Broholmer

The Broholmer originated in Denmark as an estate guardian and big-game helper. Named after Count Sehested of Broholm, who standardized the type in the 1800s, the breed declined after WWII and was rebuilt by Danish fanciers using strict health/temperament selection. Today it’s recognized by the FCI and Danish Kennel Club, with small but growing populations in Europe and North America (often via club/FCI or AKC FSS pathways).

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A rectangular, powerfully built Molosser with a broad head and thick neck.

• Weight: ~90–150+ lb (40–70+ kg)
• Height: Males ~27.5–29.5 in (70–75 cm); females ~25.5–27.5 in (65–70 cm)
• Coat Type: Short, dense single coat with underfur that increases seasonally
• Coat Colors: Yellow/fawn (often with black mask), red-gold, or black; small white on chest/feet/tail tip permitted
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Massive head with pronounced stop, strong muzzle, deep forechest, level topline, thick tail, confident, deliberate movement

Low trimming; steady upkeep for skin, ears, and seasonal shed.

• Brushing: 1–2×/week; daily during spring/fall shedding
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; fully dry skin folds and chest
• Drool Care: Wipe lips/neck after meals and water
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 2–4 weeks
• Shedding: Moderate, heavier seasonally

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Moderate, joint-friendly work suits this giant.

• Daily Exercise: 45–60 minutes (split walks + training/enrichment)
• Great Activities: Power walking, hiking on soft surfaces, scent games, controlled retrieves/obedience
• Puppies/Adolescents: Protect growing joints—avoid repetitive stairs, forced running, or jumping
• Suitability: Best for fenced homes; apartments only with rigorous routine and space planning

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Steady, intelligent, and handler-sensitive—calm consistency wins.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement; clear rules and boundaries
• Focus Areas: Leash neutrality, polite greetings, impulse control, rock-solid recall, cooperative care (muzzle training, nail work)
• Socialization: Broad, early exposure to people/places/surfaces to guide natural suspicion into confidence

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Grow slow; keep lean for joints and heart.

• Food Type: Large/giant-breed formula or balanced fresh diet tailored to giants
• Daily Quantity: ~4–7 cups/day, split into two meals (adjust to age/workload)
• Add-Ons: Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for joints/skin; joint support (glucosamine/green-lipped mussel) as advised
• Bloat Safety: Avoid heavy exercise 60–90 min before/after meals; consider slow feeders and discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet

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Rare in Canada—plan ahead and verify health/temperament transparency.

• Breeders: Prefer preservation breeders (Denmark/EU/North America) who provide hip/elbow/eye/heart results, stable temperaments, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Guardian/giant-breed rescues; breed clubs may rehome adults
• Canadian Resources: Not widely CKC-recognized—expect to work with reputable international/club breeders; verify municipal bylaws/insurance and join local working/obedience clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for community

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A robust guardian with size-related risks—screen carefully.

• Orthopedic: Hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate tears
• Cardiac: Dilated cardiomyopathy reported in some giant lines—cardiac screening recommended
• Eyes/Skin: Entropion/ectropion, hot spots if damp undercoat, skin fold irritation
• GI: Gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat/GDV) risk
• Endocrine: Hypothyroidism (some)
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), cardiac evaluation, ophthalmologist (CAER); discuss bloat prevention and any endocrine history

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Are Broholmers good family dogs?
Yes—devoted and gentle in experienced homes that provide early socialization, training, and management.

Do Broholmers drool?
Yes—moderate drool, especially after drinking or exercise; keep towels handy.

Do Broholmers shed a lot?
Moderately year-round with heavier seasonal sheds; weekly brushing helps.

Are Broholmers hypoallergenic?
No.

How much exercise does a Broholmer need?
About 45–60 minutes daily of low-impact walks and training; avoid repetitive pounding.

Are Broholmers good apartment dogs?
Generally not ideal—possible only with strong routines, space planning, and daily outlets.

Broholmer vs Boerboel—what’s different?
Both are powerful guardians; Broholmers typically present a calmer, more reserved European estate-guardian style, while Boerboels often show higher farm-guardian drive/intensity. Lines vary—meet breeders’ dogs.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips/elbows, cardiac, and CAER eye exams; discuss bloat prevention and family history.

How do I manage a giant puppy’s growth?
Use a giant-breed puppy formula, keep lean, limit impact/jumping, and follow your vet’s growth plan

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