KromfohrländerCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says it is one of the newest German breeds and has been internationally recognised since 1955. The first breeder, Ilse Schleifenbaum, lived near Siegen, close to the area called “krom Fohr” (“crooked furrow”), from which the breed takes its name. Its ancestors are the Wire Fox Terrier and the Grand Griffon Vendéen.

Wikipedia says that in 1945 a young dog brought from France by American soldiers got lost near Hilchenbach. Ilse Schleifenbaum took him in and named him Peter. A chance mating with Fiffi, a neighbour's Fox Terrier-type bitch, produced puppies that looked very much alike, and the breed started from them.

How the breed developed

• 1945 – The dog Peter comes to Ilse Schleifenbaum, near Siegen.
• After 1945 – The first generations of the breed are born from Peter and Fiffi.
• 28 November 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 12 October 1998 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized dog, with a body slightly longer than its height, in two coat varieties: rough and smooth. The AKC says it is very intelligent, funny and agile, and that it likes to climb and jump.

General appearance

The rough-haired variety has a dense coat with a beard; on the withers and back the hair is at most 7 cm long, and around 3 cm on the sides. The smooth variety has no beard. The skull is slightly rounded, with a well-defined stop.

The base colour is white, with markings from light brown and reddish to very dark brown, as larger patches or a saddle. On the head, the brown markings on the cheeks, above the eyes and on the ears are divided as symmetrically as possible by a white blaze.

The standard describes it as an adaptable, docile and lively companion dog, a little reserved with strangers and with little hunting instinct. Aggression and shyness are undesirable.

The AKC says it is very intuitive and learns easily from an early age, but activities that require more independence, such as competitive agility, can be a challenge, because the breed is sensitive. Patience is needed.

Tips for effective training

• Be patient. It is a sensitive dog.
• Use rewards. It learns easily from an early age.
• Try tricks. The AKC says it excels at tricks and agility.
• Do not leave it alone for long. It wants to be by its person's side all the time.

The AKC says that, although it wants to be by its person's side all the time, it needs regular exercise outdoors. It loves to fetch a ball, and long walks in nature are its favourite. It is not a dog for dog parks.

Tips for a balanced life

• It can also live in an apartment.
• Frisbee only after the age of 3, according to the AKC.
• Spend plenty of time with it.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says that, for a tidy look, the coat should be hand-stripped or groomed regularly, but not clipped or shaved. The dogs have little or no odour, and dirt falls off the coat. The nails should be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is extremely rare, with a very small gene pool. DNA tests exist for some diseases, so breeders can avoid producing affected puppies:

Other care

• Check the paw pads.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Ask the breeder for the parents' DNA tests.

The AKC says it can be a picky eater, so it needs good-quality food that supports its activity. It does not usually overeat.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• If it refuses its food, do not change it too often.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Named after a crooked furrow. “Krom Fohr” means “crooked furrow”.
• Peter and Fiffi. The breed started from a lost dog and a neighbour's bitch.
• Naturally clean. The AKC says dirt simply falls off its coat.
• It does not run away. The AKC says it is very attached and does not roam.
• Sometimes very long-lived. The AKC says it often lives a long time, even 17–18 years.

Where does the name come from?

From the area called “krom Fohr” (“crooked furrow”), near Siegen.

How big does it get?

It measures 38–46 cm; males weigh 11–16 kg, females 9–14 kg.

Is it good with children?

The AKC says it is good with children and with the family.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 13–15 years, but some dogs reach 17–18 years.