The Danish-Swedish farmdog has been recognized as the American Kennel Club’s 202nd breed, making them eligible to compete for best in show trophies. The breed, known for being versatile and fun, has been popular in Denmark and Sweden for centuries, where they were used for rodent patrol and herding. The breed has gained popularity in the U.S. over the last decade, with a growing number of puppy-seekers.

While farmdog fanciers are excited about the breed’s recognition, they also fear that increased popularity could lead to negative consequences, such as overbreeding and health issues. The AKC promotes responsible breeding to produce dogs with predictable traits, but some animal rights activists argue against dog breeding in general, citing concerns about puppy mills and diverting attention from adopting shelter animals. The AKC has donated over $35 million to canine health research since 1995.