Origins of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog

No one knows the origin of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog with certainty, but the breed is very old. Dog skeletons found in Viking burial sites are similar to Farmdog types. In any case, typical Danish-Swedish Farmdogs have been found in all of “old” Denmark, from Scania to Schleswig Holstein, and even in Normandy.

Until the 1960s, this little Farmdog could be found all over the countryside of Denmark and southern Sweden. During the industrialization, there were fewer and fewer small farms in Denmark and Sweden. At the same time, the population of Farmdogs decreased. Fortunately, a few country folks continued the breeding of the dogs. This was, however, entirely unorganized.

Throughout the 1970s, some people involved with the work of the Danish Kennel Club became aware of this interesting little dog breed. During the 1980s, it became clear to DKK’s committee for national and forgotten breeds that it was important to save the breed. The awareness was also directed to southern Sweden as well, as this had been part of the old Danish farming country.

Until a few decades ago, the small Farmer’s Dog was a natural part of Danish rural life. Its everyday functions were many. This little working dog had many jobs around the farm, including mouser/ratter, livestock herder, hunting dog, watchdog, and family companion. The breed was so lively and trainable that it was often utilized in circuses, appearing as the clown’s playmate.

In more recent times, farms were closed down and families moved to the cities. The faithful little farmer’s dog was suddenly not “grand” enough, and the breed became hard to find. A part of Danish dog culture was in danger of disappearing totally.

The Danish Kennel Club (DKK) and the Swedish Kennel Club (SKK) worked together in cooperation to seek out typical breed specimens and save the little farmer’s dog from extinction. During the search, it turned out, fortunately, that excellent, healthy specimens of this tough old breed still existed.

With its new name, Danish-Swedish Farm Dog, this funny little dog is one of the newest of the national breeds in Denmark and Sweden, although it has been proven that its ancestors go far back in history. Danish-Swedish Farmdog’s origins go back to the 1700s when it could be found in Great Britain, Germany, and France as well as in Denmark and Sweden. Though often mistaken for a Terrier, this breed is most closely related to the Pinscher family.

In 1987, the first 130 Farmdogs were registered in DKK’s registry, and in 1989, the breed was shown officially for the first time in Denmark at the World Dog Show in Bella Center. Through close cooperation between the Danish Kennel Club and the Swedish Kennel Club, the breed was successfully recognized on a provisional basis by FCI in 2008.

The American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service (AKC/FSS) recognized the breed in 2011. In 2019, the two active clubs in the United States combined and became the official AKC recognized Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog was approved to move into AKC’s Miscellaneous Class on June 30, 2021.

Are you looking for a Danish-Swedish Farmdog puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Danish-Swedish Farmdog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the energetic Danish-Swedish Farmdog dog breed with articles and information in our Danish-Swedish Farmdog Breed Magazine.