01/Overview
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a small, versatile breed known for its compact build, short coat, lively expression, and friendly personality. Originally developed as an all-purpose farm dog, the breed is intelligent, energetic, affectionate, and eager to stay involved with its family.
Despite its terrier-like appearance, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is not classified as a terrier. It was traditionally valued for several jobs around the farm, including controlling rodents, watching the property, and serving as a companion.
Highlights
02/History
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog was developed in Denmark and southern Sweden, where small dogs of this type lived and worked on farms for generations. They were valued as versatile helpers capable of controlling rats and mice, alerting families to visitors, and accompanying people during everyday farm life.
For many years, these dogs were considered a common part of rural life rather than a formally established breed. Their compact size, quick reactions, intelligence, and willingness to work made them especially useful around barns, stables, and farmyards.
As traditional small farms became less common during the twentieth century, the population of these dogs began to decline. Danish and Swedish breed enthusiasts worked together to preserve the remaining dogs and establish a consistent breed type.
The breed was officially recognized in Denmark and Sweden in 1987 under the name Danish-Swedish Farmdog. Recognition has helped preserve the traditional working characteristics and appearance that had defined the breed for generations.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale later recognized the Danish-Swedish Farmdog and placed it in Group 2, Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs.
The breed became increasingly known outside Scandinavia and developed a following in North America. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America was established to promote the breed and support responsible breeding in the United States.
The American Kennel Club accepted the Danish-Swedish Farmdog into the Foundation Stock Service before the breed advanced through the AKC recognition process. The breed received full AKC recognition in 2025 when it joined the Working Group.
03/Appearance
A mature Danish-Swedish Farmdog stands 12.5 to 14.5 inches tall at the withers and typically weighs between 15 and 20 pounds.
Skull: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog has a slightly rounded skull that is broad between the ears and tapers gradually toward the muzzle. The head should appear well proportioned to the body without looking heavy.
Expression: The expression is alert, lively, and attentive, reflecting the breed’s active and curious nature.
Eyes: The eyes are medium in size, slightly rounded, and should have a bright, friendly expression. Eye color should harmonize with the dog’s overall pigmentation.
Ears: The ears are medium in size and may be rose-shaped or button-shaped. They are set relatively high and should contribute to the breed’s alert appearance.
Muzzle: The muzzle is well developed and slightly shorter than the skull, tapering toward the nose without appearing pointed or weak.
Nose: The nose is well developed with open nostrils and pigmentation that corresponds appropriately with the coat color.
Bite: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog has a strong scissors bite with even and well-developed incisors. A level bite is acceptable.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a compact, slightly rectangular dog with a strong, functional build. The body is somewhat longer than tall, giving the breed balanced proportions suited to its traditional work around farms.
The chest is deep and spacious, the back is strong, and the loin is short and well developed. Bone is moderate, providing enough substance for an active working dog without making the breed appear heavy or coarse.
Texture: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog has a short, smooth, hard coat that lies close to the body. The coat is easy to maintain and contributes to the breed’s clean, functional appearance.
Standard Colors
Standard Markings
04/Consider
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is intelligent, energetic, affectionate, and highly versatile. Anyone considering the breed should be prepared for regular exercise, early socialization, consistent training, and plenty of mental stimulation.
Because the breed was developed as an all-purpose farm dog, it often retains strong instincts to chase small animals, investigate its surroundings, and generally stay busy. A secure environment and regular opportunities for activity are important.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed with a typical lifespan of 11 to 13 years. Preventive veterinary care, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, dental care, and maintenance of a healthy weight can help support long-term health.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is friendly, lively, intelligent, and typically very people-oriented. The breed was developed to work closely around farms and often enjoys being involved in whatever its family is doing.
Many are confident and curious, with a playful personality and a strong desire to stay active. They can be alert around unfamiliar people or sounds, but they should not appear overly shy or sharp.
Early socialization helps the breed become comfortable with different people, dogs, environments, and everyday situations. Consistent interaction and clear household rules are especially helpful for such an active and observant dog.
Exercise Expectations
A healthy adult generally benefits from about 60 minutes of activity each day, divided into manageable sessions. Many individuals enjoy more exercise when given the opportunity, especially through dog sports or interactive games. Because the breed is quick and curious, off-leash exercise should take place only in secure areas. Activities that involve chasing, scenting, retrieving, and problem-solving can provide particularly useful outlets for its natural instincts.
Grooming Expectations
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog can adapt to different living situations as long as it receives enough exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. Its compact size can suit apartment living, but its energy level and alert nature still require a consistent daily routine.
The breed generally enjoys being part of family activities and may become restless if left without enough interaction or purposeful activity. Access to secure outdoor space is useful, but it does not replace walks, training, and shared activities.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog usually does best with people who appreciate an active, intelligent, and versatile companion. Clear routines, regular exercise, and opportunities to use both body and mind help the breed thrive.
05/Puppies
Danish-Swedish Farmdog puppies are lively, curious, intelligent, and eager to explore their surroundings. They benefit from early socialization, consistent routines, positive training, and plenty of safe opportunities to play and investigate.
A Danish-Swedish Farmdog puppy should have a predictable daily schedule that includes regular meals, potty breaks, naps, play, training, and quiet time. A crate or secure puppy area can provide a safe place to rest and can also support housetraining.
Early socialization should introduce the puppy to different people, well-mannered dogs, household sounds, surfaces, vehicles, and unfamiliar environments. These experiences should remain positive and appropriate for the puppy’s age.
Training can begin as soon as the puppy arrives home. Short sessions can focus on name response, recall, leash walking, house training, basic manners, and impulse control. Because the breed is intelligent and active, keeping sessions varied and engaging can help maintain focus.
A puppy should receive a complete and balanced diet formulated for growth. Young puppies generally do best with several small meals throughout the day before gradually transitioning to an adult feeding schedule.
Exercise should include supervised play, short walks, and gentle exploration rather than repetitive or high-impact activity. Secure spaces are especially important because Danish-Swedish Farmdog puppies can be quick, curious, and strongly interested in movement.
Regular veterinary visits are important during the first year. Grooming routines such as brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and tooth brushing should also begin early so that the puppy becomes comfortable with regular handling.
06/Activities
Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are energetic, intelligent, and versatile dogs that often enjoy activities involving speed, scenting, problem-solving, and close cooperation with a handler. Here are some of the dog sports and activities in which Danish-Swedish Farmdogs may participate:
Agility: Danish-Swedish Farmdogs can use their speed, coordination, and quick reactions while navigating obstacle courses.
Obedience: Obedience Trials allow the breed to demonstrate focus, responsiveness, and reliable performance with a handler.
Rally: Rally Obedience combines obedience exercises with movement through a designated course and can provide both mental and physical stimulation.
Scent Work: Danish-Swedish Farmdogs can use their strong sense of smell to locate specific odors hidden in containers, indoor spaces, outdoor areas, or vehicles.
Barn Hunt: The breed’s traditional vermin-hunting background can make Barn Hunt a natural outlet for its scenting ability, determination, and interest in locating rats safely contained in tubes.
Fast CAT: This timed 100-yard dash gives the Danish-Swedish Farmdog an opportunity to use its speed and enthusiasm for chasing.
Conformation Shows: Danish-Swedish Farmdogs compete in Conformation Shows, where judges evaluate each dog according to the Breed Standard, including structure, movement, coat, expression, temperament, and overall type.
Trick Dog: Trick training provides mental stimulation and gives the Danish-Swedish Farmdog an enjoyable way to use its intelligence and eagerness to learn.
Therapy Work: A calm, friendly, and well-socialized Danish-Swedish Farmdog may participate in therapy visits to hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, and other settings.
Canine Good Citizen: Danish-Swedish Farmdogs may participate in programs that evaluate everyday manners, social behavior, and reliability around people and other dogs.
Gallery
07/Standards
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is recognized by the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Danish-Swedish Farmdog is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
Danish-Swedish Farmdog clubs support breed education, responsible breeding, health initiatives, Conformation shows, Performance events, and adherence to the Breed Standard.
Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America: Formed in 2005, this is the national breed club for the Danish-Swedish Farmdog in the United States and the breed’s AKC parent club.
09/Rescue
Breed-specific rescue resources help Danish-Swedish Farmdogs that have been surrendered, abandoned, or need rehoming. Because the breed is still relatively uncommon in North America, dedicated rescue organizations may be limited.
Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America Rescue Resources: The breed’s AKC parent club can provide rescue contacts, referrals, or guidance for Danish-Swedish Farmdogs needing placement in the United States.
Danish-Swedish Farmdogs could potentially be found through local shelters, all-breed rescue organizations, and national adoption databases. Breed clubs can be especially useful for locating available dogs and connecting prospective adopters with reputable rescue contacts.
10/Facts
A Traditional Scandinavian Farm Dog
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog developed in Denmark and southern Sweden, where it worked as an all-purpose farm companion.
Known for Its Compact Build
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is small but sturdy, with a balanced structure suited to agility, quick movement, and active work.
Recognized in Denmark and Sweden in 1987
Formal recognition helped to preserve the traditional breed type as farming practices changed.
Recognized by the AKC in 2025
The American Kennel Club granted full recognition to the Danish-Swedish Farmdog in 2025, placing the breed in the Working Group.
11/FAQ
Danish-Swedish Farmdogs can make excellent pets for active households that want an intelligent, affectionate, and versatile companion. They usually do best with regular exercise, training, and plenty of interaction.
Meet the Judges
Faye Strauss reflects on judging at Westminster 2026, highlighting standout winners, entry quality, and the overall experience.
Meet the Judges
Robin Hug reflects on judging the 2025 National Dog Show, highlighting quality entries and standout breed performances.
Kennel Club of Philadelphia
Danish-Swedish Farmdogs make their AKC debut in Philadelphia as Olga and her family shine at the National Dog Show press preview.
All About Judging
Millie, a history-making Danish-Swedish Farmdog, breaks barriers as the first in her breed to earn AKC Group placements and a GCH title.
Meet the Breeders
Aimee Kincaid of Coolibah Kennels shares her passion for Danish-Swedish Farmdogs, breeding ethics, and AKC ring insights.
Meet the Breeders
Veterinarians Marty Greer & Dan Griffiths share insights on breeding, DSFs, PWCs, dog sports, and the future of purebred dogs.
Working Group
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog joins the AKC as the 202nd breed! This friendly Working Group dog thrives on challenges, jobs, and companionship.
Meet the Breeders
Martha Tubman is the breeder behind the Swallowfield. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, the champions, the puppies, and much more!
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a cheerful, small, smooth-coated, and multipurpose dog breed. It originated in Denmark and southern Sweden.
The tail may be naturally long or naturally short. A long tail is set moderately high and carried in a gentle curve, while a naturally short tail may vary in length. The tail should remain in balance with the breed’s compact, functional outline.
A Note About Color: White is the dominating coat color. Patches of different colors, sizes, and combinations are permissible, (black, brown, agouti, yellow, red, and all shades of tan and fawn). Patches are also on the head, with or without tan markings. Flecking is accepted. An entirely white head is considered a fault.
Coat Type
Smooth
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Short
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
A Danish-Swedish Farmdog should receive a complete and balanced diet suited to the dog’s age, activity level, and body condition. Because the breed is active and athletic, food portions should support energy needs without leading to excess weight.
Most adults do well with two measured meals per day, while puppies may need three or four smaller meals as they grow. Treats can be useful during training but should remain a modest part of the dog’s total daily calorie intake.
Fresh water should always be available. Maintaining a lean body condition helps support mobility, endurance, and overall fitness.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is intelligent, responsive, and usually eager to work with a handler. Training tends to be most effective when sessions are varied, engaging, and supported by praise, food rewards, toys, or play.
Early lessons should include recall, leash manners, impulse control, basic cues, and calm behavior around visitors and other animals. Because the breed may retain strong chasing and vermin-hunting instincts, reliable recall and boundary training are especially important.
The breed can become bored with too much repetition, so short and purposeful sessions generally work best. Mental challenges such as scent games, problem-solving exercises, and trick training can also keep the dog engaged.
Bathing is needed only as necessary. The breed does shed, so more frequent brushing may be useful during heavier seasonal shedding. Nails should be trimmed regularly, ears should be checked for debris or irritation, and teeth should be brushed routinely. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check the skin, paws, and body for anything unusual.
