Small and athletic: these are the features that best describe the Danish-Swedish Farmdog. Apparent from its name, we can often see this breed on farms. It was a significant part of Danish farmlands over the years; it was a remarkable herder, showcasing its skills to many dog breeders. Besides herding, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog catches many people’s attention because of its incredible skills in various activities. It is known to be a skilled hunter; a competitive sport dog, and an elegant show dog. This relatively small breed proves to be an athletic dog and possesses several great qualities: versatility, trainability, and relentless energy. All of these features contribute to why the Danish-Swedish Farmdog shines among other breeds.
Origins of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog
From years ago, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog was already helping farmers maintain organized farms. It was a common sight to see this breed on every Danish farm; it makes sure to work hard to perform its duties. Everyday life in the Danish farmlands consists of this dog performing various tasks: hunting small critters, herding livestock, guarding the house, as well as bringing joy to its family.
For a long time, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog was employed in the Danish rural areas; wherein it was a master of several jobs. However, the Danish lifestyle gradually changed over the years, leaving the breed unemployed. This event led to a catastrophic decline in the population of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog.
In the late 20th century, Danish and Swedish breeders took an interest in bringing the Danish-Swedish Farmdog to its former glory. As expected, the club succeeded in restoring the breed and creating its first breed standard. The mission to revive the Danish-Swedish Farmdog continued for years; in 1998, the breed reached the United States, which started its breeding program. Throughout the years, breeders maintained a healthy population of the DSF; they did not just succeed in reviving the breed but also making it recognized worldwide.
Characteristics of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Height: 12.5 – 14.5 inches
Weight: 15 – 20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 – 13 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog or DSF is quite a small breed with an athletic body. It could stand up to more than fourteen inches tall and weighs about twenty pounds. Despite its size, a compact body makes it suitable for various tasks.
As mentioned earlier, the DSF enjoys working in the field. Apparent from its name, the DSF is a credible dog on farms; they often work on herds, hunting small mammals, and guarding the house. Interestingly, this breed’s outstanding skills are not only evident on farms. It is well-known for its versatility since it could also participate in dog shows and sports.
Besides the DSF’s outstanding physique and abilities, this breed also has a remarkable nature. It possesses a list of excellent qualities: devotion to fulfill its job, eager to train, and showcases brilliance on the field. It would never stop until it gets the job done, and unlike some dogs, training would be an enjoyable activity for you and your dog. Its versatile skillset combined with intelligence results in a breed that can cope with most indoor and outdoor activities. However, versatility is not the main attribute of the DSF; all of these features contribute to making the Danish-Swedish Farmdog a lovable family companion.
Caring for the Danish-Swedish Farmdog
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is not a complicated dog to feed; feeding it with good-quality dog food works well. However, always be mindful of the amount of food you feed your dog. That is why it is best to regularly consult your local veterinarian and seek diet recommendations for your dog to ensure it is getting ample amounts of nutrition its body needs. By properly monitoring your dog’s food consumption, you prevent your dog from getting overweight – leading to various health problems in the future.
The DSF has a short and smooth coat, requiring less maintenance than other breeds in terms of its grooming. Because of this, minimal brushing and bathing could work wonders in keeping this dog looking its best. Another thing to keep in mind is its nails. Make sure to check its nails regularly; trim them if necessary to prevent your dog from harm when walking and running.