NEW YORK — A new addition has been made to the American Kennel Club’s roster of recognized dog breeds – the Danish-Swedish farmdog. This small and lively breed received its official designation on Thursday, enabling it to compete in numerous prestigious dog shows, which could spark an increase in interest towards these charming dogs. However, this newfound recognition elicits mixed feelings among their devoted supporters.
Carey Segebart, a leading advocate for the breed’s AKC recognition, expressed her enthusiasm about the development. She is excited to showcase one of her own Danish-Swedish farmdogs at an upcoming dog show near her home in Iowa. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that heightened visibility could have both positive and negative consequences for the adaptable and energetic farmdogs. “We don’t want the breed to just explode too quickly,” she cautioned.
The Danish-Swedish farmdog, often referred to as DSF, boasts a rich history spanning centuries in regions now known as Denmark and southern Sweden, among other parts of Europe. According to the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America, these dogs were originally employed for tasks such as rodent control and serving as herders and watchdogs, as well as entertaining children on farms. Some even found their way into circus acts, showcasing their diverse abilities.
As urbanization took hold in Denmark and Sweden in the 20th century, enthusiasts of the breed focused on preserving its legacy. The formal registration of farmdogs began in 1987, reinforcing their significance in both countries. In the United States, the estimated population of approximately 350 Danish-Swedish farmdogs primarily participates in agility and obedience competitions, which welcome all breeds, including mixed varieties.
For many years, these farmdogs could not partake in the traditional breed-specific judging at prestigious events like the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York. With the upcoming Westminster show entry deadline already passed, the farmdogs will have to wait until 2026 for that competition. However, they may make appearances at two major televised events later this year: the National Dog Show and the AKC National Championship.
The Danish-Swedish farmdog stands as the 202nd breed recognized by the AKC, with representatives emphasizing the importance of providing them with ample exercise and mental challenges. Gina DiNardo from the AKC described the breed as a wonderful fit for families capable of meeting their needs.
As the oldest purebred dog registry in the U.S., the AKC oversees various canine competitions. To qualify for breed recognition, a breed must have at least 300 documented dogs across a minimum of 20 states; some breeds may be registered with different kennel clubs or not at all. Segebart noted that the community advocating for farmdogs deliberated for years before seeking AKC recognition, recognizing the surge in interest over the past decade. Breeders now receive multiple inquiries each week, and potential puppy owners often face waiting times exceeding a year.
The Danish-Swedish farmdog community is apprehensive that the breed’s newfound popularity could lead to excessive demand, reflecting worries akin to those surrounding the rise of the now most popular breed in America, the French bulldog. Some animal rights advocates have raised similar concerns, suggesting that trends in purebred dogs can detract from shelter adoptions, contribute to puppy mill practices, and inadvertently prioritize appearance over canine health.
In response, the AKC promotes responsible breeding practices focused on preserving both the appearance and function of breeds, emphasizing predictability in characteristics from size to specialized abilities. Since 1995, the AKC has invested over $35 million into research dedicated to canine health, reinforcing its commitment to supporting responsible dog ownership and breeding.
