PuppyBase

Broholmer vs Drever

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Broholmer vs Drever

You’re not actually comparing these two breeds because they feel similar. You’re doing it because their names sound vaguely Scandinavian and you’re deep in the puppy research rabbit hole. But here’s the truth: a Broholmer and a Drever are about as alike as a Viking longship and a snowmobile. One’s a massive, gentle giant built to stand guard over a Danish estate, the other a compact, nose-to-the-ground hound engineered to chase deer through frozen Nordic woods. If you want a calm, affectionate mountain of a dog that’ll greet your kids with a wag and strangers with quiet suspicion, the Broholmer fits. He’s not overly energetic, doesn’t bark much, and will lean into your side like a furry armchair. But he’s huge. up to 150 pounds. and needs space, structure, and someone who’s handled big dogs before. Bloat and joint issues mean you’ll need a vet you trust and a feeding routine on lock. The Drever? He’s the opposite kind of project. Smaller, sure, but packed with energy and an independent streak. He’ll bay loudly when he catches a scent, so forget quiet city living. But he’s eager to please, great with kids, and thrives in active homes where he can track, hike, or train. Just watch those ears and his back. they’re weak points. Here’s the real talk: Broholmers are rare, expensive, and need experienced hands. Drevers are more adaptable but will test your fence. Pick the Broholmer if you want a calm presence and have the space and know-how. Pick the Drever if you hunt, hike, or love a clever hound with a job to do. One’s a guardian. The other’s a worker. Don’t confuse the two.

Broholmer
Drever
27.5–29.5 in
Height
12–15 in
90–150 lb
Weight
35–40 lb
8–10 yr
Lifespan
15–15 yr
$2.0–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.0–2.5k
AKC popularity

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Broholmer Drever
Overlay

Where they diverge

Barking Level
Broholmer barks less (3-point difference)
Broholmer
Good with Young Children
Drever is better with kids (2-point difference)
Drever
Good with Other Dogs
Drever is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Drever
Trainability
Drever is easier to train (2-point difference)
Drever
Energy Level
Drever has more energy (2-point difference)
Drever
The verdict

Choose the Broholmer if…

  • experienced large-breed owners
  • families with children
  • homes with large yards
  • You value drooling levelBroholmer scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Drever if…

  • hunters
  • active families in cold climates
  • outdoor adventurers
  • You value barking levelDrever scores higher here.
Broholmer Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Broholmer home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Drever Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Drever home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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