The Spotlight shines on a representative of a rare breed excelling in League. Mai Tai is a Kromfohrlander – a medium-sized breed that originated in Germany. The breed, which comes in wire and smooth coats, is in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) moving towards full breed recognition. Mai Tai is an accomplished agility dog, holding Masters titles and ranking high in the Preferred 12-Inch class in the Regulation Senior division. He runs with teams based at Bratty Paws Dog Plex in Florida. His owner, Virginia, tells us more about this cute breed – she owns three “Kromi’s”!

Call names: Mai Tai. My other Kromfohrlanders are Rubina/Biju and puppy Zazie

Breed: Kromforhlander

Type: Wire

Ages: Mai Tai: 8, Biju: 11 and puppy Zazie: 14 months

Registered names:

Birkenstrand’s Is Mai Tai Crooked MX MXJ MXP MJP MFB T2B

PACH4 Hoolahop’s Rubina PAX 6 MX MXJ MXP16 MXPS2 MJP14 MJPB2 NF

Hoolahop’s Nadia Comaneci

Owner name: Virginia Holst

City/State: Nokomis, Florida

Team name and division:

Bratty Paw Seniorsational #1 – Regulation Senior

How did you learn about the Kromfohrlander and what attracted you to them?

I used to run a MACH4 Welsh Terrier, Suzu, who was nearing retirement. I began to search for a wire-haired dog who would be suitable for agility. Esmerelda, a Kromi, as they are typically called, ran at the Agility World Championship in 2012. I saw her and was hooked on the breed. It took me two years to find one. I imported Rubina from Denmark along with Mary Dixon, who became the American Foundation Stock breeder.

Can you tell us a little about the breed’s history?

The Kromfohrländer’s origins trace back to post–World War II Germany, where a stray terrier-type dog named Peter was adopted by Ilse Schleifenbaum. Through careful breeding, the foundation for the Kromfohrländer was established. By 1955, after years of selective breeding to set type and temperament, the Kromfohrländer gained formal recognition from both the German Kennel Club (VDH) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

The breed’s name is derived from the region around the “Krom Fohr” (crooked furrow) valley. The Kromfohrländer was purposefully bred for companionship rather than hunting or herding. Kromfohrlanders are relatively rare, with breeding centers mostly in Germany and some expansion into Finland, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States.

What have they been like to train and compete with? 

When I finally brought Biju home, I saw her intelligence and curiosity. Kromfohrländers tend to bond deeply with their chosen people, but are sometimes reserved toward strangers. My Kromis eager-to-please nature makes them good partners for those willing to invest the time in consistent, positive training.

Although not widely known in the United States, Kromfohrländers are gaining a following among dog sports enthusiasts thanks to their athleticism and quick learning ability. I have found their spirited energy and enthusiasm perfectly suited to a lively household and an active lifestyle, especially for pursuits like agility. Each day with a Kromi brings new surprises, as they blend their wit with an intuitive understanding of their handlers, making every training session fun.

Do they compete in any other sports?

My Kromis do not compete in other sports but have done scent work and tracking. Many Kromis excel in dock diving.

Favorite reward? 

Peanut butter, chicken, or cheese treats, and the words, “Mai good dog,” always work. Mai Tai particularly likes it when I sing a few bars of Mary Wells’ My Guy, replacing My Guy with Mai Tai. I always get a few kisses and a nuzzle with that song despite my so-so vocals.

What do you like best about League and how has it helped you with your training program?

League at Bratty Paws has a relaxed and supportive environment for competition. For Mai Tai, the courses have had challenges that have helped us improve our performance. I sensed that retired Rubina was bored. League is ideal for an older dog who still wants to enjoy running.

Future goals? Having fun with my dogs and training my Kromi puppy.