Dog Breeds 101: Broholmer

Photo – Wikipedia (PD)

The large and powerful Broholmer is a guard dog originating from Denmark. Once known as the Danish Mastiff, this breed guarded the homes of wealthy Danish families for centuries. The Broholmer is described as a calm and good-tempered dog despite its size. It is a naturally protective breed that will do everything just to keep its family safe. [1]

The breed was created by crossing English Mastiffs and local dogs in Germany. The Broholmer was already popular in the early 19th century but almost went extinct after World War II. Thankfully, the breed was restored by a group of Danish enthusiasts after isolated dogs were found in the 1970s. [2] In appearance, the Broholmer is very similar to other Mastiff-type dogs but less bulky. This dog has a double coat which usually comes in three colors: yellow with a black mask, golden red and black. The Broholmer’s average height is 27.5 inches for females and 29.5 inches for males, weighing anywhere between 90 to 150 pounds. Its bark is loud and powerful with a dominant gait. [3]

The calm and friendly Broholmer gets along well with children and is loving to its family. However, it will always be a bit wary around strangers. Generally, this is not an aggressive breed but socialization and training at an early age is still needed to prevent the development of behavioral problems. The Broholmer has a fairly short life span of 7 to 11 years and are not prone to major health issues. However, just like all large dog breeds, it is prone in developing musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia or patellar luxation. This breed should not be over-exercised while still growing because vigorous exercise could put too much strain on its developing joints. The dog should be a full grown adult before exposing it to long distance running or dog sports. [1]