The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is an affectionate, playful, intelligent dog who makes a great family companion as well as a good ratter and watchdog. Despite looking similar to the Jack Russell Terrier, it has a different personality. While both are energetic and vivacious, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a much quieter and gentler breed, without the gameness or the possible dog aggression of the Jack Russell.
Quick Facts
weight: 15 to 25 pounds
height: 12.5 to 14.5 inches
Ideal Human Companions
- Apartment dwellers (as long as exercise is sufficient)
- Suburban or country dwellers (as long as the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is kept on a leash)
- Families
- Those looking for an interactive dog
- Patient and consistent owners
Trademark Traits
- Similar look to the Jack Russell Terrier
- Unexpected Pinscher background
- Lively but calm temperament
- Versatile work abilities
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
What They Are Like to Live With
Because the Danish-Swedish Farmdog was bred to work on farms, it enjoys open spaces and needs plenty of exercise. They are devoted to their families and love to be the center of attention. If you want comic relief around the house, this may be the breed for you.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog has a short coat that repels dirt, so grooming is minimal.
Things You Should Know
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog often matures more slowly than similar breeds, which means a longer period of adolescence including stubbornness, propensity to chew anything, and possible trouble with marking and mischievousness. These can be curbed with engaged playing, chew toys, and consistent training, but you must be patient. Luckily, training a Danish-Swedish Farmdog is easy.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a healthy breed, with no specific recorded health issues.
Danish Swedish Farmdog History
Though this breed has been around for centuries in Scandinavia, it was not recognized as the Danish-Swedish Farmdog until 1987. Despite its terrierlike looks, its origin is linked more closely to Pinschers than to Terriers.
Bred to be a versatile worker on the farm, this dog's duties included watchdog and ratter. It was also considered a good companion dog. The United Kennel Club recognized the Danish-Swedish Farmdog in 2008. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is also known as the Danish Chicken Dog, Its name has been Americanized to Danish-Swedish Farm Dog, though officially it is still Danish-Swedish Farmdog.
Today, there are fewer working Danish-Swedish Farmdogs in Denmark and Sweden as the number of small farms has declined. The breed is more often a companion dog nowadays and can be seen in small numbers in the U.S.
The Look of a Danish Swedish Farmdog
Though this smooth-coated, compact dog looks a lot like a Jack Russell Terrier, it is more closely related to the Pinscher. Indeed, when you meet one, "terrier" is what pops into your mind.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog has a white body with tan, brown, and/or black markings and distinct tan, brown, and/or black markings on the head. Its jaunty tail curls over his back and its ears stand up alertly. Everything about this dog says "perky jester" and "hard worker." It's also darn cute.