Danish Swedish Farmdog – The Rat Dog

What makes the Danish Swedish Farmdog Unique?

Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs were used as working animals on farms in the aforementioned Scandinavian countries for many hundreds of years. In their native land, these dogs remain fairly popular to this day. Yet Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs are considered a rare breed in most portions of the world.. However, members of this multipurpose breed make excellent pets for active households where there is a job for them to perform.

SnapShot

Size: Males – 32 to 37 cm (12 to 14 inches)
Females – 32 to 37 cm (12 to 14 inches)
Weight: Males – 7 to 12 kg (15 to 25 lb)
Females – 7 to 12 kg (15 to 25 lb)
Origin: Denmark and Sweden
Life Span: 10 – 15 Years
Colour: Brown & White, Tri-color, Black & White
Litter Size: 4 to 5 puppies

Is the Danish Swedish Farmdog Right For You?

Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs are very adaptable the needs of their owners. These dogs are excellent at eradicating vermin. They are additionally used to control livestock and guard property. Some may even serve as hunting companions.. However, prospective owners should note that, as a result of their history, these dogs are not recommended for households that already contain pets such as cats, rodents, or birds.

However, members of this breed do get along fine with other canines.Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs are also devoted to their human owners These lively dogs are always up for a new game, a fact which makes them ideal companions for active children. In fact, members of this breed have an outgoing and somewhat humorous personality that allows them to get along great with their entire families.

In 5 Words

  • Lively
  • Alert
  • Easy Going
  • Friendly
  • Intelligent

Fun Fact

Breed historians believe that the Danish Swedish Farmdog existed in regions far from home because they traveled with the Vikings, who favored these farm dogs.

Characteristics

Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Danish Swedish Farmdog

Description

Description

General Description

These dogs are small individuals that look much like a Parson or Jack Russell Terrier. It goes without saying that Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs have compact, rectangular bodies.  These dogs additionally possess wide chests, tapered muzzles, powerful jaws, medium length necks, and proportionate heads. Forward folding ears are another breed feature. The color of an individual dog’s eyes and nose corresponds to the color of patching that is present on its’ body. However, all dogs should have eyes that are darkly colored.  Members of this breed also have tails that vary in size and it isn’t uncommon for these dogs to end up with a natural bobtail. However, making cosmetic adjustment by docking their tails is illegal in most portions of Europe.

Size

Males of this breed stand between 13 and 15 inches (32 and 39 centimeters) tall. They typically weigh between 18 and 25 pounds (8 and 11 kilograms). Female Swedish-Danish Farm Dogs are ever so slightly smaller. They are usually 12 to 14 inches (30 to 37 centimeters) and weigh from 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9 kilograms). FCI regulations state that the ideal height for male dogs is between 13 and 14.5 inches (34 and 37 centimeters). The document goes on to state that female dogs should likewise measure between 12.5 and 13.7 inches (32 and 35 centimeters). However, a deviance of about an inch (2 centimeters) greater or less than the breed standard is considered acceptable for members of this breed.  

Coat

These dogs have an odor free coat that is short in length and glossy in texture. Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs are typically bi or tricolor. Their bodies should be predominantly white with brown, black, and/or tan markings.

Short History

Short History of the Danish Swedish Farmdog

Originally known by the name of Old Danish Fox Terriers, Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs made their first appearance around the 1700s. Although there is no scientific evidence to back up the claims, it is thought by some breed enthusiasts that these dogs have an ancestry that combines Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Danish Pinscher, and Fox Terrier bloodlines. Most sources nonetheless agree that members of this breed resemble pinscher types of dogs rather than terriers.

In any case, the versatile Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs have served a variety of different functions on the Scandinavian farms where they lived. It was typical for members of this breed to be used as vermin catchers and watchdogs but they also made fine companions and some even served to herd livestock. A number of these dogs also joined the circus and performed alongside the clowns with their humorous antics.

Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs obtained their modern name around 1987, when the two countries in question decided to rename the breed. Although these dogs do not yet have full American Kennel Club recognition, they are considered to be part of the organization’s Foundation Stock Services and as such they are eligible to compete in events sponsored by the aforementioned organization. They are additionally categorized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as part of their Pinscher and Schnauzer Group.

Temperament

Temperament

Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs are very adaptable the needs of their owners. These dogs are excellent at eradicating vermin. They are additionally  used to control livestock and guard property. Some may even serve as hunting companions.. However, prospective owners should note that, as a result of their history, these dogs are not recommended for households that already contain pets such as cats, rodents, or birds.

However, members of this breed do get along fine with other canines.Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs are also devoted to their human owners These lively dogs are always up for a new game, a fact which makes them ideal companions for active children. In fact, members of this breed have an outgoing and somewhat humorous personality that allows them to get along great with their entire families.

These dogs are likely to bask in any attention that is given to them and demand notice if they feel themselves to be ignored. Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs require regular human interaction in order to be content. Therefore, members of this breed that aren’t needed for outside tasks overnight should sleep indoors, preferably with one or more of their human family members. Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs may remain somewhat active indoors but they are nonetheless typically well-behaved. After all, these dogs can easily understand when the situation calls for them to be affectionate and calm rather than fierce and uncompromising. This trait makes them relatively good house pets.

Caring for Your Danish Swedish Farmdog

Health

General Health

Although Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs are reasonably hearty dogs, they may occasionally suffer from hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and ailments of the eyelid. Dental problems can also arise from time to time.

Care

Daily

Members of this breed need at least an hour of active playtime per day as well as a daily walk or jog.  These dogs additionally benefit from having some time to run around outdoors in unenclosed spaces.

Weekly

Owner should  regularly cleanse their pet’s teeth several times per week in order to prevent both foul breath and tooth decay.

Monthly

All dogs require flea, heartworm, and tick prevention medications to keep them healthy. These products are usually administered on a monthly basis.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

The short coat of these dogs tends to repel dirt, making them an easy breed to keep clean. Even so, Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs go through regular periods of heavy shedding and daily brushing may prove necessary at such times. Members of this breed will only need to be bathed when they get dirty. Owners are further advised to keep their pet’s toenails trimmed, but should be aware that the process can be a bit of a challenge.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

As is the case with most breeds, early obedience training is recommended for Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs. These dogs are fairly easy to teach because they are smart and learn quickly. Members of this breed also have excellent memories and are not likely to forget what they have been taught. Because they were created to be an all-purpose work dog, Danish-Swedish Farm Dogs are happiest when they are kept busy. Members of this breed typically excel at canine sports such as flyball and obedience competitions because they are nimble, speedy creatures that like nothing better than to play. Owners should note that these dogs will need to be kept on their leashes in unsafe areas because they have a high prey drive and will eagerly chase after any small animals that they happen to encounter.