Breed Standard
Head: Strong and broad. Carried slightly down. Relatively short muzzle. Pendulous lips.
Ears: Small. Set on moderately high.
Eyes: Round. Black or dark amber color.
Body: Square body outline. Thick neck. Broad forechest. Long back. Croup slightly sloping.
Tail: Medium length, thick. Carried low at rest, saber when in action.
Hair: Short, thick, weather-resistant.
Coat: Fawn (light yellow, golden) with black mask; black. White markings on the forechest, feet, and tip of the tail are permissible.
Size: Dog: at least 75 cm. (30 in).Bitch: at least 70 cm. (28 in).
Weight: 50 to 60 kg. (110.5-132.5 lb).
History
The Broholmer breed was generated from a cross between English Mastiffs and local dogs in Germany, and was named after Sehested of Broholm, a game-keeper who lived in the 18th century. During the Second World War, the Broholmer became a victim of the strife and almost went extinct, but was saved by a group of Danish enthusiasts after isolated members were found in the 1970s. King Frederick VII and his consort, Countess Danner were owners of several Broholmers and one of their portraits depicts them with one of their dogs. The breed was established in the early 19th century and was moderately popular, especially as a guard dog in the homes of wealthy Danes.
Behavior
This is a steadfast, peace-loving, well-balanced, good-natured breed. The Broholmer is well known for his even temper and courage. Firm training is required to temper any aggressive tendencies he may have with strangers.
This dog needs space and a lot of exercise. Weekly brushing is sufficient.
Function
Guard Dog, Pet.
Health
It was discovered in the recent years (2016) that the Broholmers that were imported into the USA were all afflicted with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a spontaneously occurring, adult-onset spinal cord disorder that affects dogs, and is similar to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease in humans. With DM, there is degeneration of the “white matter” of the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves. The white matter tracts of the spinal cord contain fibers that transmit movement commands from the brain to the limbs and sensory information from the limbs to the brain. The first Broholmer ever to be imported into the United States with the intent to breed it, died in 2018 due to DM, and all other dogs imported have DM as well. These dogs were never presented and therefore never accepted by Broholmer Selskabet, the Danish main organization for the protection and the breeding of healthy Broholmers. One completely healthy male Broholmer, Bodholdts Bedste Bergthor, approved for breeding by the Broholmer Selskab, was imported into the US in 2010. He was, however, never bred in the US.
