Broholmer vs. Bullmastiff: Differences, Traits and Care

Last Updated: October 20, 2026

Broholmer vs. Bullmastiff at a Glance

Two Gentle Giants With Different Histories

Although both breeds share mastiff ancestry and guarding backgrounds, their histories reveal important differences in how they were developed and the roles they traditionally performed.

The Broholmer: Denmark’s Watchful Companion

The Broholmer, also called the Danish Mastiff, is a large breed originating in Denmark. Historically, Broholmers guarded estates and farms, and the breed also has roots in stag hunting.

The modern breed standard describes the Broholmer as calm, friendly, good-tempered, and watchful. This combination of characteristics reflects its traditional role as a substantial guardian that could remain attentive without being constantly active.

Broholmers remain uncommon in the United States. The American Kennel Club lists the breed in its Foundation Stock Service, a program that maintains records for breeds not yet fully recognized by the AKC.

The Bullmastiff: England’s Estate Guardian

The Bullmastiff was developed in England to assist gamekeepers in protecting estates from poachers. Its powerful build and guarding instincts reflect this demanding historical role.

Today, Bullmastiffs are often valued for their loyalty and affection toward family members. However, their size and protective instincts make early socialization, clear boundaries, and consistent training particularly important.

Bullmastiffs are more established in the United States than Broholmers, which may make them easier to find. However, greater availability should never replace careful research into a breeder’s practices or an individual dog’s temperament.

Broholmer vs. Bullmastiff Temperament

Both breeds can be devoted companions, but their temperaments should be considered alongside their guarding backgrounds, individual personalities, and training needs.

Breed descriptions offer useful guidance, but they are not guarantees. Genetics, socialization, past experiences, health, and the individual dog’s temperament all influence behavior.

Size, Grooming, and Everyday Care

Both the Broholmer and Bullmastiff are very large, muscular dogs. Broholmers can be especially tall, while Bullmastiffs are generally shorter on average but remain heavy and powerful.

Neither breed has a long coat that requires extensive trimming. The Broholmer has a short coat with an undercoat, while the Bullmastiff has a short, dense coat.

Both breeds still require routine brushing, nail trimming, dental care, appropriate exercise, and regular veterinary visits.

What Large-Dog Ownership Really Involves

• Leash handling: Owners need to manage a strong dog safely during walks and unexpected distractions.
• Transportation: Vehicles must accommodate the dog’s size comfortably and securely.
• Home environment: Large dogs need sufficient space to move, rest, and interact safely.
• Guest introductions: Calm greetings and reliable manners are important around visitors.
• Routine care: Food, bedding, medications, and veterinary services can cost more for very large dogs.
• Physical safety: Even a friendly dog may accidentally knock over a child or an older adult.

Training and Socialization: Why They Matter

Training is important for every dog, but it becomes especially valuable when a dog is large enough to overpower its handler or unintentionally injure someone.

Both Broholmers and Bullmastiffs benefit from early socialization and consistent, reward-based training. Positive experiences with different people, environments, sounds, and situations can help develop confidence and appropriate behavior.

Owners should prioritize reliable everyday manners rather than expecting guarding instincts alone to determine how the dog behaves.

Essential Training Priorities

• Loose-leash walking: Teach polite leash behavior before the dog reaches full adult strength.
• Recall: Practice responding when called in progressively more distracting environments.
• Calm greetings: Prevent jumping and overly enthusiastic approaches to visitors.
• Socialization: Provide positive, controlled exposure to everyday experiences.
• Handling: Teach cooperation with grooming, veterinary examinations, and routine care.
• Impulse control: Reward calm, appropriate behavior around exciting situations.

Health and Responsible Breeding

Health screening is an important consideration when choosing either breed. Large dogs may face orthopedic and other health challenges, making responsible breeding practices and preventive veterinary care especially valuable.

When speaking with a breeder, request documented health screening results rather than relying on verbal assurances that the parents are healthy.

For Bullmastiffs, the American Kennel Club lists several evaluations among the breed club’s recommended health tests.

For Broholmers, ask breeders which health screenings are recommended for their breeding dogs and request the relevant results. Breed-specific recommendations may differ.

A veterinarian can help prospective owners understand health screening results, inherited risks, and appropriate preventive care.

Learn more about the importance of responsible dog breeding and the warning signs associated with puppy mills and backyard breeders.

Broholmer vs. Bullmastiff: Key Differences

Which Breed Could Be Right for You?

Choosing between a Broholmer and a Bullmastiff should involve more than appearance, rarity, or breed popularity. Your experience, living environment, daily routine, and ability to manage a very large dog all matter.

Neither breed is automatically the right choice for every household. The individual dog’s temperament, health, age, upbringing, and compatibility with your lifestyle should guide your decision.

Our guide to the best dog breeds for different lifestyles can help you explore other possibilities.

A Reminder About Buying Puppies Responsibly

Finding a healthy, well-socialized puppy starts with choosing a responsible source. Avoid purchasing puppies sight unseen, from unverified online sellers, or through pet stores that cannot provide transparent information about the breeding dogs and their care.

A responsible breeder should welcome questions about health testing, temperament, living conditions, and socialization. They should also be willing to discuss whether the breed is suitable for your household.

Be cautious of sellers who pressure you to send immediate payments, refuse reasonable verification, or cannot provide documentation of recommended health screening.

Adoption is another option worth exploring. Visit our guide to finding dogs for adoption near you to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broholmers and Bullmastiffs

Final Thoughts: Two Gentle Giants, Two Different Histories

The Broholmer and Bullmastiff share impressive size, strength, and a history of guarding, but they are not interchangeable breeds. Their different origins, temperaments, and availability make each worth researching carefully.

Whether you’re drawn to the rare Danish Broholmer or the loyal English Bullmastiff, the most important question is whether you can provide the training, companionship, care, and safe environment that a powerful dog needs throughout its life.