Broholmer Dog Names

The Broholmer is an ancient dog that was popular in the 1700s but almost became extinct in the early 1900s soon after World War II. This gentle giant got his name from Count Niels Frederik Sehested of Broholm-Funun. Niels was a member of royalty and a game-keeper in the 1700s who started keeping this breed for hunting stag. After a couple of decades of trying to standardize the breed, it finally became established in Denmark and was especially loved by royalty.

In fact, a painting was discovered from 1859 of King Frederik the Seventh and his wife with their favorite doggo, Tyrk, who was a Broholmer. The couple actually had several Broholmers, but Tyrk was the one who was always lying at their feet, which is where you see him in the painting. Tyrk was a fantastic hunter, friend, and protector and King Frederik and his wife adored the big poochie. Not only was he strong and loyal, but he was also lovable, gentle, and fun. 

The breed became the noble hunter but started to become known for more than just hunting when other families found out what terrific companion pets they were. It was not uncommon anymore to see a Broholmer outside the King’s castle as more and more families were falling in love with the breed. However, there were still only a few hundred of these canine companions, and that was not enough to sustain the population, so those who loved the breed went to work saving them.

Because there were so few Broholmers, Count Niels Frederik Sehested decided to increase their numbers by giving away these majestic pooches. Anyone in Denmark who asked was given a Broholmer as long as they agreed to keep breeding them. This did increase the number, but with the rise of the distemper disease and strife of WWII, the numbers began to dwindle quickly. 

In the middle of the 1970s, an organization called The Society of Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed was formed with the help and support from the Danish Kennel Club to keep the breed from disappearing completely. It was a cynologist named Jytte Weiss who found two Broholmer dogs whose DNA matched the old Broholmer standard from 1886. With help from veterinarians and dog lovers, they were able to locate many more all over the country. 

Now there are fewer than 1500 of the Broholmer breed left, but they are still trying to build them up. So, whatever happened to Tyrk? He was the only pooch that King Frederik the VII had “preserved” after he crossed the rainbow bridge. They had their favorite pup stuffed and put on display in the Copenhagen Zoological Museum where he remains today.