Danish Broholmer

Guardian Dog Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Broholmer has been in existence since the Middle Ages, when it was used to hunt stag. Later, the breed was used mainly as a guardian for farms and large manors. After the Second World War, the breed was nearly lost, but due to the dedication of a group of fanciers who organized in 1975 as the Society for Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed, its numbers are increasing.

The Danish Broholmer was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.

General Appearance

The Broholmer is a mastiff type dog of large size and imposing build. It has a massive head and extremely powerful forequarters.

Characteristics

The Broholmer is good tempered. The breed is friendly and calm, but ever watchful. It is important that this breed shows great self confidence.

Head

The head is large and broad, giving a heavy appearance.

SKULL

Broad and rather flat. The topline of the skull is parallel to the topline of the muzzle. There is a moderate stop that is not too pronounced.

MUZZLE

The muzzle is massive, and the same length as the skull, though it looks shorter due to the general heaviness of the head. The lips are pendulous, but not excessively so. The jaws are very powerful.

TEETH

The Broholmer has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors or level bite.

Disqualification: Overshot or undershot bite.

NOSE

Large and black.

Disqualification: Nose other than black.

EYES

The eyes are round, and not too large. They range in color from light to dark amber. The expression shows great self confidence.

Disqualification: Eyes of two different colors.

EARS

Medium sized, set rather high and carried hanging close to the cheeks.

Disqualification: Erect ears.

Neck

Very powerful and muscular, with some throatiness.

Forequarters

The length and angulation of the bones of the shoulder assembly should produce free movement, with good length of stride, whether the dog is walking or trotting. The upper arms are very powerful and muscular.

FORELEGS

Straight and strong, with elbows held close to the body and pasterns that are not too long.

Body

In proportion, the Broholmer is slightly rectangular. The chest is deep and powerful, with a well-developed forechest. The withers are clearly defined. The back is rather long, and the topline is straight. The croup is slightly sloping.

Hindquarters

The angulation of the hindquarter should match that of the forequarter to produce good drive and length of stride.

HIND LEGS

Seen from behind, the legs are straight and parallel. The upper thighs are very muscular. The rear pastern is not too long.

Feet

Rounded, with close toes.

Tail

Set on rather low, thick at the base, and free of feathering. When the dog is in motion, the tail is raised to a horizontal position, preferably not higher, and never carried curled over the back.

Disqualification: Tail curled over the back.

Coat

Short and close-lying, with a thick undercoat.
Disqualification: Distinctly long coat.

Color

Acceptable colors are yellow with a black mask; golden red; black. White markings on the chest, feet and tip of tail are optional.

Disqualification: Any color other than those listed.

Height and Weight

Average height for males is 29½ inches. For females, 27½ inches. Males weigh between 110-150 pounds. Females weigh between 90-130 pounds.

Gait

Composed, with good reach and drive. At slow speeds, the head is held rather low. When the dog is attentive, the head is carried higher and the tail raises to horizontal.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Overshot or undershot bite.
Nose other than black.
Eyes of two different colors.
Erect ears.
Tail curled over the back.
Distinctly long coat.
Any color other than those listed.