Calm, good-natured, yet watchful and confident, the Broholmer hails from Denmark and makes a great family companion. Also called the Danish Mastiff, this large mastiff breed of dog has a massive head, a powerful build, and a composed, powerful movement. Despite its imposing appearance, the Broholmer's temperament is known to be calm, protective, and friendly.
As a type, this breed has been known since the Middle Ages, when it was used for hunting stag. Later it was used mainly as a guard dog for large farms and manors. A calm, well-balanced, and friendly dog that is always alert, the Broholmer must be a self-assured dog — an imposing guardian with a loud, impressive bark and a gentle soul.
The Chamberlain's Dog of Broholm
As a type, the Broholmer has been known since the Middle Ages, when it was used for hunting stag. Later, it was used mainly as a guardian for farms and large manors. At the end of the 18th century, these dogs were pure-bred and increased in number thanks to the Chamberlain Sehested of Broholm — from whom the breed has inherited its name.
The breed was employed as a guard dog in the homes of the wealthy, and even Frederik VII of Denmark had a cherished Broholmer named "Tyrk," who held a special place in his heart. After the Second World War, the breed became almost extinct, but around 1975 a group of committed people — later organized as "The Society for Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed," supported by the Danish Kennel Club — began the work of reviving the breed.
Today, most Broholmers are companion and guard dogs. The breed was imported to the UK in 2009, is relatively rare outside Denmark, and has increased in popularity in the United States. Uniquely, the breed club monitors all adults and every puppy born in Denmark.
A Massive Head, a Powerful Build
The Broholmer is a mastiff-type dog of large size, rectangular and strongly built, with a composed and powerful movement dominated by the powerful forequarters. Males stand about 75 cm (29.5 inches) at the withers and weigh 50 to 70 kg (110 to 150 pounds); females about 70 cm (27.5 inches) and 40 to 60 kg (88 to 132 pounds).
The head is massive and wide, with a muzzle the same length as the skull and very powerful jaws. The lips are pendulous but not excessively so, the neck is sturdy with some loose skin, and the chest is broad and deep. At rest, the head is carried rather low and stooping, with the tail hanging down sabre-like; when attentive or aroused, the head is carried higher and the tail is raised above horizontal. The coat is short and close-lying with an undercoat, in yellow with or without a black mask, golden red, or black, with white markings on chest, feet, and tip of tail optional.
Calm, Friendly, and Watchful
The Broholmer has a calm, good-tempered, friendly, yet watchful temperament, and must show great self-confidence. Despite their imposing presence, Broholmers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature — exceptionally gentle and patient, making them wonderful family pets and companions.
A well-trained Broholmer should be calm, good-tempered, and friendly, yet watchful toward strangers. They are not aggressive dogs, are good with children, and make good guard dogs. The breed thrives on human interaction and enjoys being a part of the family. They do not bark often, if at all, but their presence and loud, impressive bark make them excellent watchdogs.
Exercise and Activity
The Broholmer has medium energy levels and needs at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day, with a few good active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in if possible. Because they were originally used to hunt stag and guard large farms, they would much rather be outdoors than inside on the couch.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
Broholmers love to play games like hide and seek or chasing after a ball around the yard or park. The breed needs outdoor space and does best in homes with a securely fenced yard. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for exercising a large mastiff-type breed.
Training a Broholmer
Training the Broholmer is fairly easy, as they are intelligent, willing to please, and eager to learn. They are wary of strangers but will not be aggressive. Early training and socialization are essential for a dog of this size, so they learn proper manners around children and other animals.
Positive-reinforcement training works best with this calm, intelligent breed. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Broholmer
The Broholmer has a short, dense, close-lying coat that is easy to groom and does not shed much. A weekly brushing keeps the coat in good condition.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 1–2 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a short-coated breed.
Feeding a Broholmer
An ideal Broholmer diet should be formulated for a large breed with medium energy. The breed has a tendency to gain weight when overfed due to its large size, so stick to a regular feeding schedule and don't leave food out during the day — and limit treats.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1.5–2 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 3–4 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 2.5–3.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Dietary needs change through life, and your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Broholmer has an average life span of around 7 to 12 years. The breed is generally healthy but can be prone to some health problems, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and weight gain. It was discovered in recent years that some Broholmers imported into the United States were afflicted with degenerative myelopathy, an adult-onset spinal cord disorder — so choose a breeder who health-tests and follows the breed club's guidelines.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip/elbow dysplasia and bloat awareness | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 5–6 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Broholmer is a friendly but protective dog who likes to stick with its human family or pack. Their calm, adaptable temperament makes them well-suited to various living environments, from rural farms to urban homes — though they do need regular exercise and outdoor space.
Broholmers can get along with children of all ages, but would be best suited with those who know how to play gently with a large dog. Because of their size, they must be properly trained and socialized so they do not injure smaller dogs or children in the house. If you're weighing whether a Broholmer fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Broholmer means committing to a 150-pound mastiff with a strong guardian instinct — proper training and socialization are essential so the dog's size doesn't become a hazard. The breed is prone to weight gain, has a relatively short lifespan of 7 to 12 years, needs outdoor space, and is rare outside Denmark, making reputable breeders hard to find.
Yet for the right owner, the Broholmer is a treasure — a calm, gentle, confident guardian that is exceptionally loyal and affectionate with its family. From the manors and stag hunts of medieval Denmark to modern homes, the Danish Mastiff remains a composed, powerful, and devoted companion.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Calm, good-natured, and friendly
- Gentle and patient with family
- Makes an excellent watchdog
- Easy to train
- Low-maintenance short coat
- Doesn't shed much or bark often
Disadvantages
- Very large (up to 150 lb)
- Needs regular exercise and outdoor space
- Prone to weight gain
- Wary of strangers
- Relatively short lifespan
- Rare outside Denmark
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Broholmers get? Males stand about 29.5 inches; females 27.5 inches, weighing 90–150 pounds.
How long do Broholmers live? Typically 7 to 12 years.
Are Broholmers good family dogs? Yes — they're calm, gentle, and affectionate with their families.
Are Broholmers easy to train? Yes — they're intelligent and willing to please.
Are Broholmers good guard dogs? Excellent — they're watchful, protective, and have an impressive bark.
Are Broholmers good with children? Yes, with proper training and gentle-play guidance.
Are Broholmers good apartment dogs? They need outdoor space — a fenced yard suits them better.
Do Broholmers bark a lot? No — they rarely bark, though they have a loud, impressive bark.
Are Broholmers the same as English Mastiffs? No — but they're often mistaken for them due to size and resemblance.
Are Broholmers rare? Yes — they're rare outside Denmark.
What colors do Broholmers come in? Yellow, golden red, or black, with or without a black mask.
What health problems do Broholmers have? Hip/elbow dysplasia, weight gain, and DM are main concerns.