MastiffSame FCI section
Loading breed
Broholmer
Health grade B- Shoulder height70–80 cm
- Weight40–70 kg
- Life expectancy7–9 yrs
- Puppy price1,800–3,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Broholmer is a massive, calm, and quiet guardian—bred to protect Danish manors through sheer presence alone, without attacking without cause. Beneath this imposing, good-natured exterior, however, lies a dog that can act with lightning speed and uncompromising resolve if the situation demands it.
- Health grade B: In the stately Broholmer, health is burdened primarily by orthopaedic issues such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy.
- You have a house with a large property where he can relax and follow his instincts as a watchful Hofhund (farm dog).
- You lead with confidence and calm, as a Molosser of this weight class cannot be managed with harshness, only with mutual respect.
- You expect him to greet every visitor at the door with a wagging tail—as a guardian, a healthy distance toward strangers is part of his operating system.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Broholmer Deutschland e.V.
Self-check
Would the Broholmer really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Broholmer fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
Fit checkCost estimateRisk dice
Takes about 1 minute · free & anonymous
Similar Breeds
Great DaneSame FCI section
BullmastiffSame FCI section
Cane CorsoSame FCI section
BoerboelSame FCI section
Dogue de BordeauxSame FCI section
Is the Broholmer right for you?
At a glance
Broholmer overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
7–9 yrs
Shoulder height
70–80 cm
Weight
40–70 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, shiny
- Origin: Denmark
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Broholmer, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Broholmer come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Broholmer — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Amber
Brown
Coat type
Short
Smooth
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- You prefer cozy, extended walks over fast-paced dog sports and are not looking for a partner for agility or marathons.
- You are looking for an extremely loyal family dog who loves his people devotedly and possesses an incredibly high threshold for irritation.
Less ideal if:
- You are a novice dog owner and underestimate the sheer physical strength and underlying protective instinct when he decides to handle a situation himself.
- You live in an apartment, as a dog of this enormous size absolutely needs ground-level access and simply requires space.
- You place great value on a spotless home, as he brings not only a lot of mass but also a fair amount of drool and dirt with him.
The real vibes check
A Broholmer is like a massive bouncer in front of an exclusive club: he doesn't need to bark or threaten; his mere presence is more than enough. You aren't getting an eager command-follower who learns every trick, but a deeply relaxed protector who knows exactly when to step in—and when to simply serve as a giant cuddle pillow.
Breed Profile
The Broholmer, also known as the Danish Mastiff, is an impressive giant and belongs to the molossoid dogs, a category of FCI Group 2 (Pinschers and Schnauzers - Molossoids - Swiss Mountain Dogs and other breeds). His appearance is characterized by strength, power and robustness without appearing clumsy or cumbersome. He has a powerful body with well-developed muscles and a broad, deep chest. Its head is large and expressive, with dark, almond-shaped eyes and drop ears that emphasize the gentle nature of this breed. Its coat is short, dense and shiny, giving it an elegant shine. Broholmers come in three colors: yellow with a black mask, black and occasionally red. Regardless of the color of the fur, the lips, eye rims and nose are always black. An important point in the breed description is that there is no distinction between performance and show lines in the Broholmer. It is a breed that prioritizes function and health over appearance. This makes them ideal companions for people looking for a natural and authentic dog.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 70 - 75 cm (Female), 75 - 80 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 40 - 50 kg (Female), 50 - 70 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 7 - 9 yrs
- Character
- Gentle, Protective, Calm
- Coat
- Short, dense, shiny
- Coat Color
- Yellow, black, red
- Price
- 1800 - 3500 €
Character & Temperament
The Broholmer is a calm, relaxed and gentle giant who, despite his impressive size, has an extremely amiable and friendly nature. He is known for his loyalty and protectiveness towards his family and is particularly good with children. His calm temperament makes him the perfect companion for relaxed walks or cozy evenings at home. Although the Broholmer is an excellent watchdog, it is not aggressive. He is vigilant and attentive and will only intervene if he sees his family threatened. Its imposing size and serious facial expression are often enough to deter potential intruders. In terms of learning behavior, the Broholmer is intelligent and eager to please, which makes training easier. He responds well to positive reinforcement and needs consistent but loving leadership. Early socialization is important to ensure he feels comfortable in different situations and with different people and animals. The Broholmer is generally an even-tempered dog who can stay alone well as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He needs regular physical activity to keep his body fit and his mind busy. Although he is not hyperactive, he enjoys being outside and exploring his surroundings. This giant does not tend to exhibit strong hunting or prey-catching behavior. He has a strong protective instinct, but no urge to hunt. Therefore, it is well suited to living in the city or in the country as long as it has enough space to move around. So if you are looking for a large, calm and loving companion to fill your home with love and protection, the Broholmer could be the right choice for you.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
The Broholmer is named after Broholm Castle in Denmark, where breeding of this breed was promoted in the 19th century.
What Awaits You
The quiet, good-natured, but alert and confident Broholmer comes from Denmark and makes a great family companion.
Housing & Care
Despite their size, Broholmers are surprisingly adaptable dogs that can live well in both urban and rural environments, provided they have enough space to move and play. They are affectionate and patient with children, making them good family dogs. They are also generally friendly with other dogs and pets, including cats, if introduced to them from an early age.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Excellent with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
Broholmers are intelligent dogs that respond well to training. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, so a gentle but consistent hand in training is important. They respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. Because of their size and strength, it is important that they learn to walk well on a leash and listen to basic commands as puppies. Broholmers are naturally alert dogs, and although they are not aggressive, they can be shy or reserved around strangers. It is therefore important to introduce them to different people, places and situations as puppies to ensure that they are well socialized and well-adjusted. They need a moderate amount of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk and time to play in the garden are often enough for this calm breed. They also enjoy obedience exercises and can enjoy activities like nose work or tracking. As with any breed, it is important not to "over-busy" the dog. Broholmers are generally calm dogs, and too much intense exercise or training can be stressful for them. You should have enough time to rest and relax. A Broholmer doesn't easily become a ball junkie; he has a rather calm disposition and is happy with moderate exercise and mental stimulation. It is important to raise a Broholmer with respect and understanding and allow him to have his own personality and pace.
Nutrition & Care
The Broholmer is a large dog with high energy requirements, and therefore a balanced diet is important for its health and vitality. High-quality food with a high meat content and balanced amounts of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is ideal. A balanced diet also helps maintain the dog's optimal weight and minimizes the risk of joint problems. When it comes to grooming, the Broholmer is quite easy to care for. They have a short, dense coat with no undercoat that requires little grooming. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean and healthy. Since they don't shed much and don't have an undercoat, they get along well with the climate in Germany. A bath is only necessary when needed.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
In the stately Broholmer, health is burdened primarily by orthopaedic issues such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy. The breeding club Broholmer Deutschland e.V. therefore mandates binding X-ray screenings for HD (limit HD A–C) and ED (limit ED 0–1) for breeding approval. Responsible breeders additionally have their animals examined for dilated cardiomyopathy as well as dental malformations, ear anomalies, tail anomalies, and cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). Ask to see the official hip and elbow results of the parent animals before purchasing a puppy, and inquire about further veterinary certificates.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should strictly ensure a healthy weight and joint-friendly upbringing to avoid overloading his heavy build, and plan for regular heart check-ups.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders perform X-rays for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), and additionally screen for dilated cardiomyopathy to prevent severe joint and heart problems.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
8
Risks tracked
2
Club standard
3
High severity
General / metabolic
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 reflects the tests Broholmer Deutschland e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Broholmer Deutschland e.V. requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Other breeding-approval requirements
Not health tests, but required for breeding: the club asks for these results too. They don't count toward the risks or the rating.
DNA-Identitätsnachweis
Required by Broholmer Deutschland e.V.
Acceptable result: DNA-Fingerprint vorhanden
Wesensbeurteilung
Required by Broholmer Deutschland e.V.
Acceptable result: Mentalbeschreibung absolviert zwischen dem 10. und 36. Lebensmonat
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Broholmer cost?
A Broholmer costs around ~€230 per month (€120 – €440, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€6,180 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (8 years) it comes to about ~€25,110.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€230 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€230
In the first year
~€6,180
Across the dog's life
~€25,110
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,800 – €3,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
Looking for a Broholmer?
Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The history of the Broholmer goes back to the Middle Ages. He is an old Danish breed named after the castle "Broholm", where these dogs were bred in the 18th century. The Broholmer was originally used as a guard and hunting dog, especially for hunting large game such as deer and wild boar. However, the breed has changed significantly over the years. In the 1800s, the Broholmer became popular as a status symbol among the royal family and nobility, leading to breeding focusing on appearance rather than work ability. This popularity led to the Broholmer being recognized as a separate breed in the late 19th century. The breed was almost extinct after the Second World War, but was revived in the 1970s through the efforts of dedicated breeders and the Danish Breed Association. Since The Broholmer has developed into a popular companion and family dog, although its guarding and protective instincts are still present.
Original Use
The Broholmer was bred as a guard and protection dog for large estates and is known for its imposing appearance.
Origin
Denmark
Date
1800
Owner experiences
Owners unanimously describe the Broholmer as an even-tempered, devoted and surprisingly cuddly companion in everyday family life.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owners unanimously describe the Broholmer as an even-tempered, devoted and surprisingly cuddly companion in everyday family life. Many owners report that this massive dog makes itself almost invisible indoors, likes to doze and seeks close physical contact with its people. With children and familiar people, it is considered careful and patient. Most of these dogs are unimpressed when meeting other dogs and rarely lose their composure.
At the same time, owners stress that sheer size, at up to 70 kilograms, means a lot of day-to-day responsibility. For all its calm, the Broholmer remains a watchful dog that keeps a close eye on house and yard and firmly announces strangers. Many owners emphasize that cramped living quarters or lots of stairs are unsuitable, since a dog of this build needs ground-level space and, ideally, a securely fenced yard.
Sources:dogorama.appzooplus.demolosserforum.dehunde-fan.deedogs.de
Many owners find the Broholmer willing to learn and cooperative in training, but without the unconditional eagerness to obey of classic w…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners find the Broholmer willing to learn and cooperative in training, but without the unconditional eagerness to obey of classic working dogs. Owners' accounts repeatedly mention a certain mastiff-type stubbornness and a proverbial "firmness of opinion." When this Danish mastiff sees no point in an exercise, or plants itself and refuses to get up or move, sheer strength quickly reaches its limits.
Owners therefore agree that harshness is completely out of place, as the breed is sensitive to pressure. What's needed is kind consistency, patience and positive reinforcement. Owners describe its usually weak or barely present hunting drive as an advantage, which often makes off-leash time easy once recall training is solid. Even so, given the huge leverage it can put on a leash and its protective instinct, early, consistent leash training and thorough socialization from puppyhood are indispensable.
Sources:dogorama.appzooplus.demolosserforum.detierwelt.chmein-haustier.de
On health and raising a puppy, owners and breed clubs point to the particular needs of a slow-maturing giant.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On health and raising a puppy, owners and breed clubs point to the particular needs of a slow-maturing giant. Because the breed was saved from extinction a few decades ago through a strict back-breeding program, breeding is still tightly controlled today, which has produced comparatively robust dogs. Even so, owners focus on the typical problems of large breeds: hip and elbow dysplasia (HD/ED), heart disease and the risk of bloat (gastric torsion) come up again and again as the main concerns.
Owners report that the first year in particular takes a great deal of management. Because they grow so fast, puppies and young dogs must never be overexerted, stair climbing has to be kept to a minimum and food has to be precisely balanced to protect bones and joints. Owners also note that anyone interested in this rare breed often needs patience, since puppies are usually placed only through managed waiting lists, and new owners are often required to take part in health and breeding evaluations.
Sources:zooroyal.dezooplus.attierwelt.chdogpackapp.comforum.hundund.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a Broholmer the right dog for me?
The Broholmer is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Broholmer live?
The average life expectancy of a Broholmer is 7-9 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Broholmer need?
Broholmer grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Broholmer good for families with children?
The Broholmer can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Broholmer come in?
The Broholmer comes in these colors: Yellow, Red, Black.
Are you a Broholmer breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Broholmer.