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American Kennel Club Recognizes Danish-Swedish Farmdog, Its 202nd Breed, in Working Group

Jan 2, 2025, 07:36 PM

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has officially recognized the Danish-Swedish farmdog as its 202nd breed, marking its inclusion in the club's lineup of recognized breeds. The breed, also known as the Danish Pinscher, has been added to the AKC's 'working group' category, making it eligible to compete in various dog competitions, including the National Dog Show and AKC National Championship. The Danish-Swedish farmdog, originating from Denmark, southern Sweden, and other European countries, has a history of performing tasks such as rodent patrol, herding, and acting as watchdogs. The breed's recognition by the AKC is expected to increase its popularity, a prospect that both excites and concerns enthusiasts like Carey Segebart, who has been involved in securing the breed's recognition. Segebart, who plans to debut her farmdog at a dog show in Iowa, expressed mixed feelings about the potential rapid rise in the breed's popularity, fearing it could lead to overbreeding. The AKC emphasizes responsible breeding practices to maintain the health and functionality of the breed. There are approximately 350 Danish-Swedish farmdogs in the US, and the breed was first registered by kennel clubs in Denmark and Sweden in 1987. Gina DiNardo, the AKC's executive secretary, stated that the breed would be 'a wonderful addition to a family that is able to provide it with the exercise and mental stimulation that it needs.' With this recognition, the Danish-Swedish farmdog joins over 200 other purebred breeds eligible for competition.