The level densities and radiative strength functions (RSFs) in 160,161 Dy have been extracted using the ( 3 He,αγ) and ( 3 He, 3 He ′ γ) reactions, respectively. The data are compared to previous measurements on 161,162 Dy. The energy distribution in the canonical ensemble is discussed with respect to the nucleon Cooper pair breaking process. The gross properties of the RSF are described by the giant electric dipole resonance. The RSF at low γ-ray energies is discussed with respect to temperature dependency. Resonance parameters of a soft dipole resonance at Eγ ∼ 3 MeV are deduced.