National Dog Show on Thanksgiving to Introduce New Breed, Danish-Swedish Farmdog

The American Kennel Club has certified one new breed – the Danish-Swedish Farmdog – as eligible this year to compete in conformation at dog shows across America, including the National Dog Show Presented by Purina Thanksgiving Day on NBC.

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog will be part of the Working Group and is now one of 214 different breeds eligible for judging at some 3,000 dog shows in the United States. Within the last two decades, the AKC has certified over 40 new breeds as eligible for competition.

The newly-authorized breed will compete for Best in Show from the Working Group category, as NBC’s two-hour special airs from noon to 2 p.m. in all time zones. The broadcast reaches over 20 million people on America’s most family-centric holiday.

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is an energetic, hardworking multi-purpose breed that originates from Denmark and southern Sweden. Used primarily on farms for vermin control, they could also be found hunting or herding.

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a highly coordinated, intelligent and athletic dog. While quick on their paws, these beloved dogs are super friendly and relish taking on any challenges. Its open-minded, quick-to-learn style allowed the breed to earn a spot in old-time circus shows and is now loved by families and dog sport personalities.

The breed was entered into the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Services Program in 2011 and has since competed in Agility, Barn Hunt, Flyball, Herding, Lure Coursing, Nosework, Obedience and Rally, Tracking and AKC FSS Open Shows.

New Breeds Recognized by the AKC Since 2015

2025

Danish-Swedish Farmdog – Working Group

2024

Lancashire Heeler – Herding Group

2023

No new breeds added

2022

Mudi – Herding Group

Russian Toy – Toy Group

Bracco Italiano – Sporting Group

2021

Biewer Terrier – Toy Group

2020

Barbet – Sporting Group

Dogo Argentino – Working Group

Belgian Laekenois – Herding Group

2019

Azawakh – Hound Group

2018

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje – Sporting Group

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen – Hound Group

2017

No new breeds added

2016

American Hairless Terrier – Terrier Group

Sloughi – Hound Group

Pumi – Herding Group

2015

Lagotto Romagnolo – Sporting Group

Bergamasco – Herding Group

Spanish Water Dog – Herding Group

Miniature American Shepherd – Herding Group

Boerboel – Working Group

Berger Picard – Herding Group

Cirneco dell’Etna – Hound Group