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Until a few decades ago, the small Farmer's Dog was a natural
part of Danish rural life. It's everyday functions were many. This little working dog had many jobs around the
farm including: mouser/ratter, livestock herder, hunting dog, watch dog and family companion. The breed was so lively
and trainable, it was often utilized in circuses, appearing as the clown's playmate.
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| Historical picture - Clown's Playmate |
In more recent times, farms were closed down and families
moved to the cities. The faithful little farmer's dog was suddenly not "grand" enough, and the breed became hard to
find. A part of Danish dog culture was in danger of disappearing totally.
The Danish Kennel Club and the Swedish Kennel Club worked
together in cooperation to seek out typical breed specimens and save the little farmer's dog from extinction. During
the search, it turned out, fortunately, that excellent healthy specimens of this tough old breed still existed.
With its new name, Danish/Swedish Farm Dog, this funny
little dog is one of the newest of the national breeds in Denmark and Sweden, although it has been proven that its ancestors
go far back in history. Its origins go back to the 1700's where it could be found in Great Britain, Germany and France
as well as Denmark and Sweden. Though often mistaken as a terrier, this breed is most closely related to the pinscher
family.
Currently, there are very few of these dogs in the United
States. The American Rare Breed Association has recently recognized the breed and you may see them appearing in regional
dog shows.
| Keeping Watch |
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| 10-4 Good Buddy -- Smokey on your left! |
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Farmdogs doing their jobs:
| Ratting |
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| Rats beware! |
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| Historical picture - Child's Playmate |
| Herding |
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| These sheep better mind me! |
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| Historical Picture |
Companionship
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