Danish Swedish Farmdog

Most people outside of Denmark and Sweden did not know anything about the Danish Swedish Farmdog, however, they were extremely popular on farms throughout both countries. They were used as an all-around working dog and wore many hats including herder, hunter, ratter, watchdog and of course, family companion. They are thought to have originated in the 1700s from possible Terriers of unknown origins. However, later, researchers began to wonder if he did not originate from smaller working dogs, such as Pinschers, rather than Terriers. There is very little written documentation about the Danish Swedish Farmdog, making it difficult to trace their exact origins. They faced extinction when farms began closing and more and more people became city dwellers. People did not see a purpose for an all-around farm dog within the city and pure bred Danish Swedish Farmdogs became harder to find. Thankfully, fanciers within the Swedish Kennel Club and Danish Kennel Club began working together in 1987 to keep the breed from becoming extinct. In the process, they were able to find several of the dogs that were in excellent health and had no known genetic problems. These two kennel clubs worked diligently to preserve the breed and gave them the official name: Danish Swedish Farmdog. Given the honor of becoming one the national breeds of both Sweden and Denmark, they can now be found throughout Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France and Great Britain. They are beginning to gain some recognition within North America as well. In 2001, the American Rare Breed Association recognized this hardworking canine and began registering dogs through their association. The American Kennel Club accepted them into its Foundation Stock Service in 2011. There are still too few of the breed registered for them to obtain full American Kennel Club status.