The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred Broholmer

Information and Pictures

Left Profile - Elmedals Kvaser the Danish Broholmer is standing outside in a field. His mouth is open and his tongue is out

Elmedals Kvaser, photo courtesy of Charlotte Kristensen

Other Names
  • Danish Broholmer
  • Danish Mastiff
Pronunciation

dey-nish mah-stif

dey-nish bruh-hohm-er

Description

A Mastiff-type dog of large size, rectangular and strongly built, with composed and powerful movement, its appearance is dominated by powerful forequarters. The head is massive and wide, the neck is sturdy with some loose skin, and the chest is broad and deep. At rest, the head is carried rather low and stooping, and the tail hangs down sabre-like. When moving, the tail is carried higher, but not over the topline. When the dog is attentive or aroused, the head is carried higher and the tail is raised above horizontal. The coat is short and close lying, with a thick undercoat. The coat comes in yellow with black mask, golden red and black. White markings on chest, feet and tip of tail are optional.

Temperament

Calm, good tempered, friendly, yet watchful, the owner of the Broholmer must show great self-confidence. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader; lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success.

Height, Weight

Height: 22 - 30 inches (70 - 75 cm)
Weight: 87 - 176 pounds (40 - 80 kg)

Health Problems

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Living Conditions

The Broholmer will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do.

Exercise

This breed needs a daily, long walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead. Never in front. Like many other giant breeds it is important to remember that too much forced, vigorous exercise is not good for a young dog's growth and development, so watch your puppy for any signs, but it still instinctually needs a daily walk.

Life Expectancy

About 6-11 years

Litter Size

About 4 to 10 puppies

Grooming

Seasonal heavy shedder

Origin

The Broholmer originated in Denmark. As a type this breed has been known since the Middle Ages, when it was used for hunting (stag-hunting). Later on it was used mainly as a guard dog for large farms and manors. At the end of the18th century these dogs were breeding pure and increased in number thanks to the royal game keeper Sehested of Broholm, from where the breed inherited its name. After the Second World War the breed almost became extinct, but around 1975 a group of committed people organized a group called "The Society for Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed." They were supported by the Danish Kennel Club and began the work of reviving the breed.

Group

Mastiff type

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • AKC = American Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
  • UKC = United Kennel Club
Honor the Danish Broholmer is sitting in a building. Her mouth is open and it looks like she is smiling

Honor the Danish Broholmer at 3 years old—"Honor is the rarest breed in the USA. She is a beautiful "sweet as pie" Danish Broholmer. She is a big girl, at 28 inches at the withers and 120 pounds. She thinks she is a lap dog and loves giving kisses to whomever she meets. She needs moderate exercise and loves long walks. She is easy to train and is just full of love, although her size and bark would scare any intruder. We plan on breeding our first US born litter with Honor this year."

Close Up - Honor the Danish Broholmer is standing in front of a large tree

Honor the Danish Broholmer at 3 years old

Honor the Danish Broholmer is walking across a porch with a house behind him. His tongue is hanging out.

Honor the Danish Broholmer at 3 years old

Aslan the Danish Broholmer puppy is laying outside under a staircase looking wise

Aslan the Danish Broholmer as a 4-month-old puppy

Dani the Danish Broholmer is standing in a field. Its mouth is open and its tongue is out

Dani, photo courtesy of Charlotte Kristensen

Signe the Danish Broholmer is standing outside in front of a mossy tree with a building in the distance

Signe, photo courtesy of Charlotte Kristensen

Left Profile - Elmedals Kvaser the Danish Broholmer is standing on a gravelly path and looking forward with woods and a body of water in the distance

Elmedals Kvaser at almost 3 years of age, photo courtesy of Charlotte Kristensen

A Danish Broholmer is laying on a hardwood floor next to a coffee table

Resting like a real Broholmer. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Kristensen