The Broholmer gets its name from a man by the name of Count Niels Frederik Shested of Broholm-Funen. This man was a royal game keeper who kept these dogs in the 1700s for stag hunting. However, the breed was popular among other wealthy people in Denmark as well and was often used to protect their homes. Broholmers are thought to be the result of crosses between Bulldogs and English Mastiffs that were brought to the Danish court as gifts. Many of the dogs were also interbred with local drover's dogs. Although the breed nearly became extinct after World War II, it was saved by a group of Broholmer fanciers who called themselves the Society for Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed.
Broholmers are large dogs that can weigh anywhere between 90 and 150 pounds fully grown. They have short hair that can be brown, tan, yellow, red or black with or without white markings. Their head is large sitting on top of a muscular neck. The ears are short and drop to about the level of the mouth.
Personality
This is generally a friendly and calm type of dog; however, it is not typically trusting of strangers. Despite its size and demeanor, this is by all means not a vicious dog. However, due to its large size as an adult, it is best to begin training your Broholmer while it is still a puppy. The Broholmer is an all-around great dog to own as it can serve a variety of purposes. Not only is this dog a terrific hunting and guard dog, but it also makes a fantastic companion and family pet. Nevertheless, due to its large size, you will want to begin training your pet while it is still young.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 11 years |
| Nicknames: | The Danish Mastiff, Danish Broholmer, Butcher's Dog, Broholmeren, King's Dog and the Jagerpris Dog. |
Broholmer Build Information
Broholmers are large dogs that can weigh anywhere between 90 and 150 pounds fully grown. They have short hair that can be brown, tan, yellow, red or black with or without white markings. Their head is large sitting on top of a muscular neck. The ears are short and drop to about the level of the mouth.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
This is generally a friendly and calm type of dog; however, it is not typically trusting of strangers. Despite its size and demeanor, this is by all means not a vicious dog. However, due to its large size as an adult, it is best to begin training your Broholmer while it is still a puppy. The Broholmer is an all-around great dog to own as it can serve a variety of purposes. Not only is this dog a terrific hunting and guard dog, but it also makes a fantastic companion and family pet. Nevertheless, due to its large size, you will want to begin training your pet while it is still young.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
The Broholmer does not require any extensive grooming other than an occasional brushing once or twice a week and a bath when necessary. However, you will also want to check its ears regularly for any wax buildup or signs of infection. Additionally, you will need to clip its nails if they grow too long.
| Shedding: | Heavy |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Broholmer Common Health Conditions
While careful breeding has kept the Broholmer considerably healthier than many other large dogs, there are some health issues they may be prone to developing. This includes elbow and hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, ectropian, entropion, cataracts, arthritis, cardiac disease, and skeletal growth abnormalities. A healthy Broholmer can live as long as 10 or 11 years.
Broholmer Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
King Frederik VII and his wife both kept several Broholmers and were even depicted in several paintings with their beloved dogs. The Broholmer is recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, Danish Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. Between 1859 and 1929, the dogs were born and raised in the Copenhagen Zoo in an effort to save the breed. Broholmers are large dogs that were developed in Denmark and were primarily used to protect homes of the wealthy. They are known by a variety of names including the Broholmer, Danish Mastiff, Danish Broholmer, Butcher's Dog, Broholmeren, King's Dog and the Jagerpris Dog.
| Training: | Easy to train |