Broholmer

Everything to Know About the Broholmer: Temperament, Shedding & Exercise in Canada

The Broholmer is a calm, confident Danish mastiff-type guardian—big-boned, steady, and family devoted. Bred to watch estates and accompany hunters, this giant breed is gentle with its own people yet naturally reserved with strangers. If you’re asking “Are Broholmers good family dogs?”—yes, in experienced homes that prioritize early socialization and structure. “Do Broholmers drool?”—expect some. “Do Broholmers shed?”—moderately, with seasonal bursts.

Breed Group
Activity Level
Low
Size Category
Extra Large
Coat Type
Short
Coat Texture
Dense
Activity Level
Low
Trainability
Moderate
Shedding Level
Moderate
Family Friendly
With Older Kids
Apartment Friendly
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Breed Type
Purebred
A photograph of a Broholmer dog captures it sitting on a forest path, surrounded by greenery with a calm, composed expression.

Breed History of the 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).

Broholmer Appearance: Size, Coat & Distinctive Features

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

How to Groom a Broholmer: Coat Care & Maintenance

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

Broholmer Exercise Needs: Daily Activity & Playtime Tips

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

Training a Broholmer: Behavior, Commands & Socialization

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

Broholmer Diet: Feeding Schedule & Nutrition Tips

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

Broholmer Health Issues: Common Problems & Lifespan

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

Where to Adopt or Find Broholmer Puppies in Canada

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the Broholmer

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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A photograph of a Broholmer dog captures it sitting on a forest path, surrounded by greenery with a calm, composed expression.
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