Is the Border Terrier or the Danish-Swedish Farmdog better for families with children?

Both the Border Terrier and the Danish-Swedish Farmdog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Border Terrier or the Danish-Swedish Farmdog?

The Border Terrier and Danish-Swedish Farmdog shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Border Terrier or the Danish-Swedish Farmdog?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Border Terrier or Danish-Swedish Farmdog bigger?

Border Terrier and Danish-Swedish Farmdog are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Border Terrier or Danish-Swedish Farmdog?

Danish-Swedish Farmdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Border Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Border Terrier or Danish-Swedish Farmdog?

For apartment or apartment living, Border Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Border Terrier vs Danish-Swedish Farmdog: Easier to Groom?

Border Terrier vs Danish-Swedish Farmdog: full comparison

Trait	Border Terrier	Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	Very High	Very High
Typical lifespan	15 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Border Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Border Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Border Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Border Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Border Terrier is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Danish-Swedish Farmdog will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Border Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Border Terrier and Danish-Swedish Farmdog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Border Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Danish-Swedish Farmdog has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Border Terrier and Danish-Swedish Farmdog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Border Terrier if you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Danish-Swedish Farmdog if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Border Terrier or the Danish-Swedish Farmdog better for families with children?: Both the Border Terrier and the Danish-Swedish Farmdog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Border Terrier or the Danish-Swedish Farmdog?: The Border Terrier and Danish-Swedish Farmdog shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Border Terrier or the Danish-Swedish Farmdog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Border Terrier or Danish-Swedish Farmdog bigger?: Border Terrier and Danish-Swedish Farmdog are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Border Terrier or Danish-Swedish Farmdog?: Danish-Swedish Farmdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Border Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Border Terrier or Danish-Swedish Farmdog?: For apartment or apartment living, Border Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Border Terrier vs Danish-Swedish Farmdog