Danish Broholmer
Broholmer, Gammel Dansk
The Danish Broholmer has been used for a wide range of tasks throughout history. Originally they were developed to hunt large game such as bear, wolf, and deer. They were equally adept at working with livestock such as pigs and bulls. However, the Danish Broholmer is most famous for its later work protecting manors and farms.
The name Broholmer is taken from the home of one of their early breeders, Brohom Castle.
Danish Broholmer Standards
- 27-30"
- 88-154 lbs
- large mastiff
- medium-sized, hanging ears
- long tail is carried in horizontal position
- short, close lying coat
- black
- golden red
- yellow with black mask
History of the Danish Broholmer
Dogs similar to today’s Danish Broholmer have been present throughout Denmark for centuries. They were likely a mix of native dogs and large mastiffs brought to the region by returning Vikings. These original dogs were known by the name Gammel Dansk, meaning “Old Danish Dog”.
In the Middle Ages, the Gammel Dansk gained the attention of the nobility and it was common for one court to send dogs to another. Thus English, German, and breeds from other countries were crossed with the Gammel Dansk. This likely included the Mastiff, Bullenbeisser (ancestor to the Boxer) and possibly other breeds such as the Dogue de Bordeaux and Great Dane. By the 1500s paintings depict dogs very similar to today’s Danish Broholmer, although they were not yet known by that name. During the 1700s they were a favorite of King Frederick VII. It is said he kept at least one with him at all times.
During the Industrial Revolution numbers began to decline, largely because there was less hunting and farming. Ultimately, these large dogs were expensive to keep and they were on the verge of extinction. However, their luck changed when Count Sehested of Broholm Castle took an interest in the breed in the late 19th century. He standardized the bloodline and inspired other breeders to take up their cause. It was after him that the Gammel Dansk became the Broholmer.
Unfortunately, the Danish Broholmer suffered again through WWI, and worse during WWII. Denmark was occupied by Germany during WWII and many dogs were killed during the fighting or abandoned by owners who could not care for them. Once again the Danish Broholmer found itself on the brink of extinction. By 1974 only one registered dog remained and it was too old to breed. The Danish Kennel Club created the Committee of National and Forgotten breeds and began searching for specimens. Dogs of the Danish Broholmer type were found throughout the country and that stock led to a successful breeding program. The Danish Broholmer was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1982. Today they remain a rare breed but is starting to gain attention around the world. In the United States, the American Kennel Club has them listed in their Foundation Stock Service.
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