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Kromfohrlander
Thinking of buying or adopting a Kromfohrlander?
Introduction
The Kromfohrlander may have flourished in Germany but it actually originated from France. It is believed to be related to the Grand Griffon Vendeen and the Wire Fox Terrier. It is a great companion for families with children of all ages and first-time owners. It remains to be one of the rarest breeds in the world and although it is recognised by the American Kennel Club, it is not yet registered with The Kennel Club.
Are you thinking of getting a Kromfohrlander? Here is a brief background of this companion dog from Germany referred as the Kromi.
History
The Kromfohrlander is believed to have come from the dog named Original Peter, which was found by American soldiers in France in the 1940s and taken to Germany. Upon their arrival to Germany, the dog was lost and was found by a woman named Ilsa Schleifenbaum, who bred it with local dogs, including the Grand Griffon Vendeen and the Wire Fox Terrier. The breed flourished in Germany and was recognised by the FCI in 1955, and by the United Kennel Club in 1996.
The Kromfohrlander is virtually unknown in some parts of the world and due to its small gene pool, this charming dog is considered as one of the rarest breeds. Breed enthusiasts are currently working hard to increase its numbers and let it be known as an excellent companion outside of its hometown of Germany. The Kennel Club is yet to recognise the Kromfohrlander.
Appearance and Grooming
The Kromfohrlander is a small to medium dog that weighs 22 to 31 pounds and stands 38 to 56 centimetres. It has a slightly domed head with a definite furrow and a well-defined stop. It also has a straight muzzle that tapers slightly to its nose when viewed in profile, well-muscled cheeks, and a strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite. It has medium, brown, oval-shaped eyes, medium black/brown nose and triangular ears that are set high.
The Kromfohrlander comes in two charming textures: rough and smooth. The rough-coated has a bearded face similar to terriers, while the smooth-coated looks like a small spaniel. Both have a shorter and softer undercoat. The Kromir usually comes in white with patches or a saddle of light/dark brown or tan markings.
Both coats are pretty easy to maintain since they only require brushing twice a week, which only becomes more frequent during spring and autumn when they shed more. Bathing can also be done as needed, usually when the Kromi is visibly dirty or starting to have that doggy smell. Other basic grooming requirements are nail trimming, ear cleaning and tooth brushing, which are often overlooked by owners because too much attention is given to the coat.
Temperament and Intelligence
The Kromfohrlander is a good-natured and adaptable dog, making it a great choice for first-time owners and any type of family. It naturally thrives in a family environment and would always want to be part of household activities. It is also lively and fun loving, usually forming strong bonds with its owners. Whether inside or outside the home, its instinct is to stay close to its owners instead of running off. It can be wary of strangers and would prefer to get to know them first before approaching them. This being said, it rarely shows any aggression.
As with all dog breeds, early socialisation and training are key for a calm and well-rounded dog. Kromfohrlanders love children and would enjoy playing interactive games with them. Always remember that an adult should supervise all dog-and-child interactions so playtime does not become too boisterous. A well-socialised Kromi generally gets along with dogs and other pets it meets. It may have low prey drives but it could sometimes give chase to cats.
The Kromi is a smart and people-pleasing pooch so it is basically easy to train. The owner’s alpha role in the pack needs to be established from the get go so it knows who to turn to for guidance. To avoid boredom or disruption during trainings, it is best to keep them short and interesting. It is worth noting that this breed is sensitive so instead of harsh correction, stick to positive reinforcements in the form of treats and praises.
Nutrition and Feeding
A typical serving for an adult Kromfohrlander is 3/4 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food per day. As an owner, you need to understand that factors like age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism actually affect feeding amount and frequency. If you are unsure how to properly feed your dog, ask your trusted veterinarian for advice.
Typical calorie needs of adult Kromfohrlanders per day:
- Senior and less active: up to 710 calories daily
- Typical adults: up to 800 calories daily
- Physically active/working dogs: up to 890 calories daily
A practical and easy way to feed your dog is establishing a feeding schedule and dividing its meals into two equal parts. Whether you decide to give it commercial or homemade dog food, make sure to provide it with a balanced diet containing proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The aforementioned nutrients are usually found in high-quality dog food and can be challenging for the homemade route. If you choose the latter, make sure you provide supplementation to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Lastly, always make sure your Kromfohrlander has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Health and Exercise
The Kromfohrlander is a generally healthy dog that has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If you are hoping to share your home with a Kromi, it is worth knowing the health issues it is predisposed to develop such as Cystinuria, Epilepsy, Hyperkeratosis, and Patellar Luxation.
The Kromi is a moderately high-energy dog that needs at least 40 minutes of exercise daily. If this exercise requirement is not met, it can exhibit unwanted behaviour such as being noisy and destructive. Apart from short walks and interactive games, provide it access to a back garden. See to it that the fencing is strong as any weakness will cause it to escape.
Cost of Ownership
If you are interested in raising a Kromfohrlander, you would need to go on a waiting list as this is a rare breed in the UK. The cost of a well-bred puppy is at least £500. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, be ready to spend £30-£40 a month on high-quality dog food. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as food bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.
When it comes to healthcare, you need to be prepared in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. You can offset some medical bills if you get a pet insurance, which can range from £30 for a time-limited cover up to £65 for a lifetime one. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, size and weight, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.
Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £1000 annually. Roughly, you will be setting aside £70-£110 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the type of insurance cover you choose. This estimate is also exclusive of walking or grooming services that you might want to use at times.
Kromfohrlander Breed Highlights
- The Kromfohrlander is an easy-going and good-natured dog.
- It is a great family companion and a good choice even for first-time owners.
- It is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world so obtaining a well-bred puppy is challenging.
- The Kromi is not yet registered with The Kennel Club
- It has low grooming needs.
- This breed only requires at least 40 minutes’ worth of exercise.
Are you sure the Kromfohrlander is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector QuizDon’t have the patience to wait for a Kromfohrlander to be available? Try taking our Pet Finder to find alternative breeds with similar characteristics.
Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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