Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Dansk/Svensk Gardshund, Scanian Terrier
As their name suggests, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog was developed as an all-around working farm dog. They were watchdogs, vermin control, and even drove livestock. Despite their size, these little dogs were fully capable of herding larger animals. In the 1920s they performed at the Circus Benneweis.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is part of the pinscher/schnauzer family of dogs. This includes such breeds as the Affenpinscher, Schnauzers, German and Austrian Pinschers.
Danish-Swedish Farmdog Standards
- 12-15"
- 24-30 lbs
- small terrier/pinscher
- medium length ears are rose or button
- tail can be docked, natural or bobbed
- short, smooth, harsh coat
- white with black, brown, tan or fawn patches
History of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog dates back to at least the 1700s. It originated in Denmark and the southernmost parts of Sweden. Their exact ancestry is unknown. However, it is believed the pinscher/schnauzer breeds are all interrelated, having been transported from one region to another by the Vikings. Whether the ancestors of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog were brought to Denmark or sent to those other places remains a mystery. Regardless of how they came to be, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog became a staple on farms throughout the region for centuries.
As family farming began to disappear in the modern world, so did the Danish-Swedish Farmdog. It was almost extinct by the late 1900s until the Danish and Swedish kennel clubs joined forces to save the breed. Through careful breeding programs the Danish-Swedish Farmdog gained Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognition in 2009. Today they are starting to gain attention worldwide. In the United States, the American Kennel Club has them listed in their Foundation Stock Service.