Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Summary
The Broholmer is an ancient Danish molosser-type breed known since the Middle Ages, when large, powerful dogs were used to guard lands, farms and castles. The breed received its name from Broholm Castle, where Count Niels Frederik Septimius Güldencrone in the 18th century began targeted breeding, fixing the type of large, confident, reliable guard dogs. They were used to accompany carriages, guard estates, and control large livestock. Over time, the breed became a symbol of Danish manors. After World War II, the population declined sharply, but in the mid-20th century enthusiasts restored the breed, preserving its traditional working qualities: calmness, endurance, stable temperament and natural guarding instinct. Today the Broholmer is recognized as a rare and valuable breed, retaining national significance.
General Appearance
The Broholmer is a large, powerful, well-built dog with pronounced sexual dimorphism and harmonious, stable proportions. The outline is slightly elongated; the body is massive but not coarse, with well-developed musculature. The chest is broad and deep, the ribs long. The topline is straight, the loin strong, and the croup slightly sloping. The head is large and broad but not heavy, with clear, balanced lines. The appearance is completed by a dense, short coat that emphasizes the strong build. Movement is steady, powerful and even, consistent with the breed’s large format. The overall impression must convey calm strength, confidence and reliability. Excessive heaviness, looseness or dryness are undesirable; all features must maintain the balance between power and functional endurance.
Important Proportions
The height at the withers is only slightly less than the body length, creating a moderately elongated outline typical of a large working dog. The chest reaches the elbows, providing significant lung capacity. Chest width is substantial, emphasizing the strength of the front assembly. The head is proportional: skull and muzzle length are balanced, the muzzle strong and broad. The tail is long, thick at the base, carried low at rest and raised when moving, but never curled. Limbs are strong, parallel, with well-defined joints and correct angulation, ensuring stability and powerful drive. Proportions must convey a strong, reliable dog capable of sustained guarding work. Any deviation disturbing balance is considered a fault.
Behavior and Temperament
The Broholmer is a calm, confident and even-tempered dog with a natural guarding instinct and strong attachment to its family. It is attentive, reliable and assesses situations without unnecessary aggression. In a familiar environment it is calm, friendly and patient, but when needed it acts quickly and decisively. The temperament combines restraint, courage and confidence. Excessive shyness, nervousness or uncontrolled aggression are unacceptable. The Broholmer is people-oriented but requires early socialization and consistent training to reach its full potential. The breed is ideal for guarding homes, farms or estates, maintaining calm discipline and high manageability. The typical Broholmer is a reliable, confident and thoughtful guardian.
Head
The head is large and broad but not overly heavy, with well-balanced proportions that emphasize its molosser type. The skull is massive, slightly arched, and sufficiently long, with a mildly defined median groove. Cheeks are moderately developed, not coarse. The stop is marked but smooth, without abrupt steps. The muzzle is strong, broad, well-filled, not narrow, with a straight nasal bridge. The skin on the head is tight, slightly wrinkling when alert but never forming excessive folds. The bite is strong, with large, complete teeth. The head must give an impression of strength, calmness and confidence. Weak muzzles, narrow skulls, excessive wrinkling or dryness of the head are faults.
Foreface
The foreface is massive, broad and powerful, yet harmonious. The muzzle is nearly rectangular, slightly tapering toward the nose but remaining strong throughout. The nose is large, black or dark, with well-opened nostrils. Lips are moderately pendulous but not excessive; the upper lip covers the lower lip, forming a soft, clean line of the mouth. Jaws are broad and strong, providing a confident grip. The chin is defined but not protruding. The foreface must underline the breed’s power without heaviness. Undesirable features include weak or poorly filled muzzles, excessively loose lips, weak lower jaws or asymmetry.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, oval, moderately deep-set, giving a calm, confident expression. Eye color ranges from dark brown to amber, harmonizing with the coat; darker shades are preferred. The expression is balanced, attentive, without signs of aggression or nervousness. Eyelids fit tightly without looseness or wetness. Round, protruding or very light eyes are faults. The eyes play an important role in reflecting temperament: they must convey calmness, determination and confidence—qualities essential for a reliable guardian.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, triangular with rounded tips, set relatively high and lying close to the cheeks. They are at or slightly above cheek level, forming a harmonious head outline. At rest the ears hang naturally without outward rotation; when alert they lift slightly at the base while maintaining their drop shape. The hair on the ears is short and dense. Faults include overly large or very small ears, high “flying” ears, outward-turned ears or incorrect set.
Neck
The neck is strong, muscular, of medium length, blending smoothly into the body. It must be long enough to allow free movement and confident body control but not overly stretched. The topline of the neck is gently arched, emphasizing the breed’s strength and dignity. Skin is tight and elastic without excessive dewlap. Short, thick or overly long and thin necks disrupt balance and reduce functionality.
Body
The body is powerful, slightly elongated, with strong musculature and substantial bone. The topline is straight and stable; the back is long but firm, without softness or dip. The loin is short, broad and muscular, blending into the croup. The croup is wide and slightly sloping, providing strong rear drive. The chest is deep and broad, with long ribs giving ample lung capacity and a strong appearance. The abdomen is moderately tucked. The body must demonstrate confidence, stability and functionality. Narrow chests, weak backs, excessive length or looseness are faults.
Tail
The tail is long, thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. At rest it hangs in a natural curve reaching the hocks. In movement it lifts but should not rise above the topline or curl; only a strong, confident carriage is allowed. Hair is short and dense. Faults include short tails, kinks, excessively high set or overly active tails. The tail must complement the silhouette, reflecting calmness, confidence and working character.
Forequarters
The forequarters are strong, straight and parallel, with powerful bone and well-developed musculature. Shoulders are long, sloping, tightly fitted, forming correct angles with the upper arm, ensuring reach and stability. Elbows point straight back, neither turned out nor pressed in. Forearms are long, vertical and strong. Pasterns are short, slightly sloping and strong. Feet are large, round and tight, with thick pads. Faults include loose elbows, toeing in or out, weak pasterns or insufficient substance.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful, muscular, with well-defined angulation providing strong drive and stability. Thighs are long, broad and muscular. Lower thighs are strong, allowing dynamic movement. Hocks are solid, low-set and work in one plane. Rear pasterns are short and vertical. Feet are large and strong. Faults include weak ligaments, straight angles, cow hocks, barrel hocks or narrow stance.
Gait / Movement
Movement is calm, confident, steady, with powerful but not heavy drive. The gait must be stable and straight, reflecting the dog’s strength and balance. Stride is long and free. At the trot, the Broholmer shows smooth, economical movement, maintaining rhythm and a stable topline. Faults include short stride, stiffness, crossing limbs, weak drive, wobbling or poor coordination.
Coat
The coat is short, dense and close-lying, with an even texture. It must be firm enough to provide weather protection but not overly harsh. The undercoat is moderate and dense, more developed in cold seasons. The coat should emphasize the dog’s structure without obscuring musculature. Long, wavy, soft or sparse coats are faults.
Colours
Accepted colours include light brown, golden-red, reddish-brown, fawn and black. A dark mask and slight shading on the ears and muzzle are allowed. Small white markings on the chest, feet or tail tip are permissible but must not be large. Marble, blue, brindle or other non-standard colours are disqualifying, as are large white patches or very light eyes. Colour must be rich, clean and even.
Size
Males: 65–70 cm at the withers; females: 60–65 cm.
Weight typically ranges from 40 to 70 kg depending on sex and build.
The dog must appear powerful but functional, never overly heavy or too light-boned. Proportions must reflect strength, balance and working ability.
Faults
Faults include weak bone, narrow chest, insufficient depth of body, soft topline, looseness, excessive heaviness. Head faults include narrow or overly broad skull, weak muzzle, light or round eyes, incorrect ear set. Movement faults include short stride, stiffness, weak rear drive or instability. Coat faults include long, soft, wavy coat or thin undercoat. Temperament faults include shyness, insecurity, undue aggression or poor owner contact.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying features include aggression toward the owner, extreme shyness, panic, unstable temperament, incorrect bite, missing teeth beyond allowed limits, severe limb deformities, lameness, blue eyes, large white patches, non-standard colours, lack of mask where required, extreme looseness, excessive wrinkling or absence of breed type.
Important Notes
When assessing the Broholmer, one must remember its historical purpose as a reliable guardian and estate dog. Key criteria include stable temperament, calmness and the absence of unjustified aggression. All structural features must be evaluated for functionality: strong bone, deep chest and firm body provide power and endurance; short dense coat protects during outdoor work. Young dogs may develop unevenly; temporary looseness is acceptable if overall development is correct. Movement must be strong, steady and balanced. The Broholmer must remain friendly toward its family, confident, attentive and brave without unnecessary sharpness.
Conclusion
The Broholmer is a powerful, calm and reliable Danish breed that combines centuries-old working purpose with the modern role of a family protector. Its harmonious structure, strong bone, balanced temperament and confident behavior form a dog capable of effectively guarding property and accompanying people in any conditions. The breed represents a rare combination of calm power and high manageability. The standard emphasizes maintaining functional qualities—stability, strength of movement, body solidity and psychological balance. With proper breeding, the Broholmer remains a faithful guardian of Denmark’s historical heritage and a dependable working dog that meets modern expectations while preserving breed type.
