Broholmer
A large, calm Danish mastiff-type guarding dog. Good-natured and steady with its family, watchful with strangers, and surprisingly low-key indoors for its size.
Broholmer scorecard
Overview
The Broholmer is a large Danish mastiff-type dog, standing around 70–75 cm and weighing roughly 40–70 kg, with a powerful, rectangular build and a short, dense coat usually in yellow, golden-red or black. Historically used to guard estates and farms, it is a calm, dignified guarding breed that is good-natured and steady with its own family while remaining watchful towards strangers.
For its size, the Broholmer is surprisingly low-key and undemanding indoors, with comparatively modest exercise and grooming needs. It is, however, a true guardian whose protective instinct and sheer scale call for space, budget and early socialisation, making it best suited to experienced owners with room for a giant breed.
Good to know — a Broholmer needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Broholmer takes its name from the Broholm estate on the Danish island of Funen, and dogs of this mastiff type were kept in Denmark for centuries to guard property and assist in hunting large game. The breed is associated with Count Niels Frederik Sehested of Broholm, who promoted it in the 19th century.
The breed declined severely and was close to extinction by the mid-20th century, but a dedicated Danish revival effort from the 1970s rebuilt it from remaining stock. It is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI Group 2, molossoid breeds) but remains rare, especially outside Denmark, and is not separately recognised by The Kennel Club in the UK.
Temperament & family fit
Broholmers are typically calm, good-natured and steady, devoted to their families and known for a gentle, even-tempered manner at home that belies their imposing size. They are generally good with children in the family and can live with other dogs when socialised, while remaining naturally watchful and reserved with strangers.
This is a guarding breed with a strong protective instinct rather than an aggressive nature, and its confidence and territorial awareness mean early, thorough socialisation is essential. Well-raised Broholmers are stable and dependable, but the combination of size and guarding drive makes responsible ownership important.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Despite its size, the Broholmer is generally biddable and willing, responding well to calm, consistent, positive training started early. Socialisation with people, other animals and varied environments from puppyhood is the priority, helping to ensure that its watchful nature develops into sensible discrimination rather than wariness.
Because an adult is so large and strong, teaching good manners, lead skills and reliable basic obedience while the dog is young and manageable is essential. Firm, fair and patient handling suits the breed far better than harsh methods, and consistent boundaries help a powerful guardian remain controllable and well-mannered.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Broholmer typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The short, dense coat is easy to care for, needing only a weekly brush to remove loose hair, with more during seasonal moults when shedding increases. Routine care includes nail trimming, dental hygiene and checking the ears and any facial folds. Overall, grooming is straightforward and undemanding.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, quality diet formulated for a large or giant breed, divided into two meals a day and carefully matched to age, growth stage and body condition. Controlled, appropriate nutrition during growth is particularly important for giant-breed joints, and as a large, deep-chested dog the Broholmer is at risk of bloat, so avoid vigorous exercise immediately before and after meals.
Broholmer health & costs
Before bringing a Broholmer home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£850–1,200 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£45–85 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a revived breed rebuilt from a small founder population, the Broholmer is managed carefully by its breed clubs, and responsible breeders pay close attention to maintaining health and genetic diversity. Like other giant breeds it is most relevantly affected by joint disorders and the bloat risk associated with deep-chested dogs, and it has a shorter typical lifespan of around 8–11 years.
Because the breed is rare, large-scale breed-specific health data is limited, and much guidance is drawn from giant breeds in general. Prospective owners should seek breeders who health-test for hip and elbow problems and follow breed-club recommendations, and should be prepared for the higher veterinary and feeding costs that come with a giant dog.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — developmental joint disorders common in giant breeds; choose breeders who screen their stock.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a serious, life-threatening risk in large, deep-chested dogs; manage feeding and exercise and know the warning signs.
- Joint and growth problems — giant-breed puppies are vulnerable to joint issues if over-exercised or fed inappropriately during growth.
- Heart conditions — as in several large breeds, cardiac problems can occur and warrant attention.
- Reduced genetic diversity — as a breed revived from few founders, careful breeding is needed to limit inherited problems.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Broholmer; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Broholmer puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Broholmer
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Calm, good-natured giant guardian
- Low exercise and grooming needs for its size
Things to consider
- Sheer size needs space and budget
- Guarding instinct needs early socialisation
Compare the Broholmer
See how the Broholmer measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Broholmer?
The Broholmer is a large Danish mastiff-type dog from the Working group, historically used to guard estates and farms. It has a powerful, rectangular build and a short, dense coat usually in yellow, golden-red or black. It is a calm, dignified guarding breed, good-natured with its family yet watchful towards strangers.
How big is a Broholmer?
It is a giant breed, standing around 70–75 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 40–70 kg. Its imposing size and strength mean it needs space, a suitable budget and an owner prepared for the practicalities of living with a very large dog.
What is the Broholmer's temperament like?
Broholmers are typically calm, good-natured and steady, devoted to their families and gentle at home despite their size. They are generally good with children in the family and can live with other dogs when socialised, while remaining naturally watchful and reserved with strangers. Their protective instinct is guarding rather than aggressive.
How much exercise does a Broholmer need?
Relatively modest for a giant breed. An adult typically manages well on around an hour of daily walks plus some free time in a secure space. Care should be taken not to over-exercise growing puppies, whose joints are vulnerable, and to keep an adult fit without excessive strain.
Is the Broholmer easy to train?
Despite its size it is generally biddable and willing, responding well to calm, consistent, positive training started early. Socialisation from puppyhood is the priority. Because an adult is so large and strong, teaching good manners, lead skills and reliable basic obedience while the dog is young and manageable is essential.
What health issues affect the Broholmer?
As a breed rebuilt from a small founder population, it is managed carefully by its breed clubs for health and genetic diversity. Like other giant breeds it is most relevantly affected by joint disorders and the bloat risk of deep-chested dogs. Seek breeders who health-test for hip and elbow problems and follow breed-club recommendations.
How long do Broholmers live?
Like most giant breeds it has a shorter typical lifespan, around 8–11 years. Controlled, appropriate nutrition during growth, a healthy adult weight, awareness of the bloat risk and routine veterinary care all support its wellbeing.
Is the Broholmer a good first dog?
No. While calm and affectionate, its size, strength and guarding instinct mean it is not a casual or first-time choice. It suits an experienced household with plenty of space, a secure garden and the budget to support a giant dog, alongside committed early socialisation and training.
Are Broholmers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Broholmers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Broholmer need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Broholmer needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Broholmers shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Broholmers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Broholmers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Broholmers bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Broholmers good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Broholmers suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Broholmer really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) – breed and health information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard, Broholmer: https://www.fci.org/
- PDSA – dog health and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross – dog ownership and breed guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.