Broholmer Breed Details
Below are the details and specs on the Broholmer dog breed.
Broholmer Dog Breed
Danish Broholmer
Danish Mastiff
The Broholmer, also known as the Danish Mastiff, is a large, strongly built breed from Denmark. It resembles a mastiff, has a confident stride and a short, close-lying coat. The Broholmer is intelligent and responds well to training. Broholmers are natural guardians and have served as watch dogs in the homes of Danish families for centuries. A well-trained Broholmer is a stoic and loyal companion that will look out for its family.
Broholmer Breed Description
Males average a height of 29 inches and weigh in at 110-150 pounds. Females average 27 inches tall and weigh 90-130 pounds. Due to their large size and powerful build, Broholmers make for excellent guard dogs.Broholmers are calm, good-natured dogs. They do well with children and other pets but due to their watch dog disposition will display protective behavior in the presence of strangers.In order to be happy and healthy a Broholmer requires a long daily walk and ample space to run around in. Broholmers are generally heavy shedders and require regular brushing but beyond that little grooming is required.
Broholmer Breed History
The Broholmer originated in Denmark. This breed has been known since the Middle Ages, when it was used primarily for stag hunting and herding. After this period it was used chiefly as a guardian for wealthy families and farm owners. Towards the end of the 18th century, these dogs were being purebred and were likely the most common dog in Denmark. By World War II, the breed was nearly extinct. In the 1970's a group known as "The Society for Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed" began reviving the breed and today it is again prospering.
Broholmer Appearance
The Broholmer is a mastiff-type dog of enormous size. Its frame is rectangular and powerfully designed, and it moves with a composed and domineering air. The head is huge and wide, and the neck is strong with some loose skin. At rest, the head is carried low and stooped, and the tail droops downwards. When excited, the Broholmer's head is alert and its tail is carried higher. The coat is short and close-lying, and there is a thick undercoat.
Broholmer Colors
The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Broholmers.
Black
Red Golden
Yellow
Broholmer Temperament
The Broholmer is intelligent and intrepid dog with a protective disposition. This makes the Broholmer an excellent guard dog but on account of this they can be distrustful and even threatening towards strangers. However, Broholmers are easy to train and if socialized properly they will not display undue aggression.
Broholmer Maintenance
The Broholmer is a breed requiring minimal maintenance. A long daily walk and a yard to run around in will keep the large Broholmer exercised and healthy. Due to this, it is not recommended that Broholmers be kept in an apartment setting. Broholmers shed continuously and require regular brushing.
Grooming Requirements
The short, thick coat does not require special care aside from daily brushing, as Broholmers are typically heavy shedders. The Broholmer is a seasonal shedder and may require additional brushing during this time.
Exercise Requirements
The Broholmer requires daily walks and ample room to run and play. The dog should be made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead, never in front. As with many other large breeds it is important to remember that over-exercise is hazardous to a young dog's growth and development, but it still needs a daily walk. Long distance runs and high intensity exercise should be done only once the dog has matured.
Living Requirements
Broholmers should not be kept in an apartment or similarly enclosed space. They require a large area to freely move around in. As they have a natural tendency to protect their territory, Broholmers feel most at home when they have a large yard to call their own.
Broholmer Health
The Broholmer is considered a healthy breed and is not prone to any major health problems. However, as with most large dogs, it may be susceptible to developing certain hip or elbow problems over the course of its life. It is important to avoid over-exercising this breed while it is growing to avoid straining the dog's developing joints. The Broholmer's life expectancy is between 7 and 11 years.
Broholmer Health Concerns
Below are potential health concerns associated with Broholmers.
Entropion
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Elbow dysplasia
Ectropion
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Updated:August 30, 2016