In the mid-1990's, Chicago, IL attorney Eugene ("Gene") Cummings imported the first smooth Kromfohrlanders to the USA. Not intending to officially start the breed here, he did contact AKC and, put off by their demeanor (when they were in New York City), enjoyed his dogs on his own.
Others imported the first rough Kromfohrlanders to the USA in the late 1990's and into the early 2000's, as just special, unique pets, not for show or breeding.
In 2009, Ann Arbor, MI dog breed artist Mary Margaret Dixon (who was nearly 20 years into dog breed rescue, behavior study/rehabilitation/training, showing, occasionally breeding and raising puppies for other breeders) when she first learned of the Kromfohrlander from a friend who had lived in Europe.
Her various dog interests had led her to an energetic passion for initiating the establishment of rare breeds in the USA starting in 2005 with Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medios and assisting with the establishment of Berger Picards in 2007.
The ever-improving internet made it much easier to accomplish rare breed goals that used to be done with interpreters and regular mail.
Her rescue/behavior rehab background was utilized for the many failed dogs that had been imported (by others) of her first rare breed, the Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio (WPM).
With the WPM, she spent many years creating a community that was supportive of each other and the dogs. The WPM hopes to attain full AKC recognition soon.
With her associations with European dog show judges and kennel club presidents, she was able to earn the trust of breeders there.
In December 2012, she applied for the Kromfohrlander to be added to AKC's Foundation Stock Service registry. Two male Kromforhlander brothers (Hoolahops Felix and Hoolahops Fletcher) were brought to the USA by the breeder's sister that same month.
In 2013, Felix showed in many United Kennel Club shows and AKC breed matches and she went to Finland for the first time to meet new Kromfohrlander friends and bring back another male, Krumme Furche Hummer (to Pennsylvania)
After that, in 2014, an inheritance made it possible for her to go to Denmark for female Hoolahops Dahlia, to Finland for female Krumme Furche Jenji and to Denmark again for female Hoolahops Chrystal, male Jade (to Utah) and female Rubina (to Florida). Typically, these trips involved dog shows, Kromfohrlander camp or visiting friends.
These Kromfohrlanders became the first to earn breed Championship titles in the USA and in Canada.
In 2015, female Iset des Rives du Nomelis (Biscuit) arrived from France (to North Carolina). That same year Dixon and Cynthia Heyman (owner of Maze) founded the Kromfohrlander Club of America. Dixon designed the club's logo in a similar whimsical style to all other Kromfohrlander club logos in Europe, with both coats and body markings that suggest North America and Europe (below).
In 2016, the first Kromfohrlander litter (Chrystal x Hummer) was born to Dixon's breeder name "Birkenstrand," of which the first born was named after breed creator, Ilse Schliefenbaum.
Many litters (alphabetically themed) were whelped by Dixon (or with her involvement), up through Letter "L" in 2022.
She (and her dogs) retired from breeding and showing in January, 2023, to enjoy life. She writes this website in the interest and necessity of keeping information about the Kromfohrlander honest and accurate. It is an unusual breed that is not for everybody but in the right home, it is a delight.
Official logo of Original Kromfohrlander Club of America,
designed by Mary M Dixon, double BA Graphic Design & Drawing
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