Spring 2015 DSFCA Newsletter

In this Issue:

April, 2015

Looking Back at 2014

Annual Meeting Teleconference

Was held on November 16, 2014 and was well attended.  Robert’s Rules of Order generally adhered to, but we had a lively conversation about our club and how it fits into breed recognition in the US with AKC.

See the DSFCA 2014 Meeting Minutes here

The day of the annual meeting marked a change in presidency for the club.  There have been other changes recently in the composition of the Board of Directors for the DSFCA.

Brita Lemmon  – one of the founders of the DSFCA, who served as President for the past 6 years, was termed out.  Carol Lemmon was elected to serve as President for the next 2 years through the 2014 election cycle.

Sally Frankel – submitted her resignation from the BOD Vice President, effective as of the Annual Meeting.  She remains our diligent and talented Webmaster.

Jeri Reinhardt – previously a member at large on the 2014 BOD, was appointed by the BOD to assume the Vice Presidency and accepted.

Bruce Feller – was appointed by the BOD following the Annual Meeting to replace Jeri as the BOD Member at Large.  He brings many abilities to the BOD, including diversity both by living on the East Coast and not being female.

Marganna King remains our Secretary and Linda Avsharian remains our Treasurer.

Our Dogs

Farmdog Achievements

• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• Play

• SQ-Nellie_5787.jpg

  NAFA (North American Flyball Association)

  Matilde’s Nellie has achieved the NAFA Hobbes Plaque (100,000 points) This is the highest Title in NAFA. Nellie leads the pack of Farmdogs with 114,114 points in NAFA and has been named the Most Valuable Player for the NAFA region 16.

• SQ-Suzie-nw2.jpg

  K9 Nose Work

  Little Denmark's Sioux Stub Butt (Suzy) earned her Nose Work II Title in Dallas, OR on May 27th, 2014. She finished 1st place over all with a “Pronounced” (i.e. exceptional teamwork).

• SQ-Anna_2856.jpg

  K9 Nose Work

  Flora's Lady Eva Annelise (Anna) earned her Nose Work II Title in Vista, CA on June 28th, 2014. She finished 2nd place over all with “Pronounced” (i.e. exceptional teamwork) She finished 2nd in Interior.

  Flyball

  U-FLI (United Flyball League International)

  Flora's Lady Eva Annelise "Anna" earned U-FLI’s Highest level pin on May 25th, 2014 a couple of months before she passed away. It is the Top Flight Ultimate Level 3 (TFU-III) 97,000 points. Anna is ranked U-FLI’s all time highest titled dog. She has held this honor since 2005.

• SQ-ScoutNW2.jpg

  K9 Nose Work

  Little Denmark’s Cheyenne (Scout) earned her Nose Work II Title in Hayward, CA. on October 12th, 2014. She finished 4th place over all.

• SQ-Tabatha.jpg

  K9 Nose Work

  Flora’s Make a Joyfull Noise (Tabatha) earned her Nose Work II in Glendale, Arizona on December 14th, 2014.

  Flyball

  Flora’s Make a Joyful Noise Tabatha has achieved the NAFA ONYX title (20,000 points).

• SQ-Luke_1866-5.jpg

  K9 Nose Work

  Flora's Cool Hand Luke earned his Nose Work II in San Luis Obispo, CA on July 20, 2013.

  Flyball

  Flora's Cool Hand Luke earned his Top Flight Extreme pin (54,500 points) October 5th, 2014. Luke is ranked as U-FLI’s 17th all time highest titled dog.

• SQ_August_flyballOctober2014.png

  Flyball

  Crow’s Point August earned his 1st two NAFA titles Flyball Dog (FD) & Flyball Dog Excellent (FDX)

K9 Nose Work

Little Denmark's Sioux Stub Butt (Suzy) earned her Nose Work II Title in Dallas, OR on May 27th, 2014. She finished 1st place over all with a “Pronounced” (i.e. exceptional teamwork).

Flora's Lady Eva Annelise (Anna) earned her Nose Work II Title in Vista, CA on June 28th, 2014. She finished 2nd place over all with “Pronounced” (i.e. exceptional teamwork) She finished 2nd in Interior.

Little Denmark’s Cheyenne (Scout) earned her Nose Work II Title in Hayward, CA. on October 12th, 2014. She finished 4th place over all.

Flora’s Make a Joyfull Noise (Tabatha) earned her Nose Work II in Glendale, Arizona on December 14th, 2014.

Flyball

U-FLI (United Flyball League International)

Flora's Lady Eva Annelise "Anna" earned U-FLI’s Highest level pin on May 25th, 2014 a couple of months before she passed away. It is the Top Flight Ultimate Level 3 (TFU-III) 97,000 points. Anna is ranked U-FLI’s all time highest titled dog. She has held this honor since 2005.

Flora's Cool Hand Luke earned his Top Flight Extreme pin (54,500 points) October 5th, 2014. Luke is ranked as U-FLI’s 17th all time highest titled dog.

In 2014 Crow’s Point August began to compete in Flyball and on October 5th, 2014 earned his 1st UFLI pin (Top Flight).

NAFA (North American Flyball Association)

Matilde’s Nellie has achieved the NAFA Hobbes Plaque (100,000 points) This is the highest Title in NAFA. Nellie leads the pack of Farmdogs with 114,114 points in NAFA and has been named the Most Valuable Player for the NAFA region 16. 

Flora’s Make a Joyful Noise Tabatha has achieved the NAFA ONYX title (20,000 points).

Crow’s Point August earned his 1st two NAFA titles Flyball Dog (FD) & Flyball Dog Excellent (FDX)

---

Rainbow Bridge

Flora's Lady Eva Annelise
August 20, 2003 - August 18, 2014

K9 Nose Work - is a bonding experience like no other. The joy of working as a team with Anna was an amazing experience. She loved doing what was her natural instinct; it stimulated her mind and was very rewarding for both of us. The enormous bond between the two of us was unmatched and a huge benefit to us both

The picture above was Anna's last and most rewarding "Alert" of her short little life.

Flyball - Anna was probably best known for her Flyball achievements. Anna has been the U-FLI® highest titled dog continuously since July 10, 2005. She holds the record for being the first dog to achieve every title pin and milestone plaque in U-FLI®. She passed away before achieving the Final Milestone plaque, Top Flight Elite (100,000 points). She was only 2,795 points away. Her brother Luke ran in Anna's place on the team and when he completed the remaining points in November, the team cellebrated in Anna's honor. This was not an official title, however, the celebration was a tear filled joyous moment as tribute to Anna.

Anna's Flyball talents were written up in several Dog Magazines. Dog Fancy, BARk Magazine, The Whole Dog Journal and a few local Newspapers.
You can read the Articles here.

Sally Frankel

What is Ahead for 2015

2014-2016 Board of Directors

Carol Lemmon,
President

Jeri Reinhardt,
Vice President

Marganna King,
Secretary

Linda Avsharian,
Treasurer

Bruce Feller,
Member at Large

Brita Lemmon,
Past President

Why 2015 Needs to be the Year of FSS Registration

Foundation Stock Services (FSS) is a pedigree issuing and collecting arm of the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC is the largest, most renown, purebred dog association in the United States but not without controversy surrounding its methods and effects on a breed. A breed being “recognized” by AKC, however, confers undeniable legitimacy in this country and internationally.

When the Danish Swedish Farmdog Club of America (DSFCA) was established in 2003, there were less than 15 known farmdogs in the United States. Also in 2003, this breed was not an internationally accepted breed, even in its countries of origin. We relied on pedigrees from kennel clubs in Denmark and Sweden who recognized it to confer pedigree for our dogs. A short time later, these parent clubs also accepted pedigrees through American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) for US born dogs. ARBA gave us a place to do confirmation with our dogs and receive titles. They generously allowed us to bring in international expert judges to their events to evaluate our dogs.

When the Federacion Cynologique Internacionale (FCI) gave Danish Swedish Farmdogs provisional acceptance as a distinct breed in 2008, farmdogs in the United States were eligible to start the process that will eventually make Danish/Swedish Farmdogs an AKC breed. The process means that 150 three-generation pedigrees (photos, applications and fees) need to be submitted and approved by the FSS. The FSS has less than 30 at this time. This process takes a while for all breeds. One thing to consider is that this process is already underway and bound to be eventually completed.

Once the 150 have been received, the Danish Swedish Farmdog becomes a miscellaneous breed in the AKC and the process of AKC qualifying one US DSF breed club begins. Only one is accepted as the official breed club for the purposes of the AKC. There are many requirements for a group to be The Club. Completing it together will be a challenge, but a great deal of fun, as well.

Any DSF owner can participate in this registration of dogs. The dogs do not have to be intact or have gone to a confirmation shows. They just need to have an accepted international or ARBA pedigree. This registration needs to be done by the dog's current owner. Once a dog is FSS registered, that dog can participate in AKC and United Kennel Club athletic events. Individual registration also allows intact dogs to participate in All-Breed AKC confirmation.

DSFCA has made a great link on our website that supplies the form, information and an offer to crop your dog photos to the right size. Groups of 5 applications together get a $15 per entry discount ($20. Instead of $35).
FSS Registration Link

Farmdog Fun Day

Back Row: Wrigley, Nellie, Tigger, Tabatha, Cheyenne, August
Front Row: Salty Dog, Dakota, Ansel, Fiona, Vindaloo, Jack, Luke, Cooper and Sequoia.

Southern California Farmdog Meet the Breed event

March 29, 2015
Organizer:  Jan Harmon

Fifteen Farmdogs defended upon the Sunday shoppers at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. It was quite a show stopper. Many people stopped to ask us about the breed. While we were lined up for a photo op we could see several on-lookers from within the outdoor restaurant taking our picture with their cell phones. The only thing missing was a dance routine because we invaded the mall like a flash mob.

From left to right: Ansel, Sequoia, Wrigley, Salty Dog, Vindaloo, Fiona, Dakota, Jack, Tabatha, Cheyenne, August, Tigger, Nellie, Cooper and Luke.

---

Puppies

The Frozen Litter

DANASA'S My Kelley's Stitch in Time, "Kelly" / Gonzo's Folmer, "Vago"
Born October 17, 2014

• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• 1
• Play

• 400_anna-1.jpg

  DANASA’s Princess Anna, "Harlie"

• 400_anna-2.jpg

  DANASA’s Princess Anna, Now known as Harlie Lives in Lone Tree, CO"

• 400_anna-3.jpg

  DANASA’s Princess Anna, "Harlie" has a very active two-leg family that loves to boat and ski.

• 400_elsa-2.jpg

  DANASA’s Queen Elsa, "Elsa"

• 400_elsa-3.jpg

  DANASA’s Queen Elsa, who continues to stayed with her mother and makes life joyful for her humans

• 400_elsa.jpg

  DANASA’s Queen Elsa, lives with her Grandpa Tukko, Mamma Kelley, Half-Sister Persephone in Lincoln NE

• 400_kristoff-1.jpg

  DANASA’s Kristoff the Hero, "Soren"

• 400_kristoff-2.jpg

  DANASA’s Kristoff the Hero, Now known as Soren lives in Kennesaw, GA with a family of 4

• 400_kristoff-3.jpg

  DANASA’s Kristoff the Hero, "Soren" with his half-brother DANASA’s ACHILLES, better known as Nero

• 400_olaf-1.jpg

  DANASA’s Olaf the Snowman, "Stig"

• 400_olaf-2.jpg

  DANASA’s Olaf the Snowman, now known as Stig lives in Minneapolis, MN

• 400_olaf-3.jpg

  DANASA’s Olaf the Snowman, "Stig"

• 400_sven-1.jpg

  DANASA’s Sven the Best Friend, "Baxter"

• 400_sven-2.jpg

  DANASA’s Sven the Best Friend, now known as Baxter Sven Stewart, lives with a family of 5 in Mounds View, Minnesota

• 400_sven-3.jpg

  DANASA’s Sven the Best Friend, "Baxter", Sven and Olaf live about 15 miles apart!

The Frozen Litter

The puppies were named after characters from the movie “Frozen” Because…..drum roll…..Kelley was AI’d with semen that had been FROZEN from Vago.

Summer 2013 DSFCA Newsletter

In this Issue:

2013 DSFCA National Breed Specialty Show and Seminar

November 8th, 9th and 10th, 2013

This year the Danish/Swedish Farmdog Breed Specialty will be held in Southern California, in conjunction with the ARBA Hollywood Classic.

Hotel Claremont (Show site)
840 South Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA
(909) 621-4831
Directions

$69.00/night RV spaces are $35.00/night, no pet fee. Mention ARBA show for group rate. The cut-off date for this show price is November 1, 2010. The show is on the hotel grounds.

Note: Please reserve now, this place is ALWAYS sold out months in advance, for all their ARBA shows.

For additional Hotel and Camping locations please visit the Website at www.farmdogs.org/Specialty2013.htm. You will also find information about what to bring, what to wear, and what you should do to prepare for the show.

We need your help ...

We are planning a very special show this year. We could use a little help from our Farmdog friends. Please take a few moments to complete this survey so that we may have an some insight as to how many people and dogs will be attending. This is not a firm commitment, we just need a preliminary count of dog entries so that we may be able to provide the appropriate ribbons, food and meeting room space.

Click Here to fill in the Survey

Back to top

Svend Lovenkjaer, The 2013 DSFCA Specialty Danish Judge

Judges Seminar

Svend Lovenkjaer will be giving a Judges Seminar at the 2013 Danish/Swedish Farmdog National Breed Specialty this fall.

The presentation will include The Danish/Swedish Farmdog history, form and function of the breed, an in-depth consideration of the Standard and a question and answer period.

Date and Time

The Judges Seminar will take place on Saturday November 9, 2013 after the Hollywood Classic shows. The Seminar will be held in the Hotel Claremont meeting room.

The Seminar will be open to all ARBA and AKC/FSS judges as well as Danish/Swedish Farmdog owners. Class size is limited to 40 participants.

The Goals of the Seminar are:

• To help create a clear mental image of the correct breed type according to the standard,
• Clarify the breed standard
• Familiarize the participants with the development of the breed
• Provide Breed Specific exam techniques
• Answer questions regarding the breed
• Inspire prospective judges so that they want to judge the breed.

More information will be available in the Fall. Keep checking the Website for further information and registration. www.farmdogs.org/Specialty2013.htm

Back to top

Dog Show Preparation

For the past 13 years, the group of people trying to show for the first time has exploded. We had only 7 Farmdogs at the first show. We anticipate having about 30 dogs represent the breed this year. There should be plenty of first-timers. The following information is from out-takes of an article Helene wrote for DSFCA to help the beginners enjoy showing their Farmdogs. Helene's article is designed to answer some the questions asked from people wanting to learn how to show there dogs.  To read the complete article go to
www.farmdogs.org/Health-Education/Education/DogShowPrep.htm

Show leads

To show a dog, you need a show lead. Generally show leads come in either an all-in-one type, with various types of collars, or in 2-piece sets with separate collar and leash. Mix and match on the 2 piece items are of course optional, just be aware, that the leather is not always of the exact same color, when produced by 2 different companies.

For a Farmdog we need a lead not too much longer than approximately 40 inches, or 3 feet, or 1 meter.  A show lead is to be held tight, and without too much excess length to have "dangling". (Helene shows several types of show leads in her article)

Conformation Classes

I recommend taking a conformation class. This would prepare you and your dog for what to expect, and help your practice tremendously. Most all-round training facilities, which offer various classes in obedience, rally O, and agility also offer conformation classes. Go with no expectation, other than it will likely be the most boring class you have ever been to. But it really is great learning and practice for both you and your dog.

Practice

Teach your dog "stand" command

When you first begin "stand" practice, you might not want  to stand up next to the dog yourself, your dog is little, and the "hovering above" when you bend over it with the treat, can be intimidating, and cause it to not want to stand, but rather want to sit, lay down, or move away from you. So when you first start "stand" practice, consider doing so with the dog standing on top of a table.

Hint: If you have taught your dog obedience heel and it is trained to sit, when you stop, then add a new dimension to that. Make 2 different ways for yourself to stop. One for obedience heeling, prompting for a sit at the stop, where you stop with your feet close together side by side, and your side turned to the dog, and another kind of stop for shows, prompting for a stand at the stop, where you stop with one foot just a small "step" in front of the other, and turn your body towards your dog. This will help your dog tell there is a difference between what it has to do in a show. Of course your verbal command "stand" will help enforce it too, but this extra body language will save your dog some confusion, and you some frustration, when you go back to the obedience practice.

Check Teeth

A judge has to be able to check you dog's bite, while the dog is on the table. It doesn't necessarily need to stand on the table, when the bite is being checked, it can be sitting. However, the dog has to allow the judge to check. If your dog pulls back, most judges will excuse you from the ring immediately. Puppies and the younger age group classes are often allowed some "slack" and given a second chance in this department, but don't expect it.

Walk On a Leash at a Trot and Come to a Stand.

Practice walking with your dog on a leash at a "brisk" pace. If he canters, slow it down to trot again, and slow yourself down too - find the pace, that fits your dog's best gait. The dog is supposed to trot only, not slow motion, but "kicking along" well. Give your dog a lot of praise and treats for trotting along next to you. Add the "stand" command, when coming to a stop. If the dog sits, help him back up to the stand, by moving a step or two forward (now you're beyond having to grab it by the groin, a simple step forward, will do the job for you, and remind the dog, what stand means. If need be, show the treat in front of the nose, rather than up high (making it want to sit) as a reminder. Give the command, while the dog is back up on it's feet. Praise and treat every time it does it correct.

For Helene's complete article go to: www.farmdogs.org/Health-Education/Education/DogShowPrep.htm

Back to top

The DSFCA Constitution

The following updates have been made to the DSFCA Constitution to meet the current dog registration with FSS/AKC requirements

ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES 

The objectives of the Club as provided in the Articles of Incorporation shall be:

5. To educate members and breeders to accept the Standard for the breed as approved by the Nordic Kennel Union (NKU) Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), as the only standard of excellence by which Danish/Swedish Farmdogs shall be judged developed. including:
1. DSFCA may not alter or revise the Standard for the breed described above.  Only the breed clubs in the countries of origin of the breed, Denmark and Sweden, may alter or revise the Standard for the breed in accordance with their official protocol.
2. When the breed clubs in the countries of origin, Denmark and Sweden, revise the Standard for the breed in accordance with their official protocol, the DSFCA must immediately accept all revisions completely, and the official English translation must be approved and endorsed by the Nordic Kennel Union (NKU) Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
6. To maintain and promote our association with the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) as the Nordic Kennel Union (NKU) recognized registry organization in the United States, including:
1. Members who are US residents shall register imported and/or domestic Danish/Swedish Farmdogs with the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA).
2. Breeders who are US residents shall register their litters with American Rare Breed Association (ARBA).
3. To educate and encourage members to participate in events sponsored by American Rare Breed Association (ARBA).
4. To educate and encourage breeders to:
   1. register individual puppies produced with American Rare Breed Association (ARBA).
   2. provide buyers an official American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) pedigree provide buyers initial one year membership in DSFCA
6. To maintain and promote an association with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) including:
1. Breeders to provide buyers an official AKC (Through Foundation Stock Services-FSS) pedigree.
2. Members who are US residents shall register imported and/or domestic Danish/Swedish Farmdogs with AKC (through FSS).
3. To educate and encourage members to participate in events sponsored by AKC and American Rare Breed Association (ARBA).
1. To educate and encourage breeders to: 
1. Register individual puppies produced also with ARBA.
2. Provide buyers initial one year membership in DSFCA.

ARTICLE IV - RULES FOR LICENSED EVENTS  

All licensed events sponsored by the Association the Club will be run in accordance with the rules, policies, and procedures of the American Rare Breed Association and/or the United Kennel Club® Association licensing the event.

ARTICLE V - REVISIONS

The members of the governing board of the Association shall adopt and may from time to time revise such bylaws as may be required to carry out these

For the complete DSFCA Constitution go to www.farmdogs.org/Constitution.htm

Spring 2013 DSFCA Newsletter

In this Issue:

National Specialty

This year the Specialty will be held in Southern California, in conjunction with the ARBA Hollywood Classic.

Classic Danish Judge: Svend Lovenkjaer

Location: Hotel Claremont 840 S. Indian Hill Blvd. Claremont, CA 91711

Phone: 909-621-4831

Date: November 9th &10th

---

2013 Regional Shows

It is always fun to get together with other Farmdogs in your area and attend local shows. The following is a list of ARBA shows for 2013.

Spring Classic April 13-14 Monmouth Battlefield Manalapan, NJ 07726

Southern California Classic
May 18-19
Hotel Claremont, CA 91711

Garden State Classic
June 1-2

Minnesota Classic
June 8-9

Northern California Classic
June 22-23

Missouri Classic
July 6 – 7

Liberty Bell Classic
July 13-14

Oklahoma Classic
July 27-28

Turnpike Classic
August 18-19
Manalapan, NJ

Back to top

Judges Seminar

Svend Lovenkjaer will be giving a Judges Seminar at the 2013 Danish/Swedish Farmdog National Breed Specialty this fall. The presentation will include The Danish/Swedish Farmdog history, form and function of the breed, an in-depth consideration of the Standard and a question and answer period.

More information about Svend Lovenkjaer's lecture and Seminar will be published in the next Newsletter.

Svend Lovenkjaer

I have been involved with dogs all my life. My passion for dogs started when I was no more than 12 years old and got my first Schnauzer.  At that time I was living in Sweden, and helping out regularly at a Schnauzer Kennel. This allowed me the opportunity to show the Kennel´s dogs as well as my own. Showing and breeding dogs remained a major part of my life - mainly English Springer Spaniels and Newfoundlands; several Champions and World Winners.

For the last 20 years I have been living in Denmark and it was here that I began judging. I feel my position as an all-breed judge to be a tremendous privilege. It has taken me to many parts of the world. However, in all my experience, I have never lost my great respect for dogs, breeders and exhibitors.

Today I am a board member of the Danish Kennel Club and "boss" of education of all judges in the Danish Kennel Club. I was Born in Sweden (south) and Skånsk Terrier was a common breed there. The last few years I have, together with my good friend Ole Staunskjaer, given seminars about the Dansk/Svensk Gårdhund (Danish/Swedish Farmdog). I like to educate new judges and would like to give my experience to your "folks" how NOT to make our breed "American"!

Back to top

Where Are They Now?

Purka’s Milo and Flora’s Buttercup “Hilde”
June, 27, 2006 Litter

Winther's Buster, "Buster"

Buster is physically the largest of the litter, lives in Newton, NJ. His family sends a beautiful Christmas card each year with a photo of the two daughters, now teens,  with Buster nestled snugly in-between.  

He is still the ‘Energizer Bunny’, and is constantly on the move. According to his owner, “He is just so cute though, that even when he gets into mischief, you just can't be mad at him.” There are reports that each Christmas he steals ornaments off the tree and lets the kids run around after him.

Buster as a puppy

Buster Now

Winther's Blanca, "Blanca"

Blanca still lives with her mom Hilde, in Tolland, CT.  Blanca and Hilde are such a unit, always together, with Blanca seeing it as her daily duty to be cleaning Hilde’s ears.

A typical late afternoon finds Dad and the girls on a long walk on beautiful farm fields and hiking trails along a river, on the University of Connecticut farms.  The dogs run like the wind in search of the herd of deer whose tracks they smell. They also visit a bunch of friendly and peaceful cows in a paddock. When they look at Hilde and stick their long tongues out at her, she blushes and gets embarrassed.

Dad says they are just two very happy and healthy doggies, who have brought such joy into our lives.

Blanka as a Puppy

Blanca Now

Winther's Cola, "Lola"

Lola lives in Chevy Chase, MD in the D.C. suburbs. The family's daughters are now in their early twenties and no longer at home, but Lola is quite active nevertheless with the folks.

Mom takes Lola to visit the horses on occasion at the stables where Mom is involved in horseback riding. Mom’s ancestors were from Sweden, and recently she and Dad became owners of a family vacation cottage there, so hopefully one of these days Lola will get to spend time in Sweden!

Lola as a Puppy

Lola Now

Winther's Dot, "Dakota"

Dakota lives in Washington where she enjoys long daily walks with her sidekick, Gazelle, a pom-chi mix.

Since August 2012 she’s been learning Nose work skills. She’s got her half – her handler is still learning to trust his dog!

She travels a lot – sometimes just local pick up rides but often she goes in the cabin of Southwest Airlines to New York or Southern California to spend time with distant family. Bouncing and barking, grabbing a toy to “kill”, (she got her 1st witnessed kill this year – poor squirrel), playing with a cat on occasion --- she’s a delightful companion at all times!

Dakota as a Puppy

Dakota Now

Winther's Lucy, "Lucy"

Lucy, Hilde’s clone, was the firstborn in the litter. She lives happily with a large family in Deerfield, IL which is on Chicago’s suburban north shore.  The family’s five kids really enjoy Lucy and her sidekick Danish/Swedish Farmdog, Cali.

Each summer Hilde's family drive to Northern Wisconsin, a two day and 1200 mile trip from CT, where they visit their relatives on the lake 'up north'. On their way they stop for a visit for a couple hours with Lucy's family where mom-Hilde and sis-Blanca frolic with Lucy! It's hard to tell Hilde and Lucy apart - it is amazing!

Lucy as a Puppy

Lucy Now

Winther’s Nash, "Jip"

Jip lives in Hillsborough, CA, on the peninsula just south of San Francisco. His family has three kids, one or two just entering their teens. They are a very active family, traveling and hiking; Jip accompanies them all over.

Jip was at the Claremont ARBA show in 2010, where many of the Club members met him and his family.  

He sired a recent litter with Danasa's Kelley, from Lincoln, Nebraska. In fact, one of the male pups from that litter, Danasa’s Ajax, now known as Cech, has joined his dad, Jip and the family. Now they are the male version of the Hilde/Blanca pair ... very special!

Jip as a Puppy

Jip Now

Winther’s Simon, "Venny"

Venny lives with his Dad out in the rugged Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, ID. They live alone in a log cabin. Venny's Dad works for the local phone company where Venny often accompanies his Dad to job sites.  

According to Dad, “Venny is the least aggressive dog I have ever known.  If other dogs are aggressive, he is submissive; he still only barks about three times a month and he will socialize with anyone or anything.  He even tries to get mules and horses to play.  The only animal that he shows aggression to is what we call whistle pigs. They are like prairie dogs or ground squirrels.  He doesn't catch many, but he tries really hard.”  

Venny goes snowmobiling with his Dad in the winter, tucked snugly inside his Dad's coat with his head sticking out!

Back to top

Venny as a Puppy

Note: The staff was not able to locate a current photo of Venny before the publishing deadline.

The Barn Hunt

The Barn Hunt will test speed, agility, and surefootedness of the dogs. The Barn Hunt is all-inclusive and fun for any dog and human who wishes to play the game. Barn Hunt is a sporting event, and as such there will be levels of difficulty, titles, and championships to be attained. While it can be used as an instinct test, there is also a handler component in that the handler must signal when the dog has reached the desired target PVC rat tube; thus, the handler must know and have a partnership with their dog. Teamwork will win the game.

The origins of the Barn Hunt go back to the days when itinerant Rat-catchers would travel to towns and farms, being paid to use their sharp and clever dogs to rid the area of rats and mice. These dogs were not necessarily go-to-ground dogs or Earthdog breeds. I would not be surprised if the Danish/Swedish Farmdogs were frequently used.

Today Barn Hunts have been held across the country as a fun event in conjunction with Earthdog and Jack Russell trials. There has never been an official sanctioning organization or sport with rules until very recently. This new sport will allow any breed and any size dog to participate and title. The only restriction is that the dog must be able to fit in an 18-inch wide by 22-inch high gap or hole, usually made with bales of hay.

The basics of the Barn Hunt include climbing over and under hay bales in search of prey. They must give the handler a signal that they have found the rat. This is called marking the prey. The handler must call the mark to the judges, much like they do for K9 Nose Work. Placements are based on the over all time. All rats are handled responsibly and humanely.

Barn Hunt Fun Day

The Danish/Swedish Farmdog Club is looking into a Barn Hunt Fun Day at the National Breed Specialty in November. Watch for future announcements.

If you would like to be in on the ground floor of this new sport visit www.barnhunt.com

There is a one-time registration fee per dog of $26. That gives you a lifetime number for that dog (no yearly fees, no club membership fees). That fee, along with the fees to clubs holding Barn Hunt Tests, pays for the costs of the of the sport.

The Barn Hunt Rules

Click here for the current copy of the Barn Hunt Association Rules.

AKC will list Barn Hunt titles on AKC pedigrees.

Links to Barn Hunting

The Barn Hunt Blog
Barn Hunt Events
Barn Hunt FaceBook Page
Barn Hunt Rat Care

Back to top

---

More Barn Hunt Information ...

Currently Barn Hunt Clubs are located in the following states:

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Missouri
• Ohio
• Oregon
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Washington

Back to top

Farmdog History

Until a few decades ago, the small Farmer's Dog was a natural part of Danish rural life. Its everyday functions were many. This little working dog had many jobs around the farm including: mouser/ratter, livestock herder, hunting dog, watchdog and family companion. The breed was so lively and trainable. It was often utilized in circuses, appearing as the clown's playmate.

In more recent times, farms were closed down and families moved to the cities. The faithful little farmer's dog was suddenly not "grand" enough, and the breed became hard to find. A part of Danish dog culture was in danger of disappearing totally.

The Danish Kennel Club and the Swedish Kennel Club worked together in cooperation to seek out typical breed specimens and save the little farmer's dog from extinction. During the search, it turned out, fortunately, that excellent healthy specimens of this tough old breed still existed.

With its new name, Danish/Swedish Farm Dog, this funny 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 go back to the 1700's where it could be found in Great Britain, Germany and France as well as Denmark and Sweden. Though often mistaken as a terrier, this breed is most closely related to the pinscher family.

Article from "To Live in The Countryside" Author: Journalist Svend Olav Josephsen Translated into English by: Helene R Pedersen

Information Update …

The American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Services (AKC/FSS) recognized the breed in 2011. The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) has recognized the Danish/Swedish Farmdog since 2001.

---

Salmon Fudge Dog Treats

• Two 6 oz. cans or one 14 oz. can of salmon (do not drain)
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 C whole wheat flour

Mix salmon and eggs together in a food processor (hand mixer or hand mix) until smooth. Add flour in small amounts until dough is one big ball (takes less than a minute in food processor).

Grease a 9x9 pan (Pam works well).

Spread dough around pan evenly.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Freezes well.

You can use tuna instead of salmon.

2014 Calendar Photo Contest

Take your Camera and Your Farmdogs Everywhere!

Remember to take a lot of pictures this year.

Photo Due Date - September 30th.

---

Kennel Little Denmark Had Puppies

My Bonnie Nøkkerose I Civil "Nikki" gave birth to 6 healthy puppies on February 5, 2013.

She had 3 males and 3 Females.

One may be coming to live in the U.S.

You can learn more about these puppies at www.farmdogs.net

Click here to contact the breeder

Back to Top

Tweet

Fall 2012 DSFCA Newsletter

Look What's up with our Danish/Swedish Farmdogs ...

East Coast Farmdog Polly does Stand Up Paddling (SUP) with her human brother Luke in Pemaquid Harbor. EVERYONE in the harbor knows Polly!!  She would get very sad if you went paddle boarding or kayaking without her!

Gatherings -
Joys of Knowing other Farmdog owners….

West Coast Gathering

Sequoia, Dakota, Anna, Luke, Tabatha, Spiff, Ansel, Ike

One of the many rewards of owning a Farmdog is meeting with other Farmdog families. The above photo was a West Coast Farmdog gathering in Southern California. Eight Farmdogs had a romp in the park.

Anna, Dakota, Sequoia, Tabatha, Luke and Spiff

Posing 8 farmdogs is next to impossible – they are off and running after someone yells "Go". Now who do you think did that? Tee hee!

East Coast Gathering

Back: Emma, Left to right: Cheyenne, Polly and Daisy

The Girls are taking a couch break after playing with Daisy’s 5 puppies.

2013 National Specialty

2013 National Breed Specialty in Southern California, in conjunction with ARBA Hollywood Classic

Danish Judge: Svend Lovenkjaer

Location: Hotel Claremont
840 S. Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: 909-621-4831

Date: November 9th and 10th, 2013

2012 Regional Shows

It is always fun to get together with other Farmdogs in your area and attend local shows. The following is a list of ARBA shows for 2012.

Missouri Classic
Purina Farms
200 Checkerboard Drive
Gray Summit, MO 63069
October 13-14, 2012

Windy City Classic
LeRoay Oakes Forest Preserve
37W 370 Dean Street
St. Charles, IL 60175
October 20-21, 2012

Citrus Classic
Location TBA
Florida
November 3-4, 2012

Hollywood Classic
Hotel Claremont
840 S. Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
November 10-11, 2012

DSFCA Annual Meeting

The Annual meeting will be held Online again this year in the month of December. More information to follow closer to December.

Farmdog History

The dog of The Vikings

Article from a section of "To Live in The countryside"
By: Journalist Svend Olav Josephsen
Translated in English by: Helene R Pedersen

Much insinuates that the farmdog was one of the favorite dogs of The Vikings. There is a living isolated population of Danish-Swedish farmdogs on a location in The Normandie, which is the particular area in France, where most of the Danish Vikings settled and took land. So they brought the dog from home. Besides, the archaeologists find from time to time bones from small dogs in their excavations from the Viking area. They are almost positively from farmdogs.

Election Results

By Marganna King,
DSFCA Secretary

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the 2012 election results for the DSFCA. The Nominating Committee’s slate of candidates was elected for the 2012 – 2014 term.

The results are:
Brita Lemmon as President and Linda Avsharian as Treasurer.

Their term begins at the Annual Meeting, 2012.

Back to top

2012 DSFCA Club Member's Litters

Kennel DANASA

My Kelley's Stitch in Time had a litter sired by Winther's Jip

Born April 18, 2012
4 Males and 1 Female

DANASA’S Persephone "Sephie" lives in Nebraska with his mom Kelley and Tukko.

DANASA’S Odysseus "Wyatt" lives in Maryland with Trygve.

DANASA’S Ajax "Cech" lives Northern California with his dad Jip.

DANASA’S Achilles "Nero"lives in Georgia.

DANASA’S Aeneas "Henry" lives in New Mexico.

Kennel DANASA Website

---

Kennel Matilde

Matilde's Nellie had a litter sired by Flora's Ollaliberry, aka Target

Born July 21, 2012
1 Male

Matilde's Tigger lives with his mom Nellie in Southern California. He was named Tigger because he "is the only one".

---

Crow's Point Kennel

Emerald City's Daisy had a litter sired by DKCH, Nydningen's Dirck, aka Disney

Born August 1, 2012
4 Males and 1 Female

Crows Point's Chief, "Chief" lives in Connecticut with Bernie.

Crows Point's Herman, "Oskar" moving to Denmark to live the Kennel Little Denmark gang. Herman is the first U.S. born Danish/Swedish Farmdog puppy to be exported overseas for possible breeding.

Note: Other Danish/Swedish Farmdogs have moved overseas after living in the U.S. and one Farmdogs puppy was exported to Canada in February, 2012.

Crows Point's August, "August" lives in Southern California with Cheyenne.

Crows Point's Timmy, "Luther" lives in New York.

Crows Point's Lily, "Sophie" lives in Maine.

Crow's Point Kennel Website

Activities with your Farmdogs

Take a Hike!

Walking with your Danish/Swedish Farmdogs can be a good way to improve your "Hand-Eye Coordination". It is good for both humans and dogs. Test yourself to see who is walking who.

---

K9 Nose Work®

This is the final alert that earned Luke his K9 Nose Work® title, NW1.

Flora's Cool Hand Luke is the First Danish/Swedish Farmdog to earn the NW1 Nose Work® title on July 22, 2012.

K9 Nose Work® is a kool way to learn how to work be one with your Farmdog. Trust your dog and feel the thrill.

Back to top

Where Are They Now?

The first litter born in the United States was in 2001; a litter of one male. Several litters of various numbers of puppies have been whelped since then. Two Farmdogs had litters of seven bringing the average litter size to four or five puppies.

We plan to have each Newsletter feature a United States litter and to show how the Farmdogs are doing as adults. Our featured litters will not be selected in any special order.

Featured Farmdog Litter

The Featured Litter today is Maddy's second litter, born in 2005. They just celebrated their 7th birthday. At the time of this post, two of Maddy's litter mates are meeting their new puppy family member from the Crow's Point Kennel litter born August 1, 2012.

Little Denmark's Benedicte The Pioneer, "Cheyenne"

Cheyenne was the first puppy born in the litter making her the 27th Farmdog born in the United States. She was the smallest puppy in the litter. Today Cheyenne lives in Southern California. She is anxious to meet her little brother August.

Cheyenne as a puppy

Cheyenne now

Little Denmark's Birgitte The Conqueror, "Emma"

Emma was the 2nd puppy born in the litter. She is the 28th Farmdog born in the United States. Today Emma lives with Daisy in Maine. Daisy just had a litter of 5 puppies. Two of her puppies are living with Emma's litter-mates.

Emma as a puppy

Emma now

Little Denmark's Boerge The Explorer, "Samson"

Samson was the 3rd puppy born in the litter. He is the 29th Farmdog born in the United States. Today Samson lives in Florida.

Samson as a puppy

Samson now

Little Denmark's Berta The Adventurer, "Greta"

Greta was the 4th puppy born in the litter. She is the 30th Farmdog born in the United States. Today Greta lives in Colorado and has had one litter of 4 puppies on August 26, 2008 (US born puppies 62 - 65).

Greta as a puppy

Greta now

Little Denmark's Bernhardt The Discoverer, "Bernie"

Bernie was the last puppy born in the litter. He is the 31st Farmdog born in the United States. Today Bernie lives in New York. Bernie has a new family member, Chief from Daisy's litter.

Back to top

Bernie as a puppy

Burnie now

DSFCA Calendar Pictures

Deadline: October 31st.

Criteria for submitting pictures for the 2013 Farmdog Calendar:

1. Only Farmdogs – and maybe a side kick or two but no people (exceptions can be made - we will need releases)

2. Horizontal – Landscape pictures only.

3. Sharp (In Focus) – This is a “must” – out of focus pictures cannot be enlarged for printing.

4. Striving for seasonal pictures: holidays, fall, spring or Travel Pictures – Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Canyon, etc in background…. (wishful thinking – but I know you have those pictures!)

5. Action Shots and Activity Shots are the most fun but Glamour Shots will be welcome as well.

6. Well Composed shots with enough margin around subject to allow for cropping/printing.

7.  High Resolution (set your camera on it’s highest setting – large format. (Look in the manual!)

8. Getting the pictures to the committee…

Most of us just email pictures as attachments or with them just tagging along with our message. Almost all these pictures get reduced in size so they can be “sent” and “received” without the process taking hours. A DropBox will be provided so you will have a way to send the pictures in the largest format as possible.

Note: The most difficult task to achieve has to do with DPI (dots per inch) in the printing and not the pixels. Most cameras even smart phones have enough pixels these days, but they don’t have enough RESOLUTION (DPI) to print in the calendar size. This is why you need your camera set on it’s highest setting.

Last year we had several fun pictures of many dogs so we decided to collage the ones that could not be enlarged to our full size. This allowed us to use many more farmdogs. I think the 2012 December page is quite interesting.

So what does this mean?

SEND US YOUR PICTURES!! The calendar is the gift that gives to us all year – let’s make it another great year in pictures.

Click here for a tool to Send Large photo files. Please contact the Webmaster for the email address to send your photo files.

---

Back to top

Join the DSFCA Mailing list