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.
| Type | Lifespan | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purebred | 7-12 yrs. | 22-30 in. | 90-150 lbs |
Rottweiler186% Similar
Mastiff383% Similar
Cane Corso478% Similar
Newfoundland873% SimilarBelow are the details and specs on the Broholmer dog breed.
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.
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.
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.
The Broholmer's coat can have a brown, tan, or black coloration, sometimes with a black mask. Some feature white markings on the chest, feet and tip of the tail.
The Broholmer is a very large dog. Males average a height of 29 inches and weigh in at 110-150 pounds, and females average 27 inches tall and weigh 90-130 pounds. Broholmers are sturdy and not easily injured, and make for excellent guard dogs.
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.
Broholmers are friendly towards children and do well in a family environment. Because of its huge size, small children should not be in close proximity to the Broholmer.
A Broholmer trained and socialized at an early age should not be aggressive towards other pets.
Because the Broholmer is a guardian by nature, it will behave warily towards unfamiliar people. It is wise to introduce family and friends to the Broholmer early in life so that they avoid the stranger treatment. Broholmers have an impressive bark and a bold stance that can be threatening towards strangers.
Below are pictures of the Broholmer dog breed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Broholmers do well in all different types of temperatures. However, as with most dogs, it is important that the Broholmer have shade and ample water available in extreme heat, and shelter in extreme cold.
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.
The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Broholmer as a dog breed:
