Until a few decades ago, the small farmer's dog was a natural part of danish and southern swedish 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. Though often mistaken as a terrier, this breed is most closely related to the pinscher family.
This 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 is not known for sure, but skeletons very similar to the farmdog, has been found in various viking settlements and specimens of the breed could in the 1700s be found in Great Britain, Germany and France as well as Denmark and Sweden.
The farmdog should be a small, compact and slightly rectangular pinscher type dog. The head is rather small, triangular with rather broad skull and marked stop. The muzzle is short and thin without being pointy. The eyes should have a lively expression. The ears can be tipped over or typical rose ears. The neck is of medium length, powerful and slightly arched. The body is slightly rectangular with deep chest, slight tuck up and rounded over the loins. Straight frontlegs, good angulation in hind. The tail can be long or naturally bobbed. The coat is short, hard and smooth.