We have a really interesting and rare breed for you to meet this week:
Bred purely for companionship, so although classed as a terrier, they generally have minimal hunting instinct
Originates from Germany (though the name is a bit of a clue there!)
They can live up to 18 years old
Apparently they have a famous ‘Kromi grin’ when they greet you!
The best thing about having a Kromfohrlander?
In spite of these challenges, I love him dearly! The best thing about Bucky is that he always brightens my day, and everyone who knows him says he brightens their days too! When I bring him to the office with me, it’s kind of like going somewhere with a celebrity.
The hardest thing about having a Kromfohrlander?
The hardest thing about having him is that he has what we like to call “Kromi weirdness” where he goes though phases of thinking certain people or things are worthy of a good barking!
Does your Kromfohrlander have any funny breed quirks?
These dogs are such characters. They have springs for back legs and are great agility dogs, but also it takes time, patience and consistency to teach them to keep “four on the floor” when greeting people. Another breed quirk is that they really keep an eye on their people, so expect your kromi to pay close attention to what you’re doing. He probably knows my patterns better than I do! He perks up when he sees me put my hiking shoes on, and when he sees me put on my work clothes he immediately goes to his crate. It’s pretty cute that he knows the cues I’m inadvertently giving.
What piece of advice would you tell someone thinking of getting a Kromfohrlander?
My advice for folks thinking of bringing a Kromfohrlander into their life is to tell your Kromi what you want him to do because I’m pretty sure they learn English by a few months old! Use play as reinforcement instead of just treats. Also, before your pup is 14 weeks old, gently and positively expose them to everything they are going to need to tolerate in life. Then after that keep exposing them to those things occasionally and make positive associations to avoid “kromi weirdness”! I didn’t successfully do that when he was young when it comes to children, so now he’s very confused by small people and thinks that they deserve a barking! Quirks aside, Bucky is such a joy! Sweet, smart, and a great companion. I literally wouldn’t trade him for a million dollars.
