NEW YORK -

Dog lovers, rejoice! The American Kennel Club (AKC) has officially welcomed a new member into its prestigious lineup of recognized breeds: the Danish-Swedish Farmdog. This cheerful little breed is about to steal the spotlight, and you might just find yourself saying "hej" (hello in Danish) every time you see one!

On Thursday, the AKC granted recognition to the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, marking a significant milestone for this breed that hails from the rural landscapes of Denmark and southern Sweden. With its newfound status, participating in competitions and aiming for coveted best in show trophies will now be within reach for these versatile and sprightly dogs.

Carey Segebart, a passionate advocate for the breed and incoming president of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog Club of America, expressed her excitement about the recognition. "We're really thrilled and looking forward to see how this unfolds," she said, revealing plans to showcase her own farmdog at an upcoming dog show near her home in Iowa. Yet, she remains cautiously optimistic: "This increased exposure is exciting, but it also brings concerns about the breed becoming too popular too quickly."

Known affectionately as the "farmdog" or "DSF," this breed has a rich history that stretches back centuries. Their original roles included patrolling farms for rodents, herding livestock, and serving as charming companions for farmers' children. In fact, some Danish-Swedish Farmdogs have even showcased their talents in circuses!

This breed's journey to recognition has not been swift. With urbanization taking hold in Denmark and Sweden in the 20th century, breed enthusiasts banded together, and their efforts bore fruit when kennel clubs began registering farmdogs back in 1987. Today, there are around 350 of these delightful dogs in the United States, many of which excel in agility, obedience, and other sporting arenas.

While these spirited dogs will need to wait until 2026 to compete at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show, they may very well make appearances in televised competitions like the National Dog Show and AKC National Championship later this year.

As the AKC's 202nd breed, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is noted for its need for exercise and mental stimulation, making them perfect companions for active families. However, existing breeders have already seen a surge in demand, with inquiries pouring in weekly and waitlists growing longer—some puppy seekers are facing waits of over a year!

While excitement mounts, not everyone sees the rise of new dog breeds through rose-colored glasses. Concerns over the potential popularity of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog echo warnings heard in the realms of other breeds, such as the French bulldog, which has become the most desired dog in America. As pet enthusiasts know, increased popularity can lead to issues such as irresponsible breeding practices and a decline in the breed's health standards.

Animal rights advocates caution against the fads surrounding purebred dogs, arguing that the glamour and aesthetic draw people away from adopting shelter animals, and can lead to the rise of unethical breeding practices. Nevertheless, the AKC insists that it promotes responsible breeding—emphasizing a balance between appearance and the health of our furry friends.

As the Danish-Swedish Farmdog takes its place in the limelight, only time will tell how its reputation and future welfare play out. For now, one thing’s for certain: this little farmdog is sure to capture hearts across the nation! Will you be one of the many welcoming a DSF into your home?