Meet the Danish-Swedish farmdog, the newest breed in the American Kennel Club's lineup

The official recognition of the Danish-Swedish farmdog is expected to attract more attention to these small, energetic dogs, which brings mixed feelings to their devoted supporters.

NEW YORK — Say hello to the latest dog in the American Kennel Club’s lineup of recognized breeds. Or you might say “hej.”

This week, the Danish-Swedish farmdog, as it is formally known, has been acknowledged. This acknowledgment allows the breed to participate in competitions for prestigious awards, potentially sparking increased interest in these lively canines. This potential development brings joy and apprehension to the breed’s most ardent followers.

One of the individuals involved in the effort to have Danish-Swedish farmdogs acknowledged by the AKC, Carey Segebart, expressed enthusiasm for this milestone. She eagerly anticipates showcasing one of her own dogs at a forthcoming dog show in Iowa.

Still, she thinks increased exposure is “a double-edged sword” for the fleet, versatile pups.

“We don’t want the breed to just explode too quickly,” she said.

Called the farmdog or DSF for short, the breed goes back centuries in parts of what are now Denmark, southern Sweden and some other European countries, according to the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America.

“They’re interesting, fun little dogs,” said Segebart, who has owned them since 2011 and is the club’s incoming president. “They’re essentially up for anything. They succeed at most everything.”

In their original homelands, the dogs’ main job was rodent patrol, but they also would herd a bit, act as watchdogs and play with farmers’ children. Some even performed in circuses, according to the club.

After Denmark and Sweden became more urban and suburban in the 20th century, farmdog fanciers set out to secure the breed’s place in both nations (where “hej” translates to the English “hello”). Kennel clubs there began registering farmdogs in 1987.

In the U.S., many of the just about 350 farmdogs nationwide compete in agility, obedience or other canine sports that are open to all dogs, including mixed breeds.

But until now, farmdogs couldn’t enter the traditional breed-by-breed judging that leads to best in show prizes at events including the prominent Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York. The entry deadline has passed for February’s Westminster show, so farmdogs will have to wait for 2026 there, but they may well appear later this year at two other major, televised shows, the National Dog Show and AKC National Championship.

The Danish-Swedish farmdog is the AKC’s 202nd breed and “a wonderful addition to a family that is able to provide it with the exercise and mental stimulation that it needs,” said the club’s Gina DiNardo.

The AKC is the United States’ oldest purebred dog registry and essentially a league for many dog competitions. Registration is voluntary, and requirements for breed recognition include at least 300 pedigreed dogs spread through at least 20 states. Some breeds are in other kennel clubs or none at all.

Danish-Swedish farmdog fanciers deliberated for several years before pursuing AKC recognition and the attention that’s likely to come with it, Segebart said. The number of farmdog puppy-seekers has grown substantially over the last decade; each of the few breeders receives multiple inquiries a week, and the typical wait for a puppy is a year or more, she said.

Farmdog folk fear that their appealing, relatively easy-care breed could quickly become too popular for its own good. They’re not the first to worry: Much fur has flown in dogdom over the rise of the French bulldog, which the AKC now ranks as the most popular breed in the country.

Some animal rights activists echo those concerns to argue against dog breeding in general. They say purebred popularity trends divert people from adopting shelter animals, fuel puppy mills and prize dogs’ appearance over their health.

The AKC says it promotes responsibly “breeding for type and function” to produce dogs with at least somewhat predictable traits, whether as basic as size or as specialized as bomb-sniffing skills. The club says it has given over $35 million since 1995 to its canine health research charity.

You May Also Like

The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, and others honor Zydeco icon Clifton Chenier

NEW YORK – Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones performs with a…

Woman from Canton accused of hitting 11-year-old girl’s head at park in Stark County

According to the police report, Destany Scott “did cause physical harm to…

“Mother and Daughter both successfully complete nursing program together”

Five years of dialysis, a kidney donation and transplant and a whole…

Cam Ward joins the Titans as they select their top quarterback in the NFL draft.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement to kick off the draft,…

Shooting in Brighton neighborhood results in two fatalities

BRIGHTON, Colo. — Two people were killed in a shooting in a…

Iran-US Nuclear Program Negotiations Resume in Oman’s Seclusion

MUSCAT – Discussions between the United States and Iran about Tehran’s rapidly…

Man’s body found at Wildwood Marina by Cleveland Metroparks Police

The victim was identified as 38-year-old Christopher Patton. CLEVELAND — A body…

“Orange County Jail Experiences Surge in Inmate Population Following New ICE Agreement”

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orange County leader says she got a call…

Northeast Ohio Photographer Reveals Special Bond with NFL Draft Prospect Travis Hunter

The story of Ben Nichols isn’t just one of hustle—it’s about belief.…

Zelenskyy from Ukraine visits South Africa after Trump criticizes him again

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in South Africa for a state…

New Orlando Health hospital introduces digital footprints for babies

LAKE MARY, Fla. – A baby’s footprints taken in the hospital are…

Trump requests Supreme Court’s approval to temporarily enforce ban on transgender military members.

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has requested the Supreme Court to permit…