Millions of people all over the world are happy dog owners, with countless more looking to welcome a dog into their homes and now, a very rare breed could rise in popularity after being recognized by the AKC
A very rare European breed of dog has been officially recognized in the US after being added to the American Kennel Club’s list, which allows it to compete in shows and competitions.
While many people around the globe are dog owners, breeds like the French bulldog, Labrador, golden retriever, poodle or doodle mixes among the most popular, some are drawn to less common breeds. The Danish-Swedish farmdog, also known as DSF, is one such rare breed.
However, thanks to their intelligence, lively nature, and small size, they’re quickly gaining popularity. Their recognition by the AKC could potentially lead to an increase in ownership of this breed.
As their name suggests, these dogs, which bear a resemblance to the Jack Russell terrier, originated in Denmark and southern Sweden and are a popular choice throughout Scandinavia due to their multi-purpose nature.
The American Kennel Club explains: “Known as the Little Big Dog, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a companion dog that loves to work and enjoys a challenge. They are a small, compact and slightly rectangular dog, known to mature late.”
They’re energetic, requiring plenty of exercise, but are also known to be very affectionate and people-oriented.
Despite their recent recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC), which now allows them to compete for a variety of best in show awards, Danish-Swedish farmdogs are far from a new breed. In fact, they have a history that spans centuries.
According to the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America, these dogs were originally known as “Danish Pinschers”. The club explains: “This little dog could be seen on the farms of both Denmark and Southern Sweden. The Farmdog was saved from extinction by the joint effort of the kennel clubs of Denmark and Sweden in 1987”.
On Reddit, owners of DSFs have been singing the praises of this small but mighty breed – although some admit they can be quite vocal. One user shared: “I can just say that it’s [an] amazing dog. Mine is 8 months and is beginning to bark some, but the breed is very smart and easy to correct with proper training and socialization”.
Another agreed: “It’s a great breed that likes to be out a lot, perfect for me, and then sleeps the rest of the day. If you like doing activities with your dog it’s a great breed, fast learner, likes to be close to all the family, and is kid friendly.
“The negative side is it doesn’t like our neighbors’ dogs and cats, all other dogs are ok that aren’t living close to our house.”
And another said “the breed is very much focused on her humans with a great will to please” and added of their own DSF: “The breed can be very energetic, very suitable for dog sports such as agility. Ours gets along great with other dogs – even bigger ones if they are well behaved.”
Dogs are major commitment. The AKC emphasizes: “Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.”
