Kromfohrlander

Origins and History

The Kromfohrländer originated in post‑World War II Germany. In 1945 a German soldier rescued a mixed‑breed terrier from the Kromfohr prison camp and paired it with a local hunting dog. The resulting puppies formed the foundation of the breed. The first written standard was approved by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1965, and the breed was introduced to the United States in the 1970s, where it is placed in the Non‑Sporting Group.

General Characteristics

• Compact, well‑balanced companion dog with a slightly square outline.
• Intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please, yet can be shy with strangers.
• Originally bred as a companion and watchdog, excelling in conformation showing and therapy work.

Physical Specifications

• Height at withers: Males 15‑18 inches (38‑45 cm); Females 14‑17 inches (36‑43 cm).
• Weight: 13‑20 lb (6‑9 kg), proportionate to height.

Coat and Color

• Medium‑length, slightly wavy double coat; outer coat lies flat, undercoat is soft.
• Accepted colors are all shades of gray, including black, blue, silver, white and any mixture of these shades. No other colors or markings are permitted.

Temperament Considerations

Kromfohrländers are sensitive and responsive to reward‑based methods. Their desire to please makes them trainable, but they may become timid if pressured or exposed to harsh correction.

Training Essentials

• Early, positive socialization with people, children, and other pets is essential.
• Daily moderate exercise (30‑45 minutes) to satisfy their lively yet manageable energy level.
• Common challenges include occasional shyness around new stimuli and a tendency to become overly attached, which can lead to separation anxiety if not addressed.

Daily Grooming

• Brush 2‑3 times per week with a slicker brush to prevent matting and remove loose hair.
• Bath as needed; a mild dog shampoo is sufficient.
• Trim nails regularly and clean ears weekly to prevent wax buildup.
• Dental care: brush teeth several times a week or provide dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Begin coat conditioning 2‑3 weeks before the show; bathe, dry, and lightly blow‑dry to enhance texture.
• Trim feathering around the paws, ears, and tail to meet the FCI standard.
• Ensure the coat is free of debris and that the dog is well‑conditioned to present a balanced, elegant gait in the ring.

Common Health Issues

• Patellar luxation (especially Grade I‑II).
• Hip dysplasia, screened by radiographs.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – DNA testing recommended.
• Hypothyroidism and occasional mitral valve disease.

General Care

• Provide at least 30‑45 minutes of exercise daily to maintain joint health and mental stimulation.
• Feed a balanced, age‑appropriate diet; maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on hips and knees.
• Life expectancy typically 12‑15 years with proper care and regular veterinary examinations.