January 2nd 2025.
Meet the newest addition to the American Kennel Club's roster of recognized breeds. The Danish-Swedish farmdog, or DSF for short, has officially joined the ranks this week. This means that the breed is now eligible to compete for top prizes at dog shows and is expected to gain even more popularity in the coming years. However, while many are excited about this recognition, there are also concerns among the breed's biggest fans.
Carey Segebart, one of the individuals who played a role in getting the Danish-Swedish farmdog recognized by the AKC, is thrilled about the news. She is even planning to debut her own farmdog at a dog show near her home in Iowa this month. However, she also recognizes the potential downsides of increased exposure for the breed.
"We don't want the breed to become too popular too quickly," she explains. The DSF, also known as the farmdog, has a long history dating back centuries in parts of Denmark, southern Sweden, and other European countries. Originally used for rodent control, these small and lively dogs also had other jobs such as herding and being watchdogs. They were even known to play with farmers' children and perform in circuses.
In the 20th century, as urban and suburban areas in Denmark and Sweden grew, farmdog fanciers took action to secure the breed's place in both nations. Kennel clubs began registering farmdogs in 1987. In the US, the farmdog is still a relatively unknown breed, with only about 350 registered nationwide. Most of them participate in agility, obedience, and other canine sports that are open to all dogs, including mixed breeds.
However, with the AKC recognition, farmdogs can now enter traditional breed-by-breed judging at prestigious events like the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. While the entry deadline has passed for this year's show, there are still opportunities for farmdogs to compete in other televised events such as the National Dog Show and AKC National Championship.
According to Gina DiNardo, the AKC's spokesperson, the Danish-Swedish farmdog is a welcome addition to the 202 recognized breeds. She emphasizes that the breed is well-suited for families who can provide them with the necessary exercise and mental stimulation.
But with popularity comes concerns. Segebart and other farmdog enthusiasts worry that their beloved breed may become too popular for its own good. This has been a common issue in the dog world, as seen with the rise of French bulldogs, which are now the most popular breed in the US according to the AKC.
Animal rights activists also share these concerns, arguing that the focus on purebred dogs takes attention away from shelter animals and encourages puppy mills. However, the AKC stands by their promotion of responsible breeding for both physical and functional traits. They have also invested over $35 million in canine health research since 1995.
In the end, as the Danish-Swedish farmdog gains more attention and recognition, it is important to remember the importance of responsible breeding and the well-being of these beloved animals.
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