Broholmer
BROH-hol-mer
Denmark· Danish country estates, named after the Broholm estate on Funen
The Broholmer is a large, powerful mastiff-type dog native to Denmark, developed as an estate guardian and hunting companion for the country's landed families.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Giant
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Large
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
8-10 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large
Where it comes from
Origins of the Broholmer
Large Danish country estates in the 18th and 19th centuries needed a powerful, calm dog to guard property and livestock and to hunt boar alongside huntsmen. The breed's size and steady temperament reflected its role as a working companion to the landed gentry rather than a farmer's all-rounder.
- Region
- Danish country estates, named after the Broholm estate on Funen
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate maritime climate with mild winters
- Original job
- Estate guard dog and boar hound
The long read
About the breed
Its history as a guard and boar-hunting dog produced a breed of great physical strength combined with a notably calm, steady temperament, bred to be imposing rather than aggressive.
Within the family it is gentle, loyal and good-natured, forming close bonds and generally getting on well with children, though its size and strength mean early training and socialisation matter.
Having twice come close to extinction, the Broholmer survives today through dedicated Danish breeding efforts and remains rare outside its homeland, prized as a calm, dependable large companion.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Broholmer greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Broholmer is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Broholmer's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1700s
Estate guardians
Large mastiff-type dogs were kept on Danish manor estates such as Broholm to guard property and assist in boar hunting.
1880s
First standardisation
The breed was named and given an early standard, becoming associated with the Danish aristocracy.
1940s
Near extinction
The Second World War and shifting fashions brought numbers dangerously low.
1974
Revival programme
A dedicated club launched a structured breeding programme to rebuild the population from remaining dogs.
1982
Modern standard adopted
A revised standard was approved as the breed's numbers stabilised, later confirmed by the FCI.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Long, muscular and deep-chested with a firm, level back.
- coat
- Short, dense and smooth.
- ears
- Medium-sized, set high and hanging close to the cheeks.
- eyes
- Medium-sized, amber to dark brown, with a calm expression.
- head
- Broad, slightly domed skull with a moderate stop and a strong, deep muzzle.
- size
- Dogs 75cm and over, bitches 70cm and over at the withers
- colour
- Golden yellow, red-brown or black, often with a black mask.
- temperament
- Calm, confident and good-natured, protective without unwarranted aggression.
- general appearance
- A large, powerfully built mastiff-type dog with a calm, dignified bearing and rectangular outline.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Broholmers added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Broholmer
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Broholmer illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Broholmer Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Broholmer illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Broholmer Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Broholmer illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Broholmer Mug
Ceramic mug with the Broholmer illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Broholmer video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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