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

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

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

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

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

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

Is Danish-Swedish Farmdog or Tenterfield Terrier bigger?

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

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

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

For apartment or apartment living, Danish-Swedish Farmdog and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog vs Tenterfield Terrier: Compared

Danish-Swedish Farmdog vs Tenterfield Terrier: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Tenterfield Terrier is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. 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 Danish-Swedish Farmdog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Tenterfield Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

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. The Tenterfield Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Tenterfield Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Danish-Swedish Farmdog will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Tenterfield Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Danish-Swedish Farmdog and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Danish-Swedish Farmdog has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Danish-Swedish Farmdog 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 and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Danish-Swedish Farmdog and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Danish-Swedish Farmdog if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the Tenterfield Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Danish-Swedish Farmdog on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Danish-Swedish Farmdog or the Tenterfield Terrier better for families with children?: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog or the Tenterfield Terrier?: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog and Tenterfield Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog or the Tenterfield Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Danish-Swedish Farmdog or Tenterfield Terrier bigger?: Danish-Swedish Farmdog and Tenterfield Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Danish-Swedish Farmdog or Tenterfield Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Danish-Swedish Farmdog or Tenterfield Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Danish-Swedish Farmdog and Tenterfield Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog vs Tenterfield Terrier