Dogs make an excellent companion at home. They can be a friend and a guardian at the same time. They vary in size, appearance, and nature, which gives them distinct characteristics, allowing them to excel in some fields. With this said, it is evident that some dogs are highly skilled in sports, hunting, guarding, dog shows, military, and many other activities.
One dog that excels in being a family guardian is the Broholmer. This dog is a strong and muscular breed that is perfect for its protective nature. It is friendly and devoted towards its family, but wouldn’t back down against a foe. All of these features contribute to the greatness of the Broholmer, making it an excellent dog for the family.
Origins of the Broholmer
Like many other dogs, the Broholmer has its history that might catch our interests. We can trace back the earliest records of the Broholmer to the Middle Ages, where people used it for stag-hunting. It didn’t take long when people recognized the guarding capabilities of the Broholmer, wherein they used Broholmers to protect large farms and manors.
The Broholmer became a famous guard dog, which led to a significant increase in its population by the end of the 18th century. However, World War II came and left the population of the Broholmer at the brink of extinction. This scenario is nothing new to other breeds after World War II. Thankfully, dog lovers formed the Society for Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed, along with the support of the Danish Kennel Club. This group of dog breeders aims to work on restoring the Broholmer to its former glory.
Over the years, the group succeeded in developing the Broholmer. That is why in 1998, the international breed registry, known as FCI, officially acknowledged the Broholmer breed. It was originally found in Denmark, as well as other European countries. However, in 2009, the Broholmer reached the United States, which sparked the interests of several dog lovers.
Characteristics of the Broholmer
Height: 27.5 – 29.5 inches
Weight: 90 – 150 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The Broholmer is a large breed that could stand up to more than twenty-nine inches tall and weighs up to 150 pounds. Its appearance may seem intimidating because of its intense and serious face, along with a large and muscular body. It is a mastiff-type dog that has a rectangular body and a large head. At first glance, the Broholmer’s appearance looks ordinary compared to other dogs.
However, its intimidating appearance might be deceiving since it is not much of a scary dog in terms of its nature. As mentioned earlier, the Broholmer is a guard dog. It has a highly protective nature towards its family. At the same time, people also use it to guard farms and markets. It is no question how this breed became an icon of a guard dog; just looking at its massive body will indeed prevent intruders.
Moreover, Broholmers are not only excellent guardians; they are also incredible companions. They have a heart of gold – making them extremely affectionate and friendly towards their family. They have a soft nature towards children, as well as other dogs; that’s why it is perfect even for new fur parents.
The Broholmer is not just a massive and muscular dog. Its bulk size also comes with an incredibly agile body. It is a perfect combination of speed, strength, and tirelessness, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for an indoor and outdoor companion.
Caring for the Broholmer
Like most dogs, the Broholmer can do well with high-quality dog food. Homemade meals are also acceptable, as long as your local vet approves them. Since they have an athletic body, it is best to train and exercise regularly to keep them healthy; treats are recommended to aid in their training. However, always make sure to be cautious about the amount of food you are feeding them. This practice could prevent obesity, which could potentially lead to further health problems in the future.
In terms of their grooming, the Broholmer is not difficult to maintain because of their short coat. Make it a habit to brush their coat regularly to remove dead hair. Furthermore, bath them occasionally or as needed to remove dirt, keeping them clean and healthy.