Origin
The Danish Swedish Farmdog is an old breed of dog that dates back to the 1700s and has its roots in the farms located within the eastern part of Denmark and the southernmost part of Sweden. However, the DSF has now become very popular throughout Scandinavia
This breed was used by the residents to catch rats, thus it was often called The Rat Dog. The Danish- Swedish Farm Dogs were also trained to herd animals, such as cattle, to be milked by the local farmers. To this date, the DSF remains rare elsewhere in the world.
Traits and Behavior
The DSFs are excellent companion dogs, loving, affectionate and loyal.
They were developed such that they can serve as a family pet and that through their intelligence can easily be trained.
Aside from excelling as house pets, they can also be good herders. These dogs like to be cuddled and be given attention from family members, yet they are also shy and reserved to strangers or even with other animals.
Socialization is recommended at an early stage to develop association skills with other pet dogs or animals or even to people.
Although they can be watchful and alert, it is highly recommended that these dogs should not be left alone for a long period because they can develop separation anxiety which is an inappropriate behavioral problem.
Proper training can be easily done to this breed, but if it would be possible any repetitive activities or exercises be avoided as these can bore them and can cause depression and unresponsiveness to training. They are also playful and like to be exposed more to outdoor activities.
Pet Care and Diseases
This breed needs brushing or combing, but not too often. This breed sheds a little all year round with a seasonal heavy shedding.
Bathing is needed only when necessary. Ears must be given regular inspection for possible infection or mucous plugs.
They also need regular exercises like having long walks, running or any playful activities like fetching or Frisbee.
Generally, the Danish Swedish Farmdog is a healthy type of breed and don’t usually manifest major health problems. But just like any breed of dogs, they can be susceptible to hip and knee injuries or even spinal injuries.
A regular visit to the vet should be one of the priorities of a dog owner so that minor health concerns can be detected as early as possible and that treatment shall be rendered while it is still not serious.
Appearance
According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale’s standard, the Danish Swedish Farmdogs should have a compact body and must stand around 30–39 cm tall. The relation between withers height and the body length should be 9-10.
The head is rather small and triangular with a well-emphasized stop. The coat is hard, short and smooth in texture, with white as a dominating color, with one or several patches of different color combinations. The tail could be long, half bobtail or bobtail.
Coat colors include mixed white and chocolate brown, black-red, or red (either tricolor or bicolor).
General Information
The DSF has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. The average litter size is about 4-5 puppies. The Danish Swedish Farmdog is also known as Scanian Terrier.
Breed Club
Visit this dog club website dedicated to Danish Swedish Farmdogs. Click this link: http://dsfca.org