MyDogBreeds
New Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea but Broholmer is originated from Denmark. New Guinea Singing Dog may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than Broholmer. New Guinea Singing Dog may weigh 65 kg / 143 pounds lesser than Broholmer. New Guinea Singing Dog may live 8 years more than Broholmer. New Guinea Singing Dog may have less litter size than Broholmer. Both New Guinea Singing Dog and Broholmer requires Moderate maintenance.
In 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.
Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.
With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.
Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.
The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.
It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.
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).
The New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.
They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.
The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.
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.
They could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.
Varying the pitches when howling
It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.
Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.
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.
Though the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.
Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.
Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.
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.
In the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.
Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.
In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.
The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.
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.
Bloat – when the stomach is twisted and distended. This can cause death is not responded to by a vet immediately.
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.
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.