Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years. An appropriate diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular activity without excess and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its build is solid and its coat with undercoat offers it adequate protection. Its large size nevertheless increases the strain on the joints and requires controlled growth as well as exercise adapted to its age.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to locomotion, digestion, weight and the appearance of neurological disorders. Any sudden abdominal swelling, unproductive attempts to vomit, agitation or lethargy constitutes a veterinary emergency.
Hip dysplasia: Joint malformation favored by large size, which can lead to pain, lameness and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: Developmental abnormality of the elbow likely to cause forelimb lameness and early osteoarthritis.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: Life-threatening emergency in large dogs requiring split meals and no exertion around mealtimes.
Degenerative myelopathy: Progressive neurological condition considered a minor risk in the breed.
Patellar luxation: Occasional displacement of the kneecap that can cause an irregular gait or lameness.
Obesity: Occasional excess weight increases joint stress and must be prevented by portion control.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Broholmer tolerates cold and heat moderately. Its undercoat protects it, but it must have a dry shelter in winter. In hot weather, walks should be scheduled during the cooler hours, with shade, water and without intense effort.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The tendency to gain weight is moderate. Portions must be adjusted to weight, age and activity level, while treats remain counted in the ration. Regular monitoring of body condition limits joint overload and the risk of obesity.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and elbows of breeding dogs screened.
- Monitor any lameness or locomotor discomfort.
- Maintain a healthy weight to protect the joints.
- Know the signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus.
- Regularly check the ears, eyes, teeth and claws.
Vaccination
Broholmer vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Broholmer need? Like all dogs, Broholmers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Broholmer vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Broholmer booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Broholmer need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Broholmer
Before breeding, screening for hip and elbow dysplasia is particularly recommended. Veterinary follow-up must also assess growth, joints, weight, and signs consistent with degenerative myelopathy or patellar luxation.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
