Kromfohrlander
克倫弗蘭犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Kromfohrländer is a German companion breed with a wartime origin story: 'Original Peter', a scruffy terrier-type mascot of US troops, was lost in Germany at the end of the Second World War, taken in by Ilse Schleifenbaum, and an accidental mating with a Fox Terrier produced puppies so uniform that she founded the breed, named after the local 'krom fohr' (crooked furrow). It comes in wire- and smooth-coated varieties, retains little hunting instinct despite its terrier looks, and is a funny, agile, intelligent dog that loves to climb and jump, tends to be a one-person dog and is often long-lived. It is very rare, with a small gene pool: DNA tests exist for hyperkeratosis and von Willebrand disease, and autoimmune problems and epilepsy are noted.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 38–46cm |
| Weight | 9–16kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: fss FCI: 9 |
| Role | Companion |
| Coat | Wire coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 4/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed; a DNA test is available. Ask your breeder about testing and tell your vet before any surgery.
Immune-mediated conditions
Immune-mediated conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet if your dog has unexplained illness.
Hyperkeratosis (hard, cracked footpads)
Digital hyperkeratosis, an inherited thickening and cracking of the footpads, is reported in the breed; the AKC notes a DNA test lets breeders identify carriers. Ask your breeder about hyperkeratosis status and your vet if the pads become hard, cracked or sore.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Cystinuria
Cystinuria (a cause of urinary stones) is reported in the breed; a DNA test exists. Ask your breeder about testing.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Behaviour
A companion, not a terrier
The AKC describes a very intelligent, funny, agile dog that loves to climb and jump, excels at agility and trick training, can be fussy with food, was bred to be a companion only, retains very little hunting instinct despite its terrier heritage, is good with children and family, tends to be a one-person dog very attached to its owner, will not run away and is first to alert to strangers. The FCI classifies it in Group 9 as a companion and house dog.
Wants to be in every room you are in
The parent club says Kromis absolutely love being with their people, especially their chosen "special person", and will not be content crated or shut away from the family — it suggests dog beds in most rooms; they have moderate energy suited to many lifestyles, learn readily with reward-based training, bark occasionally, enjoy digging (a fenced yard helps) and range from picky eaters to enthusiastic ones.
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Kromfohrlander
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Kromfohrlander (standard no. 192, group 9)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The Kromfohrlander Club of America's breed page tells prospective owners to expect a dog that must be part of the household rather than kennelled or crated away from its people, that bonds most strongly with one person, needs only moderate exercise, may dig, and may be a picky eater; it lists hyperkeratosis, von Willebrand disease, epilepsy, cystinuria, patellar luxation and spondylosis as the conditions to ask breeders about.”
— Kromfohrlander Club of America — Kromis via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Kromfohrlander — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Kromfohrlander — FCI standard no. 192 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]FCI-Standard No. 192 — Kromfohrländer — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Kromis — Kromfohrlander Club of America — Kromfohrlander Club of America (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.