Breed Standards
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
NAME
Broholmer
ORIGIN
Denmark.
PUBLISHED
26.06.2000.
UTILISATION
Companion dog, guard dog.
CLASSIFICATION
Group 2 - Sheepdog
,Section 2 : Molossoid breeds
,2.1 Mastiff type
,Without working trial
TRANSLATION
O.B.C. Christensen, DKK Standard Committee.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
As a type this breed has been known since the Middle Ages, when it was used for hunting (stag-hunting). Later on it was used mainly as guard dog for large farms and manors. At the end of the 18th century these dogs were pure-bred and increased in number thanks to the Count Sehested of Broholm, from whom the breed has inherited its name. After the Second World War the breed became almost extinct, but around 1975 a group of committed people - later organized as « The Society for Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed » - supported by the Danish Kennel Club, began the work of reviving the breed.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
A Mastiff-type of dog of large size, rectangular and strongly built, with a composed and powerful movement. Its appearance is dominated by the powerful forequarters. The head is massive and wide, the neck is sturdy with some loose skin, the chest is broad and deep. At rest the head is carried rather low and stooping, and the tail is hanging down sabre-like. When moving, the tail is carried higher, but not over the topline. When the dog is attentive or aroused, the head is carried higher and the tail is raised above horizontal.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS
Skull and muzzle are of equal length.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT
Calm, good tempered, friendly, yet watchful. Must show great self-confidence.
HEAD
Rather big and wide, with a heavy appearance.
NECK
Very powerful and muscular with some throatiness, yet not excessive.
BODY
Straight.
Strong and clearly defined.
Rather long.
Medium length, slightly sloping.
Powerful and deep, with well a developed forebreast.
TAIL
Set on rather low, broad at base. It is carried drooping and has no flag or feathering. When moving the tail is raised to a horizontal position, preferably not higher. It should never be carried over the back or in a curl.
LIMBS
Strong, straight and powerful forelegs with muscular upper arms. The length and angulation of the bones should produce a free movement with good reach walking or trotting.
Powerful and muscular hindlegs with angulation able to produce good driving power. Seen from behind the hindlegs are straight and parallel.
GAIT / MOVEMENT
Composed and stooping. Natural gaits are walking and trotting.
SKIN
Well pigmented and thick; generally profuse, especially at the neck.
COAT
Short and close lying, with a thick undercoat.
Yellow with black mask. Golden red. Black. White markings on chest, feet and tip of tail are optional.
SIZE
Male ca 75 cm; Bitch ca 70 cm.
Male 50 - 70 kg; Bitch 40 - 60 kg.
FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points 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.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
Anatomical Features
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.