At a glance the quick version
UKC gives 20-35 lb (about 9-16 kg) for the breed overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
rough (wire) or smooth coat
Comes in two coat types. The rough coat is dense and wiry with a beard and a short soft undercoat, while the smooth coat is soft and close-lying, without a beard but with feathering on the legs and a plumed tail.23
Personality what they are like
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.324
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: a spirited medium dog that enjoys daily walks and play with its people.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
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
Home where they are happiest
Described as a house and companion dog, so it fits well into family homes.3
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its owners and prefers to be part of family life.43
The story where it all began
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.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name comes from the local dialect words 'krom fohr', meaning a crooked furrow.1
- 2
Kromfohrländers are known for a 'smile' and for sneezing as a greeting.4
- 3
The breed made its international show debut in Dortmund in 1955.1
- 4
Finland became a second home for the breed and in some years registers more puppies than Germany.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 192, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 10; recognised in 1955 by the German kennel club and the FCI.2
- UKC
- Recognised 1 January 1996; moved from the Terrier Group to the Companion Dog Group in 2013.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kromfohrländer. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Kromfohrländer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for size, history, fun facts
- Kromfohrländer - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for FCI standard, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Kromfohrlander - United Kennel Club ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
- Kromfohrlander - AKC akc.orgused for temperament, fun fact
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.