Pet Wiki

Broholmer

Also called Danish Broholmer, Danish Mastiff

Recognised breedFCI group 2Short profile

From Denmark; named after the Broholm estate on Funen.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male50 to 70 kg12
Weight, female40 to 60 kg12
Height, male75 cm12
Height, female70 cm12
Lifespan7 to 12 years2
Sizegiant
calm and good-natured
confident
watchful guardian
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense

A short, close coat with an undercoat on a big, powerful mastiff frame.1

Coloursyellowredblackyellow or red with black mask1

Personality what they are like

A composed, friendly giant that is sure of itself and quietly observant, alert to anything unusual without being fussy.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate; daily walks suit it, in line with its calm companion and guard role.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat is easy to keep: a regular brush removes loose hair.1

Home where they are happiest

Needs a home with room for a very large dog.12

Company who they like around

A devoted family companion that likes to keep an eye on its household; good training and socialisation help it stay relaxed with visitors.12

The story where it all began

Large Danish mastiff-type dogs were used for hunting in the Middle Ages and later guarded estates and farms. In the late 1700s Chamberlain Sehested of Broholm set out to breed them to a consistent type, which gave the breed its name. After nearly disappearing following the Second World War, it was revived by enthusiasts from about 1975.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed is named after Broholm, the estate where its breeding was first organised.1

  2. 2

    Serious work to bring the breed back began around 1975.1

  3. 3

    It arrived in the United Kingdom in 2009.2

  4. 4

    It has a deep, impressive bark to match its size.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Count Sehested of Broholm, who purebred and increased their numbers at the end of the 18th century.3

Name ideas for your new friend

ThorBrunoFreyaGunnarNannaKjeldBjornDaisyMooseSagaOlafLily

A day in the life told by a Broholmer

I wake slowly, stretching my giant paws. I pad to the kitchen where my human gives me a gentle pat. After breakfast, I sit by the window, watching the world go by. A delivery truck arrives – I give a low, calm bark to let my human know. Then we go for a stroll in the park. I greet other dogs with a wag and a sniff. Back home, I lie at my human's feet while they read. A perfect, quiet day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 315, Group 2, Section 2.1 Molossian, Mastiff type; standard dated 03.05.2025.1
Dansk Kennel Klub
Recognised in its home country.2
UKC
Recognised.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Broholmer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Broholmer tip

For a Broholmer, choose low-fat, single-ingredient treats and give them sparingly, as this giant breed gains weight easily and can be prone to a sensitive stomach. Always check with your vet before introducing new treats, especially if your dog has any health concerns.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Broholmer, and at what times?

Adult Broholmers should be fed at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding at consistent times each day, and you can ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.4 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Broholmer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its size and age. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol; always check the ASPCA list for more.5

How often should I bathe a Broholmer?

Bathing every eight weeks is a good starting plan, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your Broholmer gets very dirty or has skin issues, and always use a dog-safe shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Broholmer need brushing?

A weekly brush is enough to remove loose hair from its short, dense coat. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every seven days to keep the coat healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Broholmer's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Broholmer need?

This calm giant needs moderate daily walks and playtime. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily exercise to keep it happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Broholmer's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Furry Diary suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Broholmer live?

Broholmers typically live between 7 and 12 years. Regular vet check-ups and good care can help them enjoy a full lifespan.2

Is a Broholmer good with children and other pets?

Yes, this composed and friendly giant is a devoted family companion and can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized. Early training helps it stay relaxed with everyone.12

Can a Broholmer be left alone?

Broholmers are devoted to their family and may not like being left alone for long periods. How well they cope varies, so ask a good breeder or vet for advice on your specific dog.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 315 Broholmer fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Broholmer (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, recognition, lifespan, history, facts
  3. www2.skk.se www2.skk.se
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.