Broholmer
๐ง Temperament & character
The Broholmer is calm, friendly and good-natured, yet attentive and a reliable guardian with a confident presence. Towards his family he is affectionate and balanced, and he meets strangers calmly and self-assuredly rather than nervously or sharply. His self-confident, dignified nature goes hand in hand with a pleasant calm that makes him an uncomplicated housemate. With children he is usually patient and gentle, and he generally gets on well with other dogs too. He is not a hectic dog but a level-headed giant with steady nerves.
๐ Origin & history
The Broholmer is an old Danish breed that owes its name to the Broholm estate and Count Sehested, who did much for its breeding in the 19th century. Traditionally he served as a guard and farm dog on manor houses and farms. After the world wars the breed had almost vanished, until dedicated enthusiasts and the Danish Kennel Club rebuilt it from a few remaining animals starting in the 1970s. Today the Broholmer is established once more, but remains rare outside Denmark.
โ๏ธ Grooming, care & training
The short, dense coat is very easy to care for; regular brushing suffices, a little more often during the moult. The Broholmer has a moderate need for exercise and is content with daily walks and leisurely outings โ he is calm rather than driven by sport. As a clever, easy-going dog he can be handled well with friendly, consistent training and appreciates clear rules. During the growth phase, exertion and feeding should be adapted to his large frame in order to protect the joints.
๐ฉบ Health
The Broholmer has a life expectancy of around eight to eleven years and, thanks to careful reconstruction breeding, is considered fairly robust. As with all large and heavy breeds, hip dysplasia and the life-threatening gastric torsion are the main concerns. Since the breed descends from a small founder population, responsible breeders place particular value on genetic diversity and x-rayed, healthy parent animals. Owners should avoid excess weight and know the warning signs of gastric torsion.
๐ก Who is this breed right for?
The Broholmer is suited to families and people with space who are looking for a calm, good-natured giant with guarding qualities. Thanks to his easy-going nature he is also conceivable for well-informed first-time owners, provided they realistically assess the size, the costs and the space required. A house with a garden suits him better than a small city apartment, and he wants to live close to his family. As a rare but pleasant breed, he rewards responsible owners with loyalty, calm and steady nerves.