Danish Swedish Farmdog
Canis lupus familiaris

Danish Swedish Farmdog Facts
- Diet
- Omnivore
Danish Swedish Farmdog Physical Characteristics
- Color
- Brown
- Black
- White
- Tan
Danish Swedish Farmdog as a Pet:
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Shedability
- Trainability
- Intelligence
- Tendency to Chew
- Size
- Family and kid friendliness
- Yappiness / Barking
- High
- Separation Anxiety
- High
- Preferred Temperature
- Average climate
- Exercise Needs
- Moderate
- Friendly With Other Dogs
- High
- Pure bred cost to own
- Purchase price of a puppy: $650. Food and maintenance: $650 annually.
- Dog group
- Terrier
- Male weight
- 15-20 lbs
- Female weight
- 15-20 lbs
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“If you want a friendly little dog that loves to play and cuddle, this is the breed for you.”
Danish Swedish Farmdog Introduction
The Danish Swedish farmdog is a small breed that is indigenous, as its name implies, to Denmark and Sweden. Although they are often mistaken for the Jack Russell terrier or similar breeds, they are actually classified as pinschers. In the past, they were used as watchdogs, hunting dogs, and rodent catchers. Today, they are more often family pets. They are full of love and enthusiasm for humans and other dogs. This friendly temperament, combined with their diminutive size, makes them excellent companion dogs even for people who live in small apartments. However, these little fellas are smart and full of energy! Be prepared to provide them with 45 minutes to an hour of vigorous play every day. And when both of you are tired out at the end of the day, don’t be surprised if your little buddy jumps up into your lap and falls asleep.
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3 pros and cons of owning Danish Swedish Farmdogs
Pros! | Cons! |
---|---|
Highly affectionate Danish Swedish farmdogs get along wonderfully with other pets, children, and strangers. They love to play, readily learn tricks, and enjoy cuddling up on your lap. | Big barkers This is a highly vocal dog. To some extent this can be trained out of them, but this will always be a dog that barks more than average. |
Low maintenance coat This breed does shed, but not excessively. Occasional brushing is enough to keep them looking good. | They like to nip and chew Danish Swedish farmdogs like to chew, nip, and play-bite. They have a herding instinct and will try to use it on people. |
Super healthy These little guys have very few health issues. Give them a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine vet checkups and you’ll be able to enjoy them for many years. | Separation anxiety These dogs love their people and become anxious when separated from them too long. They will act out by barking and destroying everything they can to let you know they missed you. |
The Best Dog Food for Danish Swedish Farmdogs
Even though Danish Swedish farmdogs are an extremely healthy breed, you can’t take their health for granted. Your dog will do best with a high-quality diet sourced with natural ingredients and specially formulated for small breeds.
A-Z Animals recommends that you consider Blue Buffalo True Solutions Dog Food. Blue Buffalo builds their dog foods on a base of healthy protein from chicken, with no inferior poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives. It includes fruits, vegetables, and grains such as brown rice, oats, and barley. It’s available as a dry or wet dog food, depending on your companion’s preferences.
•Formula for healthy skin & coat
•Omega 3s & 6s with added vitamin E & C
•Antioxidant ingredients
•Free from artificial ingredients
Danish Swedish Farmdog Size and Weight
Males and females of this breed are comparable in size and weight, at 12-15 inches tall and 15-20 pounds.
Height (Male) | 12-15” Tall |
Height (Female) | 12-15” Tall |
Weight (male) | 15-20 lbs, fully grown |
Weight (female) | 15-20 lbs, fully grown |
Danish Swedish Farmdog Common Health Issues
This breed has very few health concerns, but you and your veterinarian should watch out for two genetic conditions. The first is MDR1 medication sensitivity, a condition that may cause your dog to react adversely to some medications. Secondly, look out for Primary Lens Luxation, a condition that can cause the lens of the eye to become displaced.
Danish Swedish Farmdog Temperament and Behavior

©Jne Valokuvaus/Shutterstock.com
Health and Entertainment for your Danish Swedish Farmdog
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One of the best character traits of these dogs is their affectionate nature. They love people and want to be near them as much as possible. Farmdogs are friendly to children and strangers and get along well with other pets as well.
They have a high energy level and love to run and play. In terms of exercise, they need a walk and energetic playtime each day, which they would prefer to enjoy with you rather than alone. They are also a very intelligent breed and are easily trainable. If you want a dog that will do funny tricks, this is a good choice.
A downside of their affectionate nature is that Danish Swedish farmdogs suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long. They do best in homes where someone will be around most of the day. If left alone too long they will bark, howl, dig, and chew up anything within reach.
How To Take Care of Danish Swedish Farmdogs
Maintenance and Grooming
Dogs of this breed have very low maintenance coats. They just need to be brushed now and then to remove loose hair and control shedding and given a bath occasionally if they roll in something that smells good to them, such as dead animals or dung.
Be sure to trim your dog’s nails regularly. If you can hear them clicking on a hard surface as it walks, they need to be trimmed. Check their ears for parasites or wax buildup that can lead to infection. Make sure to brush their teeth regularly, as they have small mouths and can have crowded teeth. Poor dental hygiene is a leading cause of illness in dogs.
Training
This breed is intelligent and eager to please, so they are quite easily trained. Always use positive reinforcement, praise, and rewards such as treats or a toy, never scolding or harsh methods. Heavy-handed training methods can cause your dog to become fearful and excessively submissive, which are not attractive qualities in a family pet.
Exercise
Danish Swedish farmdogs are an energetic breed. They should get 45 minutes to an hour of vigorous exercise a day, by going on walks or playing. They are eager to please and highly intelligent, and they enjoy fetch, tug-of-war, and practicing agility trials.
Danish Swedish Farmdogs and Children
Danish Swedish farmdogs are an excellent breed for families with children and other dogs. They are playful, funny, and affectionate, eager to please and easily trainable. They do like to chew and may steal kids’ toys for themselves. This shouldn’t be a problem if you train your dog properly, don’t leave it along for extended periods of time, and provide it with plenty of stimulation and dog toys of its own.
Dogs similar to Danish Swedish Farmdogs
- Chihuahua – Chihuahuas are much smaller than Danish Swedish farmdogs and have a longer lifespan, up to 20 years. Chihuahuas are an easier dog for new pet owners but are not as friendly to other pets and strangers.
- Jack Russell Terrier – This breed is smaller but very similar in appearance to the Danish Swedish farmdog. Jack Russells are not as quiet and gentle in personality as farmdogs and can have aggressive tendencies.
- Shih Tzu – These dogs are similar in size to the Danish Swedish farmdog and are a popular family pet. Shih Tzus do not shed much, but on the other hand, their coats require much more grooming than that of the farmdog.
Popular Names for Danish Swedish Farmdogs
Here are some male dog names you might want to consider for your Danish Swedish farmdog:
- Sven
- Jax
- Tucker
- Cody
- Bjorn
And here are some female names to choose from:
- Elsa
- Mabel
- Sheba
- Frida
- Jolene
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View all 99 animals that start with DDanish Swedish Farmdog FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does a Danish Swedish farmdog cost to own?
A Danish Swedish farmdog pup will typically cost $650. Food and maintenance for this small-breed dog will run another $650 annually.
Is the Danish Swedish farmdog good with kids?
Yes, this breed gets the highest marks for being friendly and affectionate with their families, young children, and other dogs.
How long does a Danish Swedish Farmdog live?
The lifespan of a Danish Swedish farmdog is 11-13 years.
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Sources
- AKC.org, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/danish-swedish-farmdog/
- Wisdom Panel, Available here: https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-gb/dog-breeds/danish-swedish-farmdog#:~:text=This%20breed's%20coat%20is%20smooth,have%20flecking%20in%20their%20coats.
- Dog-Learn, Available here: https://www.dog-learn.com/breed-vs-breed/chihuahua-vs-danish-swedish-farmdog/
- Dogell.com, Available here: https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/danish-swedish-farmdog-vs-shih-tzu