The Danish-Swedish Farmdog: Newest AKC Breed

The American Kennel Club’s 202nd recognized breed is a compact, feisty member of the working group. Among all breeds of small dogs, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog was recognized in January of this year. Don’t let its size fool you though, this little pooch has a big attitude.

The breed is not strictly speaking a new one. Similar breeds have been traced to skeletons found in Viking burial sites dating back 1,000 to 1,200 years. The breed in the U.S. is called DSF. They are called Dansk Svensk Gardshund in Europe, according to Aimee Parramore Kincaid, President of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America who was instrumental in bringing the breed to the AKC. Kincaid says they are very popular in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. People can be seen walking them everywhere. 

This outgoing companion dog was common on small farms in Denmark and Sweden. After the industrial revolution when many small farms were sold, the Farmdog nearly became extinct. Area kennel clubs worked hard to save them. When it came time to name the breed, neither Denmark nor Sweden wanted to relinquish their recognition to the breed so it bears both nation’s names. 

DSF’s likely came with their families to the U.S. from Scandinavia. Between 1998 and 2000 several purebred dogs came to the states. Two kennel clubs for the breed merged to form the Danish-Swedish Farmdog club in 2003. While not a common breed, Kincaid estimates there are about 400 Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs in the U.S.  They generally cost between $800 and $1,500 depending on the breeder.

People often mistake the farm dogs for a beagle or a Jack Russell since they are similar in appearance. The breed standards indicate that they are 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 15 to 20 pounds. They come in colors of black, brown, yellow, all shades of tan, and fawn in mixed patches and solid colors. 

These dogs were barnyard companions often used to bring the cows in. Their special skill, however, was their agility and speed with vermin control. They are a hardy working breed and not at all needy. They have a cat-like ability to entertain themselves. But when you’re ready to settle down they are the first to be by your side for a cuddle.