Kromfohrländer
Other names: Länder, Kromi
This characterful, scruffy terrier is a friend, not a hunter: The “krome-for-lahn-dair” (as it’s pronounced) has retained little of his hunting instinct but absolutely loves to be around people, who usually find it irresistible to love him back. His name refers to the ‘krumme furche’ or crooked furrows of the farmland which find themselves reflected in the Kromi’s own brow. Although an adorable companion and excellent pet, it is hard to adopt a Kromi into your family as they are a relatively new and rare breed, being unseen in this form before the 1940s-50s.
Key facts about the Kromfohrländer
Origins and history
The first Kromfohrländer was named, not unreasonably, Original Peter. Brilliant! Original Peter was a French terrier mongrel picked up by US troops during World War II and adopted as a mascot. When the troops reached Germany, little Peter scarpered, eventually being found by Ilse Schleifenbaum and ‘accidentally’ mating with a Fox Terrier named Fifi. The puppies all looked just like Original Peter – in other words, a litter of highly attractive facsimiles. Over the next years, Schleifenbaum added a dash of Grand Griffon Vendeen and other dogs to the mix to come up with the little man we know today. However, due to his peculiar origins, the Kromfohrländer is not widely represented. Breeders are now attempting to increase his number, without jeopardising his health by abusing his limited gene pool.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
Section 10 : Kromfohrländer
Physical characteristics of the Kromfohrländer
Adult size
Female : Between 15 and 18 in
Male : Between 15 and 18 in
Weight
Female : Between 20 and 31 lb
Male : Between 20 and 31 lb
Coat colour
White body with brown or tan patches or saddle.
Type of coat
Thick, rough, and bearded or thick, smooth, and unbearded.
Eye colour
Dark brown.
Description
This smiling terrier, available in smooth or crunchy format, is a rascal to behold, although the smoother variety tends more towards raffishness than rascalness. Short but substantial, his body appears made more for mischief than action; a tucked belly and slim, spidery legs keep him propped neatly above the earth, and facilitate a certain talent for jumping. His muzzle is the same length as his skull and tapers slightly to a substantial nose. The all-important ears are semi-drop, adorable, triangular with rounded ends, and perfectly match the mood of the Kromfohrländer himself.
Good to know
The Kromfohrländer is known for the ‘Kromi smile’ by which he greets familiar faces upon being reunited.