Danish-Swedish Farmdog

The newest dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the lively Danish-Swedish Farmdog, but the dogs aren’t a recent canine creation. According to the breed standard, these friendly dogs trace their origins back to the 1700s, when they could be found in the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, and Sweden.  

For most of the breed’s history, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs lived as workers, taking on odd jobs around the family farm. Their impressive resume includes roles as mousers and ratters, livestock herders, hunting companions, and guardians. Their trainability made them a popular choice for circuses as well, where they served as cute clown sidekicks.  

As farming became less common over the centuries, so did the Danish-Swedish Farmdog. But thankfully, a partnership between the Danish and Swedish kennel clubs helped revive this special breed.  

Compact (at 15–20 pounds and 12.5–14.5 inches tall) and somewhat rectangular in shape with a short, smooth coat, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is often mistaken for a terrier, though they’re actually most closely related to pinschers like the Doberman. In fact, Farmdogs used to be called Danish Pinschers.  

Caring for a Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Thanks to their size and friendly personality, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs can thrive in a variety of settings, provided they get plenty of exercise and companionship.  

While you don’t need to live on a farm to keep your Farmdog happily employed, you do need to provide them with a job. Luckily, you can trade ratting for rally, herding for hiking, and hunting for hide-and-seek. Energetic, intelligent, and playful, Farmdogs excel at learning new games.  

Farmdogs are highly affectionate and tend to love people of all ages—even strangers. When well-socialized, they also enjoy the company of other dogs. 

As you would expect from a dog built for farm chores, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs require minimal grooming, which leaves more time for playing.  

Danish-Swedish Farmdog Health Issues

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a generally healthy dog with an average lifespan of 11–13 years. While no special health concerns have been reported, they may develop a few health issues common in small dogs. 

Periodontal Disease 

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a progressive condition in which bacteria accumulate in the mouth, damaging the dog’s gums, teeth, jaw bones, and other tissues.  

Signs of periodontal disease include: 

• Red, irritated gums 

• Drooling 

• Bad breath 

• Low appetite 

• Facial swelling 

• Discolored, loose, or missing teeth 

• Root exposure 

Brushing your dog’s teeth at home every day and keeping up with dental hygiene is the best way to prevent periodontal disease. Dogs who develop this condition might need tooth extractions if the disease is advanced. Annual dental cleanings are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.  

Patellar Luxation 

The patella is the kneecap. When it slips (luxates) out of its normal position, this is referred to as patellar luxation. It’s a common condition in small dogs like the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, and common signs include a limp and a gait that resembles a bunny hopping. 

Often, patellar luxation corrects itself, and the kneecap slides back into place. But severe cases may need surgery. Your vet may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss, exercise restriction, or joint supplements to manage the condition.  

What To Feed a Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Work with your veterinarian to choose the best dog food for your Danish-Swedish Farmdog. The food you select should: 

• Meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards 

• Be nutritionally complete for your dog’s lifestyle, size, and health 

• Be formulated for your dog’s current life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) 

How To Feed a Danish-Swedish Farmdog 

Most adult Danish-Swedish Farmdogs should eat two meals a day—once in the morning and again in the evening. Danish-Swedish Farmdog puppies, however, have a higher metabolism and may need up to four meals a day. Your vet can help you determine how often to feed your dog. 

Using puzzle feeders can help keep your dog mentally stimulated during meals.  

How Much Should You Feed a Danish-Swedish Farmdog? 

To determine how much to feed your dog, do two things: 

1. Look at the nutrition label on your dog’s food bag. This provides a general idea of how many calories your Farmdog needs, based on their weight.  

2. Talk to your veterinarian. They can make a highly personalized recommendation based on your individual pup’s weight, body condition score, lifestyle, and health needs. 

Treats add up quickly, especially in small dogs. Be sure treats never make up more than 10% of your pup’s daily diet.   

Nutritional Tips for Danish-Swedish Farmdogs 

Your Danish-Swedish Farmdog should receive all the nutrients they need if they eat a dog food that meets AAFCO standards.  

However, your veterinarian may recommend nutritional supplements to treat or manage various health issues. Common supplements recommended by vets include Welactin omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and Flexadin for joint issues. 

Talk to your veterinarian before adding anything new to your dog’s diet, including supplements. 

Behavior and Training Tips for Danish-Swedish Farmdogs

Danish-Swedish Farmdog Personality and Temperament

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs tend to love two things: play and people. Their working dog/farmhand instincts and high energy reserves need to be addressed through daily physical and mental exercise, and through close companionship with their family. 

Danish-Swedish Farmdog Behavior

Bored, lonely Danish-Swedish Farmdogs with energy to spare are more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors like excessive barking. Their ancestors worked as watchdogs, and they have the pipes to prove it. Training can help reduce unwanted barking, but it’s important to keep your dog entertained and engaged to prevent this behavior.  

With a job history that includes hunting, it’s important to ensure that all outdoor exercise takes place either on a leash or within a securely fenced area. Otherwise, a Danish-Swedish Farmdog could easily follow their nose into trouble or run off after a squirrel or rabbit.  

Danish-Swedish Farmdog Training

Begin socializing and training your Danish-Swedish Farmdog puppy as soon as you bring them home. Socialization involves introducing your pup to new animals, people, environments, activities, and objects with the goal of helping them feel more comfortable in new situations throughout their life. Ask your vet for age-appropriate socialization ideas. 

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are impressively smart and trainable. Like all dogs, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs respond to consistent, positive, rewards-based training. Training is also a great way to provide your pet with mental stimulation and physical exercise while building that important human-animal bond. 

Fun Activities for Danish-Swedish Farmdogs 

• Walking 

• Jogging 

• Hiking 

• Swimming 

• Agility 

• Flyball 

• Lure coursing 

• Nose work 

• Rally 

• Hide-and-seek 

• Fetch 

• Obedience training 

• Skills training 

Danish-Swedish Farmdog Grooming Guide

Other than routine nail trimming and baths as needed, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs and their short, smooth fur require very little grooming.  

Skin Care

If your Danish-Swedish Farmdog spends a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to regularly check for burrs, sticks, and other debris that can get stuck in their fur and irritate their skin. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for ticks and stay vigilant with year-round flea and tick prevention. 

How often your Farmdog needs a bath depends on their lifestyle. Talk to your veterinarian about how often to bathe your dog.  

Coat Care

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog’s short fur isn’t prone to matting, and shedding is minimal. Occasional brushing should be enough to keep your dog looking and feeling their best. 

Eye Care

Farmdogs aren’t prone to eye issues. But if you notice redness, discharge, cloudiness, or apparent vision changes, call your veterinarian.  

Ear Care

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs have ears that fold over like a flap, which can trap moisture and debris—especially if your Farmdog is a frequent swimmer. Call your vet if you notice signs of an ear infection, such as redness, swelling, itching, discomfort, and a foul odor.  

Considerations for Pet Parents

Here are some questions to consider before adding a Danish-Swedish Farmdog to your family: 

1. Do I have the time and energy to provide a dog with physical and mental exercise each day? 

2. Can I keep a dog on a leash or within a fenced area when outdoors? 

3. Am I home enough to provide a dog with close companionship? 

4. Do I have the skills and patience to provide early socialization and lifelong training using positive reinforcement? 

5. Am I financially prepared to provide veterinary care?   

6. Can I provide a dog with a loving home for their lifetime, which could be 13 years or more? 

If you can answer these questions with an enthusiastic “Yes!” you may be ready to parent a Danish-Swedish Farmdog.