Danish Swedish Farmdog Basics

If you were to see a Danish Swedish Farmdog, you might think that it was a Jack Russell Terrier – the two breeds are similar in terms of their appearance and temperament. The Danish Swedish Farmdog was, in fact, bred from British terriers like the Jack Russell but it also has some Pinscher blood in its history. If you are looking for a friendly and active small-breed dog that can be trained for a variety of purposes, the Danish Swedish Farmdog is a great option to consider.

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier.

Origin

As the name of the breed would suggest, the Danish Swedish Farmdog originated in Denmark and parts of southern Sweden. Today, however, the breed is popular throughout Scandanavia. The Farmdog was developed as a multipurpose farm dog, trained to guard both people and farm animals against intruders and predators. The breed was also used as a hunting dog and trained for catching rats. The Farmdog was only recognized as a breed in Denmark and Sweden in 1987 but it has been used as a farm breed for many years.

Pedigree

The exact origins of the Danish Swedish Farmdog are unknown because the breed has been around for hundreds of years. The Farmdog is similar in appearance to the Jack Russell Terrier and it is thought to have some Pinscher blood in its development.

Food/Diet

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is a small-breed dog so it should be fed a dog food diet formulated for dogs of its size. Small-breed dogs have high energy needs and fast metabolisms so their diet should container higher levels of fat (a highly concentrated source of energy) than a diet for large-breed dogs. Make sure to choose a diet made from high-quality ingredients including animal proteins.

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is a smart working breed that can be trained for herding, guarding, and other farm tasks.

Training

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is a smart working breed that can be trained for herding, guarding, and other farm tasks. In recent years the Farmdog has also become a popular choice for dog sports like flyball and agility – it can also be trained for mousing and lure coursing. The Danish Swedish Farmdog is smart and trainable, responding best to positive-reinforcement-type training methods. Although the Farmdog looks like it has terrier blood in its system, it is not high-strung and it generally remains calm. Still, a firm and consistent hand in training is recommended for this breed.

Weight

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is a fairly small breed, standing 12.3 to 14.5 inches tall on average and weighing between 15 and 25 pounds at maturity.

Temperament/Behavior

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is a friendly and easygoing breed which makes it popular among families. This breed may be small, but it does very well as a working breed, herding livestock and alerting the presence of intruders. The Farmdog makes a great companion pet and it also does very well with children, making a it a popular family pet. Although the Danish Swedish Farmdog has terrier blood in its veins it is not particularly high-strung – it is actually very calm and it makes a great household companion. This breed loves having a job to do and it requires plenty of daily exercise as well as mental stimulation to prevent the development of problem behaviors.

Common Health Problems

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is generally a healthy breed, not prone to developing many major health problems. Like all dogs, however, this breed is prone to certain minor health issues. Some of the health problems most likely to affect this breed include hip dysplasia, dental problems, and patellar luxation. Responsible breeding practices can help to reduce the risk for these and other conditions.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Danish Swedish Farmdog is about 10 to 15 years which is on par for other breeds of its size.

Exercise Requirements

Because the Danish Swedish Farmdog was developed as a farm dog, it is a fairly active and energetic breed. This breed requires plenty of daily exercise including a long walk and active playtime. If this breed doesn’t get enough exercise on a daily basis it may be prone to developing destructive tendencies.

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is a friendly and easygoing breed which makes it popular among families.

AKC

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is not yet recognized by the AKC – it is part of the Foundation Stock Service. When registration numbers are high enough, the breed will be fully accepted. For now, it is accepted by the FCI.

Coat

The Danish Swedish Farmdog has a short, close-lying coat of smooth hair. White is the predominant color for the breed, though most specimens of the breed have patches of black and/or tan on their coats as well. Because the coat is so short, the Farmdog requires minimal grooming aside from regular brushing to keep shedding under control.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Danish Swedish Farmdog is 2 to 4 puppies. Because this breed remains fairly small, puppies reach their full size much more quickly than large-breed puppies. It is very important to start Danish Swedish Farmdog puppies early with training and socialization to make sure they develop into well-adjusted adult dogs.

Photo credit: Bigandt_Photography/Bigstock; Rolf_52/Bigstock