10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Danish-Swedish Farmdog

A popular dog breed across Scandinavia is the Danish-Swedish Farmdog. Although it is a lesser-known breed in other parts of the world, it has begun to gain popularity in the United States. If you think of getting a Danish-Swedish Farmdog, you should try to learn as much about the breed’s personality traits, physical characteristics, and care needs as possible. Here are 10 things that you might not know about the Danish-Swedish Farmdog.

1. They Originate from the Area Around The Sound in Scandinavia

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog has its origins in the areas around The Sound, which is a narrow strait that separates the southern tip of the Scandinavian peninsula and the Danish island of Zealand. There is also some evidence that this breed’s ancestors are the British white hunting terriers and the pinscher breeds. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog was originally used as a working dog on farms, and they were used in various roles, such as hunting dogs, rat catchers, or farm guard dogs.

2. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog Was Officially Recognized in the 1980s

Before the breed was officially recognized as the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, it was known as Skrabba, Skanterrier, rat dog, rattehund, Danish Pinscher, or the Little Big Dog. The breed was officially recognized in 1987, and representatives from both Denmark and Sweden agreed to its name and wrote the breed standard together.

3. They Were Not Recognized in the United States Until 2010

Although the breed has been recognized in Europe since the 1980s, it was relatively unknown in the United States at that time. Around 2010, the Danish-Swedish Farmdogs USA breed club began the application process to the American Kennel Club to have the breed added to the Foundation Stock Service register. The application was successful, and the AKC added the breed to their register in 2011. Due to its recognition from the AKC, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is eligible to compete in events and competitions organized by the AKC.

4. They Are Usually a Bi-Color Breed

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs have a coat with either two or three colors, and one of the colors is always white. The second and third colors are either black or various shades of brown or gray. According to breed standards, the predominant color of the breed should be white, with a lesser degree of the second or third colors. The coat of a Danish-Swedish Farmdog is short, coarse, and smooth. As they do not shed a lot and their coat is short, they are considered a low-maintenance breed that does not need a lot of grooming.

5. It is a Small Dog Breed

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is classed as a small dog breed. Although there is not a significant difference between the genders, males are often slightly larger than females. While males are between 13 and 15.5-inches in height, the female height range is 12 to 15-inches. The healthy weight range for a Danish-Swedish Farmdog is between 15 and 20 pounds. To maintain a healthy weight, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs need a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet. They also need plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming obese and developing health problems. It is always best to seek the advice of your veterinarian regarding the ideal weight for your dog, based on their age, gender, and height.

6. They Have a Gentle Temperament

Although the Danish-Swedish Farmdog has many features that make it look like a terrier, the breed has a very different temperament to that associated with most terrier breeds. They are mild-natured and gentle dogs, unlike the highly-strung nature of terriers. The Danish-Swedish Farmdogs’ affectionate nature means they make ideal companions and house dogs.

7. They Enjoy Sports

While the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is not necessarily classed as a high-energy breed, they do enjoy sports. Now that they are a recognized breed in the United States, they can take part in various events, and the breed has shown particular skill in sports such as dog agility and flyball. Danish-Swedish Farmdogs also have good mousing skills and are quick and agile. It means they are good at sports such as lure coursing, earth dog, and going to ground.

8. They Are Easy to Train

According to Pet Guide, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is easy to train, and it responds well to positive reinforcement. It is possible to train these dogs for various working roles, such as herding, guarding, ratting, and other farm tasks. It is also possible to train them to complete specific skills and tasks for various dog sports.

9. Danish-Swedish Farmdogs Make Fantastic Family Pets

Not all dog breeds are suited to living in a household with children, so making sure that a breed is good around children and does not have an aggressive streak is essential. If you are a family with children, then the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is an excellent option, as their traits mean they are a fantastic family pet. Although they were once working dogs, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs have a loving, gentle, and affectionate nature, and they are not known to have an aggressive streak. Therefore, they are safe around children and will enjoy spending time with the family. Although they are small, they are sturdy enough to withstand playtimes.

10. They Are Considered a Healthy Breed

Some dog breeds are associated with multiple health problems, but the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is not one of them. This breed is generally considered healthy, and there are very few conditions that are linked to the breed. The most common conditions associated with Danish-Swedish Farmdogs include dental problems, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. The latter two conditions are rare in this breed, and the risk of the former is reduced by taking good care of your dog’s teeth. The average lifespan for this breed is between 10 and 15 years. Your dog is more likely to enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life if they have a good diet and regular exercise.

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