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
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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.
Varieties
Temperament
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Affectionate
He is very loyal and affectionate towards his family.
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Playful
He is playful, mischievous even, a real entertainer.
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66%
Calm
The Kromfohrländer has a lively temperament.
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66%
Intelligent
He is an intelligent pooch who adapts easily to all situations.
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33%
Hunter
Unlike many of his cousins in terrier world, the Kromfohrländer retains barely any of his hunting instinct.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
He is usually shy at first until he gets to know someone.
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66%
Independent
The Kromfohrländer is a pleasure dog, but still remains relatively independent compared with similar breeds.
Behaviour of the Kromfohrländer
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Tolerates solitude
Not too bad if his needs have been met, but may become anxious if left for long periods.
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Easy to train / obedience
He’s clever and intuitive, so he’s quite easy to train in basic dog matters.
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Barking
This dog can easily give voice to any suspicious sound.
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33%
Tendency to run away
He will usually stick around as long as he senses his family nearby.
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66%
Destructive
Not especially, but watch out if he’s under-exercised and then left home alone for long periods.
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66%
Greedy / Gluttony
No more greedy than others, he still appreciates a treat as a reward.
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Guard dog
He is likely to sound the alarm if disturbed by an intruder, although his facility as a physical deterrent is limited.
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First dog
The Kromfohrländer can make a very good first dog for a family as he is straightforward to train, eager to please, and relatively little trouble.
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Is the Kromfohrländer right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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66%
Kromfohrländer in a flat
As long as he gets daily outdoor exercise, life in a flat should pose few problems.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
Quite a bit. Walks, runs, and – when his little legs have reached maturity – jumping games like frisbee will keep him fit and happy. He isn’t as demanding as other similar breeds, but still likes to have fun.
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66%
Travelling / easy to transport
He is quite happy to travel with his family, but might need to get used to being around strangers.
Compatibility
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Kromfohrländer and cats
He should do well with a cat with whom he has been raised, but may give chase to others.
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Kromfohrländer and dogs
The Kromfohrländer usually gets on capitally with other dogs.
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Kromfohrländer and children
He usually makes a great accomplice for a child.
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Kromfohrländer and the elderly
His regular exercise needs notwithstanding, the Kromfohrländer can make a great friend for the elderly.
Price
You can expect to pay upwards of £500 for a well-bred puppy. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £70 to £110 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
He tends to stay clean and smell pretty nice, but regular brushing is a good idea.
Shedding
Moderate shedder.
Nutrition of the Kromfohrländer
High quality, tasty food is fine. One evening meal a day is preferable.
Health of the Kromfohrländer
Life expectancy
He tends to keep good health and has an average life expectancy of around 13 years.
Strong / robust
He is quite a sturdy little terrier.
Withstand heat
He loves to go in the water when it’s hot.
Withstand cold
He doesn’t like to be exposed to the elements, and prefers home comforts.
Tendency to put on weight
His exercise needs must be met and meals balanced, to avoid weight gain.
Common illnesses
- Hyperkeratosis (test before buying)
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (test before buying)
- Epilepsy
- Cystinuria
- Patellar luxation