Boston Terrier vs Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Choosing between Boston Terrier and Danish-Swedish Farmdog? They are a similar size, so the real deciding factors are lifestyle and temperament: Danish-Swedish Farmdog is the higher-energy of the two, while Boston Terrier is happier with a calmer routine. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Boston Terrier vs Danish-Swedish Farmdog: full comparison

TraitBoston TerrierDanish-Swedish Farmdog
SizeSmallSmall
Energy levelMediumHigh
TrainabilityHighHigh
FriendlinessVery HighVery High
Good with childrenVery HighVery High
Grooming needsVery LowLow
SheddingMediumMedium
BarkingLowMedium
ProtectivenessMediumMedium
AdaptabilityVery HighVery High
Typical lifespan13 years15 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Size and living space

The Boston Terrier is a small dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a small 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 Boston Terrier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Boston Terrier is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Boston Terrier is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Boston Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Danish-Swedish Farmdog announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

Choose the Boston Terrier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Danish-Swedish Farmdog if you want a longer-lived breed or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

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

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