Danish Swedish Farmdog

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a small, compact pinscher-type farm dog from the strait between Denmark and southern Sweden — a ratter, watchdog and companion in one small package.

History

It has worked farms on both sides of the Øresund for centuries, catching rats, watching the yard and playing with the children, and was recognised jointly by the two countries in 1987 — which is why the name carries both. Its terrier build is convergent rather than inherited; it is a pinscher type.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, alert and lively, attentive to its people and easy with children. It has more off-switch than a terrier and is generally sociable with other dogs.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and mental work, and excels at agility for its size. The short coat needs almost nothing. It trains readily and enjoys it.

Health

Generally robust with no defect widely documented as specific to the breed. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.