Kromfohrländer

Official ICCF Breed Description

Brief Historical Background
The Kromfohrländer is a rare German breed developed after World War II. Its origin traces back to a mixed-breed dog named Peter — a Fox Terrier cross rescued by American soldiers — who was later bred with a French Griffon. The selective breeding produced a balanced, loyal, and versatile companion dog. The breed’s name comes from the region “Krom Fohrländer” in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Kromfohrländer received its first official recognition in 1955. Today, it is valued for its intelligence, liveliness, friendliness, and ideal temperament as a devoted family companion.

General Appearance
The Kromfohrländer is a medium-sized dog of strong but harmonious build, with a friendly and expressive appearance. The body is slightly longer than tall, well-muscled yet not heavy. The head is proportionate to the body, with a gentle expression and lively eyes. The ears are semi-drop, triangular, and mobile. The tail is of medium length, carried in a saber or ring shape. The coat is medium in length—either rough or smooth—with a dense undercoat providing weather protection. The base color is white with reddish, golden, or greyish patches. Overall, the Kromfohrländer embodies balance, agility, and good-natured character.

Important Proportions
The Kromfohrländer has a slightly elongated format: the body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers (approximately 10:9). The head is proportionate, with muzzle and skull of equal length and a distinct but smooth stop. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows; ribs are moderately arched. The back is straight and strong; the loin short and firm. The limbs are of medium length, well-boned, providing balanced and easy movement. The tail continues the topline naturally. All proportions should reflect the breed’s balance, endurance, and natural elegance.

Behavior and Temperament
The Kromfohrländer is an intelligent, balanced, and affectionate breed with a lively and friendly temperament. It learns quickly, seeks to please its owner, and shows strong empathy. Toward strangers, it is slightly cautious but never aggressive. Affectionate and adaptable, it enjoys attention, bonds closely with its family, and gets along well with children and other pets. Playful and active, yet calm and stable, the Kromfohrländer makes a reliable companion ideally suited for family life.

Head
The head is well-proportioned, with soft, harmonious lines. The skull is moderately broad and slightly rounded, with a clear but smooth stop. The muzzle is medium in length, tapering slightly toward the nose with a straight bridge. The nose is large, black or dark brown depending on coat color. Lips are tight and dry; jaws strong with a scissor bite. Cheeks are flat, giving a clean and balanced profile. The overall expression is kind, intelligent, and attentive — typical for the breed.

Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, oval, and slightly oblique, giving a gentle and friendly look. The iris is dark brown; lighter shades are acceptable in light-colored dogs but darker tones are preferred. Eyelids fit tightly and are fully pigmented. The expression is lively, intelligent, and loyal. Light, round, or protruding eyes are considered faults.

Ears
Ears are of medium length, triangular with rounded tips, set at eye level. They are semi-drop, lying close to the cheeks but lifting slightly at the base when alert, giving a lively and attentive expression. The inner side is covered with short hair, the outer with soft, longer hair. Ears should be symmetrical and expressive, highlighting the breed’s alert yet gentle nature.

Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, dry, and slightly arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders. It is well set and carried proudly. Musculature is moderate, giving strength without heaviness. The skin is tight, without wrinkles or dewlap. The neck’s proportions enhance the breed’s elegant outline and confident appearance.

Body
The body is compact, strong, and well-proportioned. The topline is straight and firm; the back short and solid; the loin slightly arched and muscular. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with well-sprung ribs. The croup is broad and slightly sloping; the abdomen moderately tucked up, giving a sporty silhouette. The overall impression is one of endurance, balance, and lightness. The Kromfohrländer’s structure expresses strength and agility while retaining natural elegance.

Tail
The tail is of medium length, following the line of the back. At rest, it hangs down naturally; in motion, it is carried cheerfully, in a saber or ring shape without touching the back. It is thickly covered with hair, especially on the underside. The tail should reflect the dog’s lively and friendly character without being excessively curled or rigid.

Coat
The coat appears in two varieties: rough and smooth.

• The rough-coated variety has medium-length, dense, slightly wavy hair with a soft undercoat. Some have light facial furnishings (beard and eyebrows).

• The smooth-coated variety has short, dense, close-lying hair with the same soft undercoat.
  Feathering may appear on the tail and backs of the legs. In all cases, the coat must be clean, healthy, and natural in appearance.

Color
The base color is white with reddish, golden, tan, or greyish markings. Patches should be well-defined, rich, and evenly distributed. Markings on the head—such as symmetrical masks or ear patches—are typical. In rough-coated dogs, the colors may appear slightly muted due to texture. Solid colors, black patches, or merle patterns are disallowed.

Size
A medium-sized, compact breed.

• Height at withers: males 40–46 cm; females 38–44 cm.

• Weight: 9–16 kg, proportional to height.
  The body is slightly longer than tall, with firm musculature and moderate bone. The impression should be of strength, agility, and balance.

Faults
Any deviation from the standard that affects balance, structure, or temperament is a fault. Weak or heavy build, narrow chest, soft topline, incorrect angulation, overly curly coat, or excessive beard are undesirable. Behavioral issues such as shyness, excitability, or stubbornness are faults. Aggression or apathy are serious defects.

Disqualifying Faults
Severe deviations from the standard affecting health or breed type: overshot or undershot bite, asymmetrical jaws, missing teeth, blue or heterochromatic eyes, lack of pigmentation on nose, lips, or eyelids, spinal or tail deformities, albinism, solid black or merle coloration, excessive fear or aggression, or any surgically altered appearance.

Important Notes
The Kromfohrländer is valued for its balanced temperament, stable psyche, and innate friendliness. Within ICCF, great emphasis is placed on preserving purity of the breed, health, and stable character. Excessive grooming, stylization, or loss of functional type are discouraged. Only dogs with official ICCF documentation confirming pedigree and conformity to the standard are eligible for breeding or exhibition.

Conclusion
The Kromfohrländer is a harmonious, loyal, and intelligent breed, combining activity, affection, and a cheerful disposition. Suitable both for family life and canine sports, it represents the balance of elegance, stability, and working ability. Recognized by ICCF as a symbol of loyalty and natural charm, only dogs with verified ICCF documents confirming pedigree and standard compliance may participate in shows or breeding, ensuring the preservation of the breed’s true character and integrity.