History of occurrence
As a type this breed has been known since the Middle Ages, when it was used for hunting (staghunting). Later on it was used mainly as guard dog for large farms and manors. At the end of the 18th century these dogs were purebred and increased in number thanks to the Count Sehested of Broholm, from whom the breed has inherited its name. After the Second World War the breed became almost extinct, but around 1975 a group of committed people - later organized as « The Society for Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed » - supported by the Danish Kennel Club, began the work of reviving the breed.
General form
A Mastiff-type of dog of large size, rectangular and strongly built, with a composed and powerful movement. Its appearance is dominated by the powerful forequarters. The head is massive and wide, the neck is sturdy with some loose skin, the chest is broad and deep. At rest the head is carried rather low and stooping, and the tail is hanging down sabrelike. When moving, the tail is carried higher, but not over the topline. When the dog is attentive or aroused, the head is carried higher and the tail is raised above horizontal.
Отличительная особенность породы Broholmer
Head: rather big and wide, with a heavy appearance.
Skull: broad and rather flat. Topline of skull is parallel to topline of muzzle and set a little higher.
Stop: not too pronounced.
Nose: full and black.
Muzzle: massive; looking rather short due to the heavy head. Upper and lower jaw are of equal length.
Lips: pendulous, but not excessively so.
Jaws/Teeth: powerful jaws with well developed muscles. Scissoror pincer bite.
Eyes: round, not too big. Colour from light to dark amber. Expression should show great self-confidence.
Ears: medium sized, rather high set. Carried hanging close to cheeks.
Neck: very powerful and muscular with some throatiness, yet not excessive.
Topline: straight.
Withers: strong and clearly defined.
Back: rather long.
Croup: medium length, slightly sloping.
Chest: powerful and deep, with well a developed forebreast.
Forequarters:
General appearance: strong, straight and powerful forelegs with muscular upper arms. The length and angulation of the bones should produce a free movement with good reach walking or trotting.
Upper arm: very muscular.
Elbows: moving close to the body.
Forearm: straight and powerufl.
Pastern: not too long.
Front feet: rounded and close.
Hindquarters:
General appearance: powerful and muscular hindlegs with angulation able to produce good driving power. Seen from behind the hindlegs are straight and parallel.
Upper thigh: powerful and muscular.
Rear pastern: not too long.
Hind feet: tight, as the front feet.
Set on rather low, broad at base. It is carried drooping and has no flag or feathering.When moving the tail is raised to a horizontal position, preferably
Skin: well pigmented and thick; generally profuse, especially at the neck.
Hair: short and close lying, with a thick undercoat.
Colour: yellow with black mask. Golden red. Black. White markings on chest, feet and tip of tail are optional.
Composed and stooping. Natural gaits are walking and trotting.
Height:
Dogs — 75 cm.
Bitches — 70 cm.
Weight:
Dogs — 50-70 kg.
Bitches — 40-60 kg.
Character
Calm, good tempered, friendly, yet watchful. Must show great self-confidence.
Maintenance care
The Broholmer requires minimal grooming. It will not need some professional grooming, just regular brushing is enough. It sheds, many of the Broholmer shed quite heavily. The Broholmer breed is generally shed continuously but not in extensive amount. It is a seasonal shedding breed also.
Lifespan — 6-12 years.
Dignity
The Broholmer will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised.
Calm, good tempered, friendly, yet watchful.
Difficulty keeping
Seasonal heavy shedder.
Diseases
For the most part, the Broholmer is a healthy breed not prone to major health problems. As a large-breed dog, however, it may be prone to developing certain musculoskeletal conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia or patellar luxation. It is important to avoid over-exercising this breed while it is still growing because vigorous exercise could put too much strain on his developing joints. Wait until your puppy is fully grown to expose him to vigorous exercise like long-distance running or dog sports.
