A Danish-Swedish Farmdog is pictured. AKC
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has recently welcomed the Danish-Swedish farmdog into its lineup, officially recognizing it as a new breed. This small and energetic dog is now eligible to compete for coveted "best in show" titles, and this recognition is expected to spark greater interest in the breed. However, while fans are excited about the attention the farmdog will receive, they also worry about the breed becoming too popular too quickly.
Carey Segebart, a passionate breeder and one of the driving forces behind the breed’s AKC recognition, shared her excitement, saying, “We’re excited about it. We’re looking forward to it.” Segebart, who plans to show one of her own Danish-Swedish farmdogs at an upcoming event near her home in Iowa, recognizes that with increased exposure comes responsibility. “We don’t want the breed to just explode too quickly,” she added, fearing that the breed’s success could lead to undesirable consequences.
The Danish-Swedish farmdog, also known as the DSF or simply the farmdog, has a rich history in Denmark and southern Sweden. Originally, these dogs were tasked with patrolling farms for rodents, herding livestock, guarding properties, and playing with farmers' children. In fact, some even performed in circuses. The breed was first recognized in Denmark and Sweden in 1987, after urbanization made it harder for the dogs to fulfill their traditional roles. The breed gradually gained a following, and over the years, many farmdogs have been trained to compete in canine sports like agility and obedience, even though they couldn't participate in breed-specific shows until now.
The AKC’s recognition marks a milestone for the breed. It allows farmdogs to compete in the traditional breed-by-breed judging, a step that brings them closer to prestigious events like the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. However, since the 2024 Westminster show has already passed its entry deadline, farmdogs will have to wait until 2026 for their turn. In the meantime, the breed may make appearances at other major dog shows, including the National Dog Show and AKC National Championship.
Despite their newfound status, farmdog enthusiasts are cautious. The breed is still relatively rare in the U.S., with only around 350 dogs currently registered. Due to its small numbers, breeders often have long waiting lists, with some people waiting over a year to adopt a puppy. While the breed's popularity is growing, there are concerns that it may quickly attract too much attention, similar to what has happened with the French bulldog, which has become the most popular breed in the U.S.
Animal rights activists have voiced concerns about the rising demand for purebred dogs. Some argue that it can fuel issues such as puppy mills and focus on appearance rather than health. In response, the AKC emphasizes its commitment to responsible breeding practices, focusing on traits that ensure both the health and functionality of the breed. The AKC has also invested millions into canine health research to address these concerns.
The Danish-Swedish farmdog’s official recognition by the AKC is a significant step for the breed, but it also brings new challenges. While fans are excited about the future, they also hope that this small, hardworking dog is not overwhelmed by its newfound fame.
