Kromfohrlander
KROM-for-lahn-der
Germany· Siegen, Germany
The Kromfohrlander is a medium-small German breed developed purely as a companion dog from an accidental terrier-Griffon cross.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Any
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Smooth or rough
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
13-15 years
Town or country
Either
Garden size needed
Small or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Kromfohrlander
After the Second World War, a Griffon-type dog that had followed American troops to Germany was crossed with a local hunting terrier, and the resulting puppies proved such charming companions that a breeder chose to develop them purely as pets rather than working dogs. This deliberate shift away from hunting purpose is unusual among German breeds and shaped the Kromfohrlander's gentle character.
- Region
- Siegen, Germany
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate central European
- Original job
- Companionship, originally accidental cross of hunting terrier and Griffon
The long read
About the breed
Its unusual origin, selected for temperament rather than working ability, shaped a calm, affectionate and adaptable dog unlike most terrier-descended breeds.
It suits families and individuals wanting a genuinely easy-going companion, being generally good with children and other pets while retaining a playful, alert side.
Today it remains a rare but steadily popular companion breed, found mainly in Germany with a small international following.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Kromfohrlander greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Kromfohrlander is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Kromfohrlander's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1945
Chance crossing
A Griffon-type stray was crossed with a local hunting terrier in post-war Germany.
1955
Breed club founded
Ilse Schleifenbaum established a club to develop the new breed as a companion.
1955
First standard
An official standard was drawn up for the Kromfohrlander.
1990s
Wider German popularity
The breed grew steadily in popularity as a family companion in Germany.
2000s
FCI recognition maintained
The breed continues under FCI recognition with a small, stable population.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slightly elongated, well-muscled body.
- coat
- Smooth or rough, dense and weatherproof.
- ears
- Medium, dropping, set high.
- eyes
- Dark brown, medium-sized, lively expression.
- head
- Moderately long head with a slight stop.
- size
- 38-46cm at the withers
- colour
- White with brown or black patches.
- temperament
- Friendly, calm and affectionate, good with children.
- general appearance
- A medium-small, elegant, well-proportioned dog with a friendly expression.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Kromfohrlanders added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Kromfohrlander
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Kromfohrlander illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Kromfohrlander Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Kromfohrlander illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Kromfohrlander Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Kromfohrlander illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Kromfohrlander Mug
Ceramic mug with the Kromfohrlander illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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