The lowchen originated in the 1500s in Europe. Since the dog’s name is German, translated to mean little lion, the likely place of origin was Germany. Additional evidence lies in the depictions of dogs resembling the lowchen seen in German art of the 1500s. The lowchen was groomed in a lion cut and cherished by the Germans, the French, the Italians and the Spanish from the 1500s through the 1800s. In 1971, the first lowchen made their way to America. The American Kennel Club recognized the lowchen as a member of the non-sporting group in 1996.
The Lowchen, also known as little lion, is a small dog breed with a wavy coat. It needs brushing frequently and regular clipping to keep the lion trim.
Personality
This is a curious, jovial little dog breed. It’s gentle and sweet-natured and a good companion for quiet families and children. It has moderate exercise needs that can be met with a short walk or game. It may bark a lot but is very friendly towards other dogs and strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Companion |
| Life Span: | 13-15 years |
| Nicknames: | Little lion dog, Petit chien lion |
Lowchen Build Information
The little lowchen stands 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 15 pounds. The single coat is long, dense and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors. The tail is carried high to curve over the back in the shape of a teacup handle. The ears hang downward. When clipped into a lion cut, the coat is smooth on the hindquarters and tail. Longer hair is left on the tip of the tail so that it mimics a lion’s tail. The upper body, neck, ears, chest and head also retain long hair to resemble a lion’s mane, and the front and back feet also exhibit longer hair. The Lowchen, also known as little lion, is a small dog breed with a wavy coat. It needs brushing frequently and regular clipping to keep the lion trim.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
Lowchen are an ideal balance of lively, playful, calm and affectionate. These dogs are eager to delight their owners with clownish antics that will keep them in the spotlight for attention. They are outgoing with strangers. They bark readily, which makes them effective watchdogs. They are smart, and they are easy to train with the proper motivation. They enjoy activity, which may include tagging along on hikes, participating in agility coursing or going a few rounds of fetch in the yard or dog park. This is a curious, jovial little dog breed. It’s gentle and sweet-natured and a good companion for quiet families and children. It has moderate exercise needs that can be met with a short walk or game. It may bark a lot but is very friendly towards other dogs and strangers.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
A lowchen’s coat should be combed or brushed through daily to prevent tangles and knots. To maintain the characteristic appearance of the little lion for which the dog is named, bring the lowchen to a groomer every six to eight weeks for a lion cut. To prevent periodontal disease, brush the lowchen’s teeth every other day. Inspect the ears weekly, cleaning them if necessary to prevent ear infections.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Lowchen Common Health Conditions
The lowchen is a hardy little dog with only a few specific health problems, including patellar luxation, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Lowchen live average lifespans of 12 to 15 years.
Lowchen Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The charming and captivating lowchen makes a delightful companion for any family. They are happy little dogs that thrive on attention and play, and they are outgoing toward strangers and affectionate toward family members. The lowchen most likely originated in Germany. The lowchen is also called the little lion dog and the petit chien lion. The lowchen is a charismatic dog that thrives on being the center of its family’s attention. The lowchen stands 12 to 13 inches tall and weighs 15 pounds. Lowchen have moderate energy levels. Lowchen require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a lowchen is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy |
