Broholmer Dog
Your Complete Guide to the Broholmer
Broholmer History: Denmark’s Noble Guardian
The Broholmer, also known as the Danish Mastiff, is an ancient breed with a history in Denmark that dates back to the Middle Ages. These large, powerful dogs are believed to have descended from Mastiff-type dogs brought to the region by Vikings, or possibly from crosses between local dogs and large dogs brought by German nobility. For centuries, Broholmers were highly valued by Danish aristocracy and landowners as formidable guardians of castles, large estates, and manors. They were also used for driving cattle and as personal protectors.
The breed was particularly associated with Count Niels Frederik Sehested of Broholm Castle (hence the name “Broholmer”) in the 19th century, who was instrumental in refining and promoting the breed. However, like many European breeds, the Broholmer faced a severe decline in numbers due to the World Wars, epidemics, and changing agricultural practices, nearly becoming extinct by the mid-20th century. A dedicated group of Danish enthusiasts, with the support of the Danish Kennel Club, initiated a careful reconstruction program in the 1970s, using remaining individuals and focusing on health and temperament. Thanks to these efforts, the Broholmer was saved from extinction and is now a cherished, though still relatively rare, national breed of Denmark.
Broholmer Temperament: Calm, Confident, and Devotedly Watchful
The Broholmer is known for its calm, confident, and good-natured temperament. They are typically very self-assured and possess a steady, even disposition. With their families, Broholmers are deeply loyal, affectionate, and often surprisingly gentle for their size, forming strong bonds and enjoying human companionship. They are usually patient and can be good with children in their own family if raised with them and properly socialized.
As natural guardians, Broholmers are alert and watchful, with a strong protective instinct towards their home and loved ones. They are typically reserved and can be wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs, though they are not usually aggressive without provocation. Their imposing presence alone is often a sufficient deterrent. This is an intelligent breed that requires an owner who can provide calm, confident, and consistent leadership. Early and thorough socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted and can differentiate between normal situations and genuine threats.
Grooming Your Broholmer: Managing a Short, Dense Coat
The Broholmer has a short, dense outer coat with a thick undercoat, providing good protection from the weather. Their coat is relatively easy to maintain.
They are moderate shedders year-round, with heavier seasonal shedding periods. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a firm bristle brush is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair, stimulate skin oils, and keep their coat looking healthy and sleek. During shedding season, more frequent brushing will be beneficial. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay fairly clean. Regular nail trims are important to prevent overgrowth and discomfort, especially given their large size. Ear cleaning (checking their medium-sized drop ears for any signs of irritation or infection) and diligent dental care are also essential components of their grooming routine.
Broholmer Exercise: Moderate Needs for a Gentle Giant
Broholmers have moderate exercise needs despite their large size. They are not typically high-energy dogs that require extensive running, but they do need regular daily activity to maintain their muscle tone, prevent obesity, and keep them mentally stimulated. Several moderate daily walks, totaling about 30-60 minutes, along with some playtime, are usually sufficient for an adult Broholmer.
They enjoy leisurely strolls where they can explore their surroundings. Playtime in a securely fenced yard is also beneficial. While they are powerful, they are not built for extreme endurance activities. It’s important not to over-exercise young, growing Broholmers, as their bones and joints are still developing. Due to their size, they can be prone to overheating in hot or humid weather, so exercise should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day. They are generally calm indoors and appreciate having a comfortable space to relax with their family after their activity.
Common Broholmer Health Issues
The Broholmer, having been revived from a small gene pool, requires careful attention to health by responsible breeders. Like many large and giant breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Potential concerns include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A common concern in large breeds, involving malformation of the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia also occurs. Screening is crucial for breeding stock.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested giant breeds. Owners must be aware of the signs and preventative measures.
- Heart Conditions:** Such as dilated cardiomyopathy or other cardiac issues. Cardiac screening is recommended for breeding stock.
- Entropion or Ectropion:** Eyelid abnormalities.
- Skin Allergies:** Some individuals may be prone to skin sensitivities.
Choosing a reputable breeder who performs comprehensive health screenings (hips, elbows, heart, eyes, etc.) on their breeding dogs and is transparent about health issues in their lines is absolutely paramount due to the breed’s history of near extinction and rebuilding. Regular veterinary care, careful weight management, and a quality diet appropriate for a giant breed are vital for a Broholmer’s well-being.
Training Your Broholmer: Confident and Gentle Leadership Required
Training a Broholmer requires a confident, patient, and consistent owner who can establish themselves as a clear and benevolent leader. They are intelligent and can learn, but their Mastiff-type background means they can also be independent and sometimes strong-willed. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, combined with firm, fair boundaries.
Key aspects of training a Broholmer include:
- Early and Extensive Socialization: This is absolutely crucial. Expose your Broholmer puppy to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and other well-behaved animals from a very young age and continue this throughout their life. This helps to build a stable, confident adult and manage their natural guarding instincts and wariness of strangers.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and affection to reward desired behaviors. They are sensitive despite their size and do not respond well to harsh methods.
- Establish Clear Leadership Calmly and Confidently: They need to respect their owner. This is achieved through consistency and fairness, not intimidation.
- Obedience Training: Start early with basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, and especially polite leash manners. A full-grown Broholmer that pulls on the leash is unmanageable.
Puppy socialization classes and ongoing obedience training with a trainer experienced with large, powerful guardian or Mastiff-type breeds are highly recommended. The Broholmer is not a breed for a novice or timid dog owner.
Broholmer FAQs
Q: Are Broholmers good family dogs?
A: For the right family with experience in handling large, powerful guardian breeds, and a strong commitment to socialization and training, Broholmers can be exceptionally loyal, gentle, and devoted family members. They are typically very good with children in their own family. However, their size and guarding instincts require responsible ownership.
Q: Do Broholmers drool a lot?
A: Yes, like many Mastiff-type breeds with looser jowls, Broholmers can be prone to drooling, especially after eating or drinking, or when excited. Owners should be prepared for some slobber.
Q: Are Broholmers aggressive?
A: Broholmers are not inherently aggressive but are formidable protectors with strong guarding instincts. They are naturally wary of strangers and will defend their territory and family if they perceive a threat. Proper socialization from a very young age and consistent, experienced handling are crucial to ensure their protective instincts are well-managed and appropriate.
Q: Is the Broholmer a rare breed?
A: Yes, the Broholmer is considered a relatively rare breed, especially outside of its native Denmark and parts of Europe. The breed was revived from very low numbers, and dedicated breeders continue to work on its preservation and health.