Discover Everything About Broholmer
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Broholmer overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
As a heavy, large breed, the Broholmer primarily struggles with joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), which must be monitored through mandatory health tests. Additionally, breed-specific anatomical weaknesses like jaw abnormalities are a focus. Buyers should pay extremely close attention to the official X-ray results of the parent dogs to avoid painful joint problems in their puppy.
Lifespan
7–9 yrs
Height
70–80 cm
Weight
40–70 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, shiny
- Origin: Denmark
Typical coat colors
- Yellow
- black
- red
Temperament
Daily life
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 →Is the Broholmer right for you?
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.
Perfect for you if:
- 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 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 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.
- 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 Great Dane or 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 lopsided 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.
| Height | 70 - 75 cm (Female), 75 - 80 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 40 - 50 kg (Female), 50 - 70 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 7 - 9 years |
| Character | Gentle, Protective, Calm |
| Coat | Short, dense, shiny |
| Coat Color | Yellow, black, red |
| Price | 1800 - 3500 € |
History
The history of the Broholmer goes back to the Middle Ages. He is an old Danish breed named after the castle "Broholm" is named 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.
The Broholmer was bred as a guard and protection dog for large estates and is known for its imposing appearance.
Denmark
1800
Character & Temperament
The Broholmer is a calm, calm 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.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| 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 not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
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. You 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 if necessary.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
As a heavy, large breed, the Broholmer primarily struggles with joint conditions such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), which must be monitored through mandatory health tests. Additionally, breed-specific anatomical weaknesses like jaw abnormalities are a focus. Buyers should pay extremely close attention to the official X-ray results of the parent dogs to avoid painful joint problems in their puppy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
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
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, spine, heart, and eyes thoroughly checked and pay special attention to diverse bloodlines due to the small gene pool.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Broholmer
Simone S., Halterin aus dem Mittelrheintal (Hündin, seit 2023)
Unsere Broholmer-Hündin ist im Haus eine absolute Schmusebacke und unglaublich liebenswert. Sobald wir aber vor die Tür gehen, zeigt sich schnell, was bei dieser Rasse oft charmant als „selbstbewusst“ umschrieben wird: Sie ist extrem meinungsstabil – sprich, einfach unglaublich stur!
Das ging schon im Welpenalter los. Wenn sie im Gras etwas Verbotenes entdeckt (wie Katzenkot) und es nicht haben darf, schmeißt sie sich einfach platt auf den Boden und bewegt sich keinen Millimeter mehr. Aktuell können wir sie zum Glück noch hochheben und so zum Weitergehen animieren. Aber bei ihrem rasanten Wachstum wird das bald unmöglich sein. Man braucht bei dieser Rasse wirklich eine Engelsgeduld und jede Menge Humor, um mit diesem dicken Dickkopf liebevoll, aber konsequent umzugehen.
Tanja H., Halterin aus Rheinland-Pfalz (Hündin, seit 2015)
Wir haben unsere Broholmer-Hündin Ende 2015 von einem vermeintlich netten Züchter ohne Papiere gekauft. Leider stellte sich schnell heraus, dass wir an einen unseriösen Vermehrer geraten sind. Unsere Hündin brachte direkt eine schwere Giardien-Infektion mit, die uns mit wochenlangem, heftigem Durchfall extrem auf Trab hielt.
Das weitaus größere Drama kam aber kurz darauf: Nach einer anhaltenden Lahmheit ließen wir sie röntgen. Die Schock-Diagnose lautet Ellbogendysplasie (ED). Jetzt steht uns der schwere Weg in eine Spezialklinik bevor. Ich kann jedem nur dringend raten: Kauft einen Broholmer niemals ohne Papiere und achtet penibel auf eine seriöse Herkunft, sonst bezahlt man später bitteres Lehrgeld und der Hund leidet.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Broholmer
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.
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