Canine breed is newly recognized by the American Kennel Club

Photo: rolf_52/Adobe Stock

The Danish-Swedish farmdog is being fully recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the purebred dog registry’s 202nd breed. The designation earns the farmdog eligibility to compete in the Working Group at more than 26,000 AKC events held annually.¹

According to the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America, the newly recognized breed was previously known as the Danish Pinscher. It was found primarily on farms in Denmark and southern Sweden. It once faced extinction and was saved in 1987 by Danish and Swedish kennel clubs.²

In the United States, an unspecified population of purebred canines in a given breed must be geographically distributed throughout the country with an active following and interest by owners to be eligible for AKC recognition. Additionally, club devoted to the breed with responsible owners and breeders must be established for eligibility. While advocates work towards full recognition, breeds are first recorded in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program, which provides support to fanciers of rare breeds.^1,3

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America was formed and incorporated in 2006 with 33 members. The first specialty event for the breed was held later the same year.⁴ The breed was accepted into the FSS program in 2011 and moved to the AKC’s Miscellaneous Group a decade later, where it spent the past 4 years.² 

Gina DiNardo, executive secretary for the AKC, noted the organization is excited to have the farmdog in the AKC’s registry as a Working Group breed. “This compact working dog is very versatile, loves a challenge and having a job to do. It would make a wonderful addition to a family that is able to provide it with the exercise and mental stimulation that it needs. As always, we strongly encourage prospective dog owners to do their research to find the best breed for their lifestyle,” DiNardo said in a news release.¹

The Danish-Swedish farmdog is known as a people-oriented, loving companion. These canines require exercise and perform jobs with vermin control a specialty.² According to the AKC release, “these compact dogs are versatile, love to work and enjoy a challenge. They are coordinated, agile and very fast.”¹

Sometimes mistaken for terriers, Danish-Swedish farmdogs are more rectangular in shape. Additionally, this breed is low maintenance in grooming habits, requiring only occasional baths and brushing.^1,2

References

1. Rice J. The American Kennel Club welcomes the Danish-Swedish farmdog to the pack. News release. American Kennel Club. January 2, 2024. Accessed January 3, 2024. https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-welcomes-danish-swedish-farmdog-pack/
2. Welcome to the wonderful world of the Danish-Swedish farmdog. Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America Inc. Accessed January 3, 2024. https://dsfca.clubexpress.com/
3. American Kennel Club. Accessed January 3, 2024. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/akc-foundation-stock-service/
4. DSFCA history. Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America Inc. Accessed January 3, 2024. https://dsfca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=459025&module_id=401200