Also called Kromfohrlander · Companion and Toy Dogs · Germany
A lively, adaptable companion that is devoted to its family and a little reserved with strangers.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9 to 16 kg (20 to 35 lb)males 11 to 16 kg, females 9 to 14 kg123 |
| Height | 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in)123 |
| Coat | Rough (wire) or smooth coat |
| Origin | Germany, the Siegerland area of North Rhine-Westphalia, shortly after 1945.21 |
| Group | Companion and Toy Dogs (FCI group 9) |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
A lively, adaptable companion that is devoted to its family and a little reserved with strangers. It has only a mild hunting drive, which makes it a home-loving dog rather than a hunter.314
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kromfohrländer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Moderate: a spirited medium dog that enjoys daily walks and play with its people.3
Described as a house and companion dog, so it fits well into family homes.3
Bonds closely with its owners and prefers to be part of family life.43
Both coat types are low-fuss; regular brushing keeps the coat tidy, and the rough coat may be hand-stripped for a neat look.3
Feed your Kromfohrländer at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and it's best to stick to set times each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6
Bathe your Kromfohrländer about every eight weeks, or at least once every three months. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests this frequency, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty or have skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7
Brush your Kromfohrländer weekly to keep their coat tidy, as Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests. The rough coat may also be hand-stripped for a neat look. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps them comfortable.3
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7
This breed needs moderate daily exercise, like walks and playtime with their people. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily walks and play. They are spirited but adaptable, so a good walk each day keeps them happy.3
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check and dry their floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup, as Pet Wiki's plan suggests. Never push anything into the ear canal.7
The lifespan of a Kromfohrländer varies, but they are generally a healthy breed. For specific longevity information, ask your vet or a reputable breeder. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, happy life.
Yes, they are a devoted family dog and bond closely with their owners. They have a mild hunting drive and are home-loving, so they usually get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. Always supervise early interactions.314
They prefer to be part of family life and can become lonely if left alone for long periods. It's best to gradually accustom them to short absences and provide company or enrichment. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or trainer.43
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Kromfohrländer, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 64 kg of dry food a year | 210 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 345 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 384 GBP ↗ |
| Dog tax | 0 GBP ↗ |
| Licence and registration | 12 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 531 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Kromfohrländer in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
See the rules and sources for every country
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
The name comes from the local dialect words 'krom fohr', meaning a crooked furrow.2
Kromfohrländers are known for a 'smile' and for sneezing as a greeting.4
The breed made its international show debut in Dortmund in 1955.2
Finland became a second home for the breed and in some years registers more puppies than Germany.2
I watched the postman from the window, no need to shout. Then we went to the park; I wiggled at my dog friends and we chased a stick or two. Back home, I napped on the sofa, one ear up. I followed my human to the kitchen, sat nicely, and got a cuddle. In the evening, we played tug-of-war with a plush toy. I gave everyone a good- night lick. Not much adventure, just the right amount of love.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
The breed began in 1945 when Ilse Schleifenbaum took in a griffon-type dog called Peter, left behind by American soldiers near Siegen. His litter with a fox terrier-type neighbour, Fiffi, was strikingly uniform, so she bred on from it. The dogs were recognised in 1955 and named after the Krom Fohr area where the family had land.21
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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