ears drooped. The dog has a crisp, shaggy coat and a long, slim body.

Today for dog shows, the American Kennel Club requires that Dandies weight between 18 and 24 pounds. It is becoming a popular breed of dogs.

Beccause the Dandie Dinmont's hind legs are longer than its front legs, the dog seems tipped up from behind. But this interesting feature only adds to the Dandie's charm.