Broholmer vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

It was in 1802 that George Hall arrived in New South Wales, establishing 2 cattle stations. He had a problem – getting his thousands of cattle to the Sydney markets. He began looking at the prospect of a droving dog and imported a number of dogs of which a blue mottled dog emerged.

The dogs were crossed with dingoes and by 1840 the Halls Heelers were used by the Halls. However with the death of one of the Halls, their cattle stations went to action and the dogs, the Halls Heelers became available.

The dogs attracted attention, and the term ‘Australian Cattle Dog’ was adopted. The name referred to those dogs coming from Thomas Hall's ‘Heelers’. There have been many arguments about the origin of the breed, but the red or blue offspring known as Hall's Heelers were proven cattle drovers, and with further breeding experiments which included the Australian Kelpie, dingoes and the Dalmation, by 1893, the tough, robust working breed known as the Blue Heeler or the Australian Cattle Dog came about.

This giant dog, the Broholmer, comes from Denmark and falls into the general Molosser type of Mastiff dog. The breed was originally developed by crossing the local German dogs with the English Mastiffs to create what is also known as a Danish Mastiff. The breed is named after an 18th century game-keeper names Sehested of Broholm. This type of dog has been present however since the Middle Ages in Europe. It started out as a stag hunting dog but quickly evolved into a guard dog. They were greatly favored by the wealthy and nobility, including being featured in portraits with King Frederick VII and Countess Danner.

Like many European dogs, the Broholmer, did not fare well during the second World War. During this time there was little purebred breeding and their numbers decreased almost to the point of extinction. Brought back by a group called “The Society for the Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed”. With the support of the Danish Kennel Club, they were successful in bring the breed back. They were recognized by both the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale and the Danish Kennel Club. By 2009 they were being imported to the United Kingdom, hoping to get them onto the import lists of the United Kingdom kennel club (UKC).

Blue Heelers are medium-sized, sturdy, compact dogs who are somewhat longer than tall. The female Blue Heeler measures roughly 43–48cm at the withers, while the male measures about 46–51cm. If your Blue Heeler is in tip top condition, he’ll weigh about 15 to 22 kilograms. They are muscular with pointed, erect ears, dark eyes and long tails which are mostly hanging downwards. Their dense coats are blue- or red speckled and sometimes with tan markings.

The Blue Heeler is a ball of energy and he is clever too. You won’t find him sitting around for too long, and if there is sign of a walk or a ball game, he’s in! He is an independent dog, and although he makes a wonderful family pet, he tends to attach himself to that one special person in his life. He is a natural watchdog and protector of his human family.

The Broholmer is a very large dog with Mastiff qualities. He is strong, rectangular and powerful in build. He has a massive head and neck with a deep and broad chest. The length of the nose is the same as the length of the skull. He is tall, well built and his thing and hindquarters are powerful. His stance and gait are powerful and intimidating as well. His appearance and size alone account for his guard dog status. However, he is a little smaller than most Mastiffs and he is athletic looking as well.

The Broholmer is a double coated breed with a short topcoat and a thick undercoat. The color of the Broholmer is yellow or a golden red. Some have white on the feet, tail tip or chest and some have a black mask. Most do not have any mask.

Training and socializing of your Blue Heeler will ensure that your dog does what you want him to. The Blue Heeler is an intelligent, responsive dog and training can benefit him, turning him into an outstanding family pet, good with children and other pets in the home.

He is a playful, affectionate pet who doesn’t take easily to strangers, and this is what makes him such an excellent guard dog.

Your Blue Heeler is not an apartment dog as he requires a lot of exercise, and cooping him indoors for too long with nothing to do can lead to destructive behavior.

Head-strong, independent and robust, your Blue Heeler will need a firm owner who is boss. Add to the firm owner a lot of love and care, and you’ll have a devoted friend.

The Broholmer is a calm, friendly dog. He is a large dog that thinks he is a lap dog. He wants to be close and snuggle with his people all the time. He is great with kids and other dogs. At the same time, he can be very watchful and protective. Because of this along with his size he needs a strong owner who is clearly the pack leader. He is wary and protective around strangers and can be stubborn if he thinks he is in charge.

Australian cattle dogs are healthy and can live up to 15 years of age, but even so there are some genetic conditions that you will need to be aware of following

Eye issues which includes progressive retinal atrophy – this disease is an inherited disease of the retina of the eye where the rod cells are destined to die. Fortunately it is not painful for the dog. There are different types of inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs but going into detail with them is beyond the scope of this article. For more information you can chat to your vet.

Recessive piebald elleles - the Blue Heeler has recessive piebald alleles which can produce white in the skin and coat and which is linked to congenital hereditary deafness.

The Broholmer faces many of the same health issues as other large breeds, even though he is overall a very healthy breed. Some of the types of health issues the Broholmer might deal with include:

Bloat – caused by eating a large meal too quickly and drinking a lot of water or exercising too soon before or after the large meal.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – When the bones do not fit well into the joints.

Eye Issues – Entropion, Ectropium, Cataracts and PRA

Cardiac Issues

Back Issues

Provide Plenty of Exercise

Remember that your Blue Heeler was once a full time cattle dog where he used to become totally and utterly exhausted from herding cattle. This is what he loved – the activity. If you have a Blue Heeler, you will need to provide him with plenty of exercise.

If you live on a farm, your Blue Heeler will be in his element because he can run, walk and swim to his heart’s content. If you keep your Blue Heeler in your back garden, you will need to provide him with ball games, rope games, long walks, running on a leash as you cycle and other activities.

Grooming

Your Blue Heeler has a short, weather-resistant double coat. He’s not a heavy shedder, but he will have his share of seasonal shedding, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing him at least twice a week. This will get rid of all those loose hairs and keep his skin healthy by getting the blood flowing and distributing his natural oils.

Feeding

Giving the best dog food for your Blue Heeler will come from either your home made food or a top quality commercially manufactured dog food. He is such a high energy dog, that your veterinarian can advise you on a dog food specially designed for high energy breeds.

These foods are well balanced and are enriched with amino acids and vitamins, promoting healthy bones and joints. Remember to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and to ensure a constant source of cool, fresh water.

General care

Ensure your Blue Heeler’s ongoing health by paying attention to ears, nails and teeth.

Feeding

Don’t overfeed the Broholmer. Give her about three and three quarters to nine cups of a high quality dry food. Depending on the size of your dog, adjust the amount of food within the guidelines listed here. Feed at least twice a day. Use a large breed dog food.

Health issues

Bloat – when the stomach is twisted and distended. This can cause death is not responded to by a vet immediately.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis.

Eye Issues – Entropion turning inward of eyelids and irritating eye; Ectropium eyelids turn outward, Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) -genetic defects of the retina can cause blindness.

Cardiac Issues – can cause weakness or death

Back Issues – can cause disc issues

Exercise and Games

The Broholmer is not an overly active dog but he is big and athletic so has strong exercise needs. A large fenced in back yard is essential or be prepared for several long walks every day. You can play inside games like teaching new tricks or hide and seek but remember this is a big dog. He would love to swim, play frisbee or ball, go hiking or organized activities such as fly ball, agility, rally and obedience. Don’t let your Broholmer over exercise while it is young and still growing. He needs as much mental stimulation as physical exercise.