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Danish-Swedish farmdog

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is the traditional small farm dog of Denmark and southern Sweden, used for ratting, herding, guarding and general work, and recognised jointly by both countries in 1987.

It looks superficially like a small pointer or a Jack Russell but is neither.

It stands 30 to 39 centimetres, weighs 7 to 12 kilograms and lives eleven to thirteen years, with a short smooth coat, usually white with patches. It is versatile, sturdy, quick and cheerful, and it has an unusually good health record for a purebred. It is more biddable and less obsessive than a terrier of similar size, which makes it a genuinely easy small dog for an active household.

Origin
Denmark and southern Sweden; recognised 1987
Size
30–39 cm; 7–12 kg
Lifespan
11–13 years
Coat
Short and smooth, usually white with patches
Temperament
Versatile, cheerful and biddable; not a terrier
Health
Very good; few inherited conditions

2 danish-swedish farmdog photos, newest first

  • Maple, a danish swedish farmdog

    Maple

    Maple was promoted to lifeguard supervising a paddling pool for rubber ducks; unfortunately, a model sailboat becomes stranded in a teacup.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Maple, a danish swedish farmdog

    Maple

    This is Maple pretending not to have been on the sofa.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a danish-swedish farmdog

A genuinely sound small breed with few inherited problems, which is worth stating because it is uncommon.

They need real exercise and enjoy dog sports — agility, obedience, scent work — and they are quick learners.

They have a hunting instinct and will chase, so recall training matters, but they are less single-minded than a terrier.

The short coat needs a weekly brush and nothing else.

They are sociable, good with children and adaptable to most households provided they get exercise. Ask for patella and eye checks as a routine precaution.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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