Pet Wiki

Danish–Swedish Farmdog

Also called Dansk-svensk gårdshund, Scanian terrier, Danish Pinscher

Bright, watchful and full of life.

SizeSmall
Height32 to 37 cm (13 to 15 in)males 34 to 37 cm, females 32 to 35 cm12
CoatShort, smooth, harsh
OriginDenmark and southern Sweden, possibly Scania.13
GroupFCI group 2
Recognised breedShort profile
alert and lively
loves to work and learn
friendly family companion
124

Personality what they are like

Bright, watchful and full of life. It enjoys having a challenge and a job to do, yet it is also a warm, easygoing companion around the house.124

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth, harsh

A small, compact dog, slightly longer than tall, with a short, smooth coat that feels harsh on the body. It is known to mature late.124

Colourswhite with black patcheswhite with tan patcheswhite with brown patcheswhite with fawn or yellow patchestan points, ticking or flecking allowed12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Danish–Swedish Farmdog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active and eager; it thrives with daily walks, play and tasks such as dog sports or scent games.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat is easy to look after with an occasional brush.12

Home where they are happiest

Traditionally a farm dog, but its small size lets it adapt to many home settings as long as it gets activity.13

Company who they like around

A people-oriented companion that likes being involved in family life.41

The story where it all began

Small white-and-patched dogs have worked on Danish and Swedish farms for centuries as watchdogs, ratters and companions. After the type nearly vanished, the Danish and Swedish kennel clubs worked together to save it and recognised it under its current name in 1987.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The AKC nicknames it the Little Big Dog.4

  2. 2

    Despite its terrier-like job as a ratter, it is more closely related to pinschers than to terriers.2

  3. 3

    It first appeared at the World Dog Show in 1989.3

  4. 4

    On farms it has worked as guard dog, rat catcher, hunting dog and even herder.3

Name ideas for your new friend

NisseTotteFrejaBusterMollyViggoSuneLykkePippiKajLunaOskar

A day in the life told by a Danish–Swedish Farmdog

I wake up when the sun peeks through the curtains. My humans are still asleep, so I sneak a quick sniff of the toast crumbs on the counter. Then I hear the jingle of the leash, time for our morning walk! I trot proudly, checking every bush for news. After breakfast, I help my human with the crossword by resting my chin on the newspaper. In the afternoon, we play fetch with my squeaky ball. I catch it every time! Later, I curl up on the sofa, tail wagging as my humans laugh at a show. A perfect day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 356, Group 2, Section 1.1 Pinscher type; standard dated 06.05.2019, countries of origin Denmark and Sweden.1
Danish and Swedish Kennel Clubs
Recognised as a breed in both countries in 1987.1
AKC
Foundation Stock Service from January 2011; fully recognised in 2025; ranked 170th of 202 breeds in 2025.3
UKC
Terrier Group; recognised 2008.2

Popularity Ranked 170th of 202 AKC-registered breeds5

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Danish–Swedish Farmdog, and at what times?

Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular meal times help. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Danish–Swedish Farmdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced dog food. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give alcohol, caffeine, or raw dough. Always check with your vet for a safe diet.7

How often should I bathe a Danish–Swedish Farmdog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. At least once every three months is fine. Use a dog-safe shampoo.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Danish–Swedish Farmdog need brushing?

Brush the short, smooth coat weekly to keep it healthy and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every seven days. This easy coat needs only occasional care.128 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Danish–Swedish Farmdog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for help.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Danish–Swedish Farmdog need?

This active dog thrives with daily walks, play, and tasks like dog sports or scent games. Pet Wiki suggests daily exercise. It's a bright, eager breed that enjoys a challenge.41 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Danish–Swedish Farmdog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Floppy ears trap moisture, so dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Danish–Swedish Farmdog live?

This breed is generally healthy and can live a long life. Senior years usually start around age 10. For specific lifespan, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Danish–Swedish Farmdog good with children and other pets?

Yes, it is a warm, easygoing companion that enjoys being part of family life. It is bright and watchful, making it a good fit for homes with children and other pets when properly socialized.124

Can a Danish–Swedish Farmdog be left alone?

This people-oriented dog likes being involved and may not do well left alone for long periods. It thrives on companionship. For specific advice, ask a vet or a good breeder.41

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard N° 356, Dansk-Svensk Gårdshund fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. UKC Danish-Swedish Farmdog breed standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, size, history
  3. Wikipedia: Danish–Swedish Farmdog en.wikipedia.orgused for AKC dates, history, fun facts
  4. AKC Danish-Swedish Farmdog breed page akc.orgused for nickname, temperament
  5. AKC most popular dog breeds 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.