The Broholmer dog breed is known for its powerful looks and its large size. They resemble the Mastiff breed in their appearance.
Originally bred to be guard dogs, these dogs gained popularity later on as companion dogs.
They are not the best when it comes to small children and would do well with older children.
Being guard dogs, they are known to be very protective and affectionate towards their family.
They also are wary of strangers or anyone they find threatening near their family or home.
Known for their stubborn streak, these dogs don’t submit to others easily; it is, therefore, necessary that whoever is responsible for training them is strong and capable of leading the Broholmer.
These dogs require training throughout their lives, or they will try to dominate you or take up the leadership role from you.
About The Breed
The Brohomer dog breed comes in brown or tan color, sometimes monotone or sometimes with white or black markings.
They do not require much grooming, just occasional brushing to keep their coats healthy and clean.
They have short coats that won’t keep them warm, especially if you live in a cold region. The Brohomers are already naturally large dogs, but they tend to gain weight.
This can be prevented with daily exercise and activities. They are mild-mannered and friendly dogs and get along with most people.
They are very protective, and this can make them wary of strangers. They are also not to be left unsupervised with little children.
They have no submissive bone in them, and if you give them the space, they could take on your leadership role. They don’t bark unnecessarily and are mostly quiet.
Broholmer Dog Breed History
The Broholmer dog breed has been here since the 1500s. It is believed that when the Danish King Frederick II’s daughter was married to the Scottish King James VI, the Scottish King gave the Danish King Mastiff-like dogs as part of the wedding gifts.
It is also believed that around this same time, the Danish Vikings who were back from their travel had brought back another Mastiff-looking dog.
These dogs were bred with the Slagterhunden or the local Butcher dog, resulting in what we now know as Broholmer dogs.
The offspring was originally called Old Danish dogs and later came to be called Broholmer dogs.
The Danish people, however, think that the Broholmer is the real Great Dane or their immediate ancestors.
The Old Danish dogs oftentimes were a possession of the royal household where they acted as companion dogs or guard dogs, and even hunting dogs.
They were also used to guard cattle. They were also exchanged as gifts among the European royalty.
The Old Danish dogs grew less and less in popularity as hunting lost its vogue. The condition was so bad that these breeds were almost extinct by the 1800s.
A Danish nobleman Neil Sehested started working to revive the breed and set characteristics to standardize them, and once again the Old Danes came into vogue, the only difference was that Sehested had renamed them to Broholmer, after his Castle Broholm.
Broholmer Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Broholmer |
| Other Name | Danish Mastiff; Danish Borholmer; Gammel Dansk Hund; Old Danish Dog; Dog of Frederick VII |
| Dog Breed Type | Purebred |
| Origin | Denmark |
| Parent Breeds | Slagterhunden and Danish Mastiffs |
| Height | 20 – 30 Inches |
| Weight | 90 – 150 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 8 – 12 years |
| Coat Type | Short; thick undercoat |
| Common Colors | Black; Yellow; Red-golden |
| Grooming Needs | Minimal grooming needs |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Temperament | Sociable; mild-mannered; affectionate; alert; and protective |
| Apartment Living | Not ideal for apartment living |
| Pet Friendly | No |
| Health Concerns | Ectropion; Hip Dysplasia; Elbow Dysplasia; Progressive Retinal Atrophy; Cataracts |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | Very Intelligent |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Energy Level | Average |
| Activity | Medium ; 45 minutes of daily activity |
| Litter Size | 4 – 10 puppies |
What To Know
• This breed is often referred to as a “gentle giant” due to its large size and calm, friendly temperament.
• Broholmers belong to the Molosser group, characterized by sturdy, muscular bodies and a protective nature.
• They require moderate exercise, making them suitable for both active families and those with a more relaxed lifestyle.
• Broholmers are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent family watchdogs and companions.
Characteristics
Adaptability
The Broholmer dog breed is known for its remarkable adaptability! These lovable giants can easily adapt to various living environments, whether it’s a spacious country home or a cozy urban apartment.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them fantastic companions for families with children while their protective instincts make them great watchdogs.
With moderate exercise needs, they’re perfect for active or laid-back lifestyles alike.
The Broholmer’s adaptable spirit ensures they thrive in diverse settings and make loyal, loving furry friends.
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Good For Novice Owners
Sensitivity Level
Tolerates Being Alone
Tolerates Cold Weather
Tolerates Hot Weather
Friendliness
The Broholmer dog breed is renowned for its exceptional friendliness and affectionate nature.
They are like giant teddy bears, always ready to shower their families with love and cuddles.
Their gentle temperament makes them fantastic companions for people of all ages, including children and seniors.
Despite their imposing size, Broholmers are known for their heartwarming friendliness and sociable demeanor, making them a popular choice for families seeking a loyal and loving four-legged friend.❤️
All About Friendliness
Affectionate With Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog Friendly
Friendly Toward Strangers
Personality
The Broholmer dog breeds are known for their calm and even temperament.
They are not just powerful-looking but are very dominant and confident, especially when they are with their family.
They have high protective tendencies and often take on the powerful stance to protect you from strangers.
They are even-tempered but are excited to engage in new activities. They are excellent guard dogs.
They are quite the adventurers owing to their history as hunting dogs, and it would require a high fence to contain them and prevent them from strolling out of the property.
They are extremely alert. Like it was mentioned earlier, these dogs are extremely dominant and would require proper and continual training to tame them.
Without continual training, you are at risk of being ousted as the leader. They get along with older children but keep them away from smaller children and pets, especially cats.
Temperament
Friendly with Kids
The Broholmer dog breed is a friendly and gentle giant that gets along remarkably well with kids.
Their calm and patient demeanor makes them ideal playmates for children. These dogs are known for their protective instincts, which often extend to the little ones in the family.
They are like cuddly bears with a heart of gold. If you’re looking for a family dog that will be a loyal and affectionate companion for both kids and adults, the Broholmer is an excellent choice!
Amicable to Other Pets
The Broholmer dog breed is incredibly amicable towards other pets. They tend to get along well with cats, other dogs, and even smaller animals, thanks to their friendly and gentle nature.
This makes them an excellent choice for households with multiple furry companions.
Their calm demeanor and sociable disposition allow them to create harmonious relationships, promoting peaceful coexistence among all pets in the household.
So, if you’re looking for a big, lovable pup who can easily make friends with your other pets, the Broholmer is a paw-sitively great choice!
Barking Tendencies
The Broholmer dog breed is generally known for its low barking tendencies. While they’re excellent watchdogs, they don’t bark excessively.
However, they may vocalize when they sense something unusual or when they’re excited.
Proper socialization and training can help curb any unnecessary barking, ensuring a peaceful coexistence with your furry Broholmer friend.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
The Broholmer is a breed that can adapt to staying alone, but it’s best when not left alone for extended periods.
Their affectionate nature thrives on companionship. Leaving them alone may lead to loneliness or separation anxiety.
Provide toys and mental stimulation to keep them occupied and happy when you can’t be there.
Pros And Cons Of The Broholmer Dog Breed
Pros
- Gentle Giant Temperament
- Low Grooming Needs
- Excellent Family Dog
- Impressive Guarding Abilities
- Rare and Unique
Cons
- Limited availability and high cost.
- Large Space Required
- Prone to Health Issues
- Moderate Exercise Demands
- Limited Availability
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The first and foremost difference between a male and female Broholmer lies in their size.
The male dogs, who tend to be larger and heavier than the female, have weights between 95 to 176 pounds and heights between 24 to 30 inches.
The males are also known to be more energetic than the female dogs. The male Brohlmer is also likely to be less trusting with strangers than a female dog.
In general, they are just an affectionate and playful breed that would jump before and protect you at all costs.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Broholmer is an impressive breed known for its Danish heritage. These dogs are truly gentle giants, boasting a sturdy and muscular build.
With their expressive faces and well-balanced bodies, they exhibit a regal and proud demeanor.
The Broholmer’s coat is short and dense, usually in shades of golden yellow or black. Their eyes are alert, while their tails are long and carried with a slight curve.
Overall, the Broholmer presents a majestic appearance that reflects its historical significance in Denmark.
Coat Color
The Broholmer dog breeds often have monotone colors but sometimes are seen with black and white markings.
They come in colors like tan, brown, or golden. These dogs need minimal grooming.
They, however, are seasonal shedders, and the shedding rates are pretty high during some seasons in particular.
This can be lessened and maintained by a lesser number of bathing in a year, regular hair brushing during the shedding season, and weekly brushing otherwise.
Shedding
The Broholmers being a non-hypoallergenic dog breed, shed throughout the year. Their shedding rates are particularly high during some seasons.
To limit their shedding rate, they must be brushed thoroughly using a slicker brush regularly or weekly.
Size
A large dog breed, the Broholmer closing resembles the Mastiff dog breed. They are tall, their height ranging between 20 and 30 inches.
These dog breeds are well-muscled and large, with their average height range being 90 to 150 pounds.
Their large size gives them a dominant and powerful appearance. They have wide heads and massive shoulders. Their chests are broad.
Vital Statistics
| DOG BREED GROUP | COMPANION DOG |
| HEIGHT | 20 – 30 INCHES |
| WEIGHT | 90 – 150 POUNDS |
| LIFE SPAN | 8 – 13 YEARS |
Health
The Broholmer is a healthy dog breed and are susceptible to some of the conditions that often affect dogs.
The conditions you should be wary of are Ectropion; Hip Dysplasia; Elbow Dysplasia; Progressive Retinal Atrophy; and Cataracts.
Grooming And Health Requirements
Based on 149 reviews
Amount Of Shedding
Drooling Potential
Easy To Groom
General Health
Potential For Weight Gain
Size
Maintenance And Care
The Broholmer is a low-maintenance dog breed. They have a thick and heavy undercoat which requires not much grooming to be maintained.
A seasonal shedder, they shed their undercoats several times a year. It also lessens the severance of this shedding that they are required to be groomed once in a while.
Brush their coats every week when the shedding levels are low, but when the shedding is at its zenith, it is better if they are brushed every day.
The best kind of brush that goes well with their thick coats is either a thick bristled brush or a slicker brush. Brush through their manes to remove loose hair and dead skin.
These breeds do not need to be bathed once a month, and they could do with bathing twice or thrice a year.
Bathing can further loosen their coats, and they should be totally off the chart when they are shedding heavily.
Their skin is very sensitive, and it would be better if you use only mild shampoo on them. Trim their nails regularly.
Grooming
Grooming the Broholmer is a breeze! Their short, dense coat requires minimal maintenance, making them a perfect choice for those with busy schedules.
Brushing their coat once a week helps keep it clean and shiny, while occasional baths help maintain their fresh scent.
Don’t forget to clean their ears regularly and trim their nails as needed.
These lovable giants are quite low-maintenance in the grooming department, allowing you to focus on more quality playtime and snuggles! ✂️
Food And Nutrition
Broholmer breeds are known to gain weight easily. It is, therefore, necessary that they have a balanced diet that includes protein, heavy fat, ground bones, and vegetables.
Their food intake should include 30 % protein and 8 % fat. Other than that, they need essential vitamins.
Omega 3 and fatty acids will keep their skin healthy and minimize shedding.
Food Cost
Broholmer dog owners can expect to spend around $60 to $100 per month on high-quality dog food. Proper nutrition is crucial for their health and well-being.
Exercise And Activity Level
The Broholmer dogs are not an active breed. They would not need much other than a 45-minute walk. Include some playtime in this.
They are not suitable for apartment living and would want a large yard to run about and do what they do best – guard.
The Broholmer is prone to issues with the joint and cannot exercise on asphalt or cement floors, and they will need a soft surface.
They are also an exceptionally intelligent dog breed, which means they would need some brain time along with body time.
Give them puzzle toys or games to keep their minds stimulated and sharp.
Physical Requirements
Energy Level
Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential for Playfulness
Trainability
The Broholmer dog breed possesses remarkable trainability! These lovable giants are quick learners, eager to please their owners.
With a calm and patient approach, they excel in obedience training. Their loyalty and strong bond with their humans drive their desire to learn and perform well.
Consistency and positive reinforcement methods work wonders when teaching them commands.
Whether it’s basic obedience or advanced tricks, the Broholmer’s trainability shines bright, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced dog owners.
Trainability
Easy To Train
Intelligence
Potential For Mouthiness
Prey Drive
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Potential
Conclusion
The Broholmer dogs were originally bred in Denmark as hunting dogs, but later on, they became guard dogs as well.
Their existence can be traced back to the Middle Ages, somewhere around the 15th century or so.
Frederick VII of Denmark owned a Broholmer, and they were also popular among the landed aristocracy and the nobility.
They almost came to the verge of extinction after the two world wars, but they were recovered and brought back.
FAQ On Broholmer Dog Breed…
Where do the Broholmer dogs get their name from?
Neil Stehesed, who saved the Broholmer from the verge of existence, renamed the breed after his castle Broholme.
Are the male Broholmer more fierce than the female?
Yes, the male Broholmer is known to be extremely distrustful and could get aggressive with a stranger.
How much does a typical Broholmer weigh?
A Broholmer should normally weigh 90 to 150 pounds.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.