So what's a farmdog?
I'm asked this question all the time. I've had to develop a short, somewhat helpful answer. Here's my over simplified elevator speech:
I was looking for a small, smooth coated dog without any exaggerated physical features ( no short legs, long backs, nor pushed in noses) who was social with other dogs ( we own a boarding and daycare kennel) and could be off leash with me in our fields, pond and woods. The Farmdog fit the bill.
In spite of being somewhat more self sufficient (it will actually occasionally sleep in a chair way across the room!) than the herding breeds I'm used to, the Farmdog is EXTREMELY bright, willing and biddable. Fast, intuitive, problem solving and behavior offering little beasts - a blast to teach. Discipline and training are a must, but they are not hard, intractable dogs. Sensitive to a clear, well timed correction (sometimes necessary), they get it and move on.
Generally friendly, they, like all dogs, do benefit from good socialization with children and strangers. Not Beagles after all, some don't automatically shower affection or even interest on people that they don't find relevant. Others are waggingly engaged with the UPS man! Shyness and aggression are not tolerated. They remind me a bit of herding dogs in their focused connection to their owners and families.
Presently classed in the AKC/FSS Working Group (although Herding Instinct Test approved), they have an almost terrier-like focus on vermin, but show the same laser focus on anything they have learned with their humans. The quality of their responses to behaviors they've been taught feels almost a little compulsive. A simple, food taught recall is blazingly fast.
They are athletic and coordinated, willing to hike for hours on a trail, to swim in the pond, to ride in the kayak, to chase balls ( a bit compulsively), yet napping in a sunbeam coming in the dining room window seems to come naturally and they spend hours every day doing just that. At the end of the day, you will find them crashed in their crates, an armchair or in your bed - depending on where it is warmest!
They come in a variety of colors ( red, yellow, wild-color, tricolor) on a base of white, shed a lot and have tails ranging in length from almost nonexistent to 1/2, 3/4 and full. They are not docked. The English version of the Breed Standard expands on my description.
- "A Farmdog is a little like a Beagle crossed with a Jack Russell, with neither temperament and its very own body and head type"
I was looking for a small, smooth coated dog without any exaggerated physical features ( no short legs, long backs, nor pushed in noses) who was social with other dogs ( we own a boarding and daycare kennel) and could be off leash with me in our fields, pond and woods. The Farmdog fit the bill.
In spite of being somewhat more self sufficient (it will actually occasionally sleep in a chair way across the room!) than the herding breeds I'm used to, the Farmdog is EXTREMELY bright, willing and biddable. Fast, intuitive, problem solving and behavior offering little beasts - a blast to teach. Discipline and training are a must, but they are not hard, intractable dogs. Sensitive to a clear, well timed correction (sometimes necessary), they get it and move on.
Generally friendly, they, like all dogs, do benefit from good socialization with children and strangers. Not Beagles after all, some don't automatically shower affection or even interest on people that they don't find relevant. Others are waggingly engaged with the UPS man! Shyness and aggression are not tolerated. They remind me a bit of herding dogs in their focused connection to their owners and families.
Presently classed in the AKC/FSS Working Group (although Herding Instinct Test approved), they have an almost terrier-like focus on vermin, but show the same laser focus on anything they have learned with their humans. The quality of their responses to behaviors they've been taught feels almost a little compulsive. A simple, food taught recall is blazingly fast.
They are athletic and coordinated, willing to hike for hours on a trail, to swim in the pond, to ride in the kayak, to chase balls ( a bit compulsively), yet napping in a sunbeam coming in the dining room window seems to come naturally and they spend hours every day doing just that. At the end of the day, you will find them crashed in their crates, an armchair or in your bed - depending on where it is warmest!
They come in a variety of colors ( red, yellow, wild-color, tricolor) on a base of white, shed a lot and have tails ranging in length from almost nonexistent to 1/2, 3/4 and full. They are not docked. The English version of the Breed Standard expands on my description.
FARMDOGS being farmdogs
farmdog links and info
Official Web site of the Danish/Swedish Farmdog Club of America, Inc. A nonprofit American dog breed club that has sponsored all the Danish/Swedish Farmdog National Breed Specialties since the Danish/Swedish Farmdogs were first registered with the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA). The Danish/Swedish Farmdog Club of America (DSFCA) was first established in 2003 and incorporated March 17, 2005 as the official breed club for Danish/Swedish Farmdogs registered and living in the United States.
Alison Smith (Paradox) is a Breeder member in good standing and current (2018) Vice president.
Alison Smith (Paradox) is a Breeder member in good standing and current (2018) Vice president.
Danish-Swedish Farmdogs USA (DSFUSA) is a dog breed club devoted to the ethical promotion and preservation of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, a versatile and rare working dog breed.
The goals of DSFUSA focus on providing and maintaining an avenue whereby Danish-Swedish Farmdogs, may legitimately participate in a variety of canine events worldwide. Additionally, DSFUSA shall promote canine education, events and activities which sustain the breed’s utility, safeguard its health, and preserve breed temperament and type.
Alison Smith (Paradox) is a Regular member in good standing.
The goals of DSFUSA focus on providing and maintaining an avenue whereby Danish-Swedish Farmdogs, may legitimately participate in a variety of canine events worldwide. Additionally, DSFUSA shall promote canine education, events and activities which sustain the breed’s utility, safeguard its health, and preserve breed temperament and type.
Alison Smith (Paradox) is a Regular member in good standing.