Lowchen, or Little Lion Dog, is a toy breed that was originally developed for companion dogs. Lowchen Dog still plays this role today. They are smart and active and excel in obedience and agility dog competitions.
These dogs can be found in shelters and rescue groups, even though they are purebred.
The Lowchen is a small, compact dog that is slightly shorter than its height. It is strong and sturdy, but not coarse. The Lowchen’s gait is fluid and has good reach and drive. It proudly carries his head and tail.
Lowchen Dog Breed
The coat is thick and long with moderate to moderate waves. Traditional Lowchen are cut in a lion trim. The Lowchen’s muzzle and topskull are relatively small and broad. Their expression is bright, alert, and energetic.
Lowchen, a happy and bright little dog, is considered a moderate breed. The Lowchen will playfully romp in the yard and trot along with you on walks (on-leash), before curling up in your lap to go to sleep.
The Lowchen, also known as the “Little Lion Dog”, is very people-oriented. He needs to be interacting with others and requires a lot of attention. This dog is not for people who work long hours.
He is calm and gentle with all people (humans and pets alike). However, he is very curious and loves to be perched on the backside of a chair or sofa looking out at the windows so he can announce guests.
He may also announce visitors to the house, but he is not a good communicator with them. Also, barking might need to be controlled.
Lowchen Basics
Many people believe the Lowchen to be the ideal breed of dog. The Lowchen is a friendly dog who loves everyone. However, he will be alerted if anyone is knocking at the door or lurking around the house.
Lowchens will accept burglars and his owners love to say that they “direct the robbers to the finest silver”. This breed is great with children and will keep them active and happy.
The Lowchen, affectionately called the Lion Dog, requires a lot of grooming. It is worth it. Continue reading to learn more about the Lowchen.
Origin
It is still a matter of dispute where the Lowchen originated. Many believe that the Lowchen originated in the Mediterranean, while others believe it came from Holland, Germany and France. No matter where the Lowchen is from, he was raised to catch vermin and live in luxury. He even slept in 1400s beds.
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Weight: 9-18 lb
- Lifespan 12-14 years
- Group: AKC Non-Sporting
- The Best for:Families with children, singles, and seniors, apartments, houses without/with yards, and houses
- Temperament Calm, happy and affectionate
- Comparable Breeds Bichon Frise, Havanese
Histories
Lowchen, pronounced Lervchun, means “Little Lion Dog” in French. Lowchen is a member of the Bichon family that includes Havanese and Bichon Frise.
The breed has been claimed by France, Russia, Germany and France. Although the exact date and origin of the breed are unknown, sixteenth-century German art shows dogs that look like the Lowchen.
The traditional lion trim cuts the coat from the last rib down to the hock. The front legs are cut from the elbow to just above and below the pastern.
The tail should be cut in half, with the feet being the first to be clipped. All long hairs must be left uncut. The breed’s popularity plummeted to dangerous levels in the 1960s. Two breeders brought several German-bred dogs to Britain.
These dogs are rare and were therefore interbred extensively. They formed the basis for the breed in America as well as Britain. In 1996, the Lowchen was entered in the AKC Miscellaneous Class and was then admitted to the Non-Sporting Group.
Temperament
The Lowchen is an energetic, curious, and affectionate dog. Lowchens are a mix of playful spirit and calm soulmate. They make a great companion for quiet families. The Lowchen is a loyal and loving breed that is happy to please. Some dogs love to bark or dig.
Maintenance
Lowchens can get plenty of exercise by taking a walk or playing an active game each day. This breed loves mental challenges. Every other day, the coat should be brushed or combed. Every month, clipping is necessary to keep the traditional lion trim. Many pet owners prefer to have their dogs clipped at a puppy clip.
Health
- There are major concerns.
- Minor concerns: patellar Luxation
- Occasionally, seen: PRA, cataract.
- Suggestions for tests: hip, knee, eye and hip
- Life expectancy: 13-15 Years
LowChen Dog Introduction
The Lowchen’s name means “lion dog” and you might think he has a strong demeanor. But he is gentle with people, and his appearance is all that makes him look lion-like. The Lowchen is both playful and gentle and makes a wonderful companion for children and adults.
He is strong and enjoys to roughhouse with his family. Although the Lowchen is generally friendly with all people, he can sometimes be shy around strangers. This trait can be overcome with proper socialization.
Lowchen can be a good fit in any household, regardless of whether they have dogs or not. Lowchen are good with other pets.
Lowchens are affectionate and loveable. They are happy when they’re with their owners and will fit in any space, large or small, that the owner has. You should never leave them outside or in a cage. This will cause them to become temperamental and not just to be ill.
Although lowchens aren’t known for being active, they love their role of watchdog and will bark when they spot something that they feel deserves attention. This can make it difficult to stop some lowchens from digging.
The traditional Lowchen clip with a short, straight tail and natural mane gives the name “lion dog”. However, the nickname also refers to the dog’s large personality. Lowchen know how to make a small dog big in personality, which can be both a delight and a frustration.
They are energetic and lively, affectionate and sweet. They will conquer the homes and lives and hearts of those they love.
Highlights from LowChen
- Lowchens were not designed to be used in kennels or outdoors. They love to be with their loved ones and are happy when they’re together.
- Lowchens love to bark. Lowchens make great watchdogs and bark alarms, but can be a nuisance to neighbours.
- Lowchen are great apartment dwellers, provided they meet their exercise requirements. You can expect to spend at most 20 minutes per day with him. He is a great walking companion and will take long walks with his family.
- Although the Lowchen isn’t likely to shed, he needs regular grooming to avoid mats and tangles.
- While not all Lowchen have this trait, they enjoy digging and it can be hard to stop.
- Lowchen may be timid around new people. It is important to socialize Lowchen as soon as possible to discourage fearfulness and timid behavior.
- Lowchens can be companion dogs, and they may experience separation anxiety when their companions go for the day. These dogs are not the right breed for those who work long hours.
- Never buy a puppy from a reckless breeder, puppy mill, pet shop, or other person if you want a healthy dog. You should look for a reliable breeder that tests her breeding dogs to ensure they are free from genetic diseases and have healthy temperaments.
LowChen Dog Size
The Lowchen is slightly shorter than he is high. A Lowchen’s ideal height is between 12 and 14 inches. He usually weighs between 9 to 18 pounds.
LowChen Dog Personality
The Lowchen is the embodiment of a calm, gentle breed. He is active and energetic, gentle and affectionate. He is intelligent and quick to learn. Lowchen can be fearless watchdogs.
They will bark when they spot something or suspect behavior. They are not afraid of being small, and will even challenge larger dogs when they feel the need.
They can take over their house and make their owners feel like they are a part of the family. The Lowchen is a delightful breed that is friendly and affectionate.
Lowchens are a great breed to learn. They are very intelligent and can be trained quickly. They can have problems with housetraining like many toy breeds. However, this can be overcome by patience and consistency.
Socialization This breed can be shy around people and is best if they are socialized. If lowchen aren’t socialized properly, they can be fearful and timid. Lowchen are generally good with other pets. However, socialization with other dogs can be beneficial for all breeds.
Health of LowChen
Although lowchens are generally healthy, as with all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain conditions. Although not all Lowchens will be affected by all these diseases, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers for this breed.
Find a reliable breeder to show you the health clearances of your puppy’s parents. A dog’s health clearance is proof that it has been cleared and tested for a specific condition.
Lowchens should see health clearances from OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for hip dysplasia (with an average score or higher), hypothyroidism and von Willebrand disease; Auburn University for thrombopathia and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation, which certifies that the eyes are healthy. Check the OFA website (offa.org) to confirm that health clearances have been obtained.
- Cataracts An opacity in the eye’s lens that causes vision problems. A cloudy appearance will occur in the eye(s)of the dog. Cataracts are common in old age. They can be removed surgically.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). A degenerative eye disease. PRA causes blindness in the back of the eyes. It is a slow process. PRA can be detected years before blindness occurs. Reputable breeders regularly have their dogs’ eyes tested on an annual basis.
- Patellar Luxation This is also known as “slipped stiffles”, which is a common problem for small dogs. This happens when the patella, which is composed of three parts: the patella (kneecap), patella (thigh bone), and tibia/calf (calf), is not correctly aligned. It can cause a dog to have a sloppy gait or lameness in one leg.
- Although it is a condition that can be present from birth, the actual misalignment of luxation may not occur until later. Patellar luxation, which can cause rubbing and degenerative joint diseases, can lead to arthritis.
- There are four levels of Patellar Luxation. Grade I is a temporary luxation that causes temporary lameness. Grade IV is when the patella is severely turned and cannot be manually realigned. This causes the dog to appear sloppy. Surgery may be required for severe cases of patellar deluxation.
How to Take Care of LowChen
Lowchen are great apartment residents but can sometimes be overbearing. This trait should be considered before you bring a Lowchen into the home. Some apartments and neighborhoods have noise restrictions.
Lowchens are not outdoor dogs or kennel dogs. They love to be outside and play with other dogs. However, they are loyal to their owners and will always prefer to be with them.
LowChen Feeding
Daily recommended intake: 1/2 to 1 Cup of high-quality dry foods per day, divided into 2 meals
Noting: The amount of food your adult dog eats will depend on his age, build, metabolism, activity level, and size. Dogs are just like humans, they need different amounts of food.
A couch potato dog with a high activity level will require more food than a dog with a low activity level. It also matters what kind of dog food you purchase. The better the food, the more it will nourish your dog.
You can find more information about feeding your Lowchen by reading our guide on buying the right food, feeding your dog, and feeding your adult dog.
Grooming and Coat Color
Lowchens have dense, long, moderately wavy coats with soft texture. Lowchens come in all colors and combinations. There is no one preferred color.
Lowchens can either be cut or left in their natural state. They are given a “Lion Trim” after they have been cut. The length of the hair is cut to 1/8th inch from the last rib to rump. A plume is left at the tail’s tip. The coat is kept tangly by regular brushing This breed sheds very minimal.
Brush your Lowchen’s Teeth at least twice a week to get rid of tartar and bacteria. If you want to prevent bad breath and gum disease, daily brushing is even more important.
Cut his nails at least once a month, if they don’t get worn down naturally. This will prevent any painful tears or other issues. They may be too long if you hear them clicking on the ground. You can cause bleeding by cutting too far on dog toenails.
Your dog might not cooperate when you get the nail clippers out. Ask a groomer or vet for help if you aren’t familiar with trimming dog nails.
Check his ears for any redness or bad smells. This could indicate an infection. To prevent infection, use a gentle, pH-balanced, cotton ball to clean your dog’s ears. Do not insert anything in the ear canal. Instead, clean the outer ear.
When your puppy is born, you should begin to teach your Lowchen how to be brushed and examined. Take care of his paws as dogs can be very sensitive to their feet. Also, make sure you look in his mouth.
You’ll make grooming enjoyable with praise and reward. This will help you prepare for any veterinary visits or other handling that your dog may need.
You should inspect your skin for any sores, rashes or signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness or inflammation, on the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, feet, and feet. Clear, dry eyes should not show any reddening or discharge. A weekly eye exam can help you identify potential health issues early.
LowChen with Children and Other Pets
Lowchen are great dogs for families that have children or pets. They are good with children and love to play with them. They are strong and gentle, but they can also be quite sturdy.
Lowchen can be very social and are happy to live with other dogs and pets. They are often unaware of their small stature and will challenge larger dogs in public. It is important to keep them safe.
Pedigree
The Lowchen was a favorite pet of royalty and aristocrats. Court ladies spent much time training the Lowchen to look like a lion. The lion is a symbol for strength, power, and courage. A lion-like dog could be a sign of a person’s social status in the area.
It was believed that the Lowchen was a living, breathing hot water bottle for women. Their owners were kept warm by the exposed skin, which helped them sleep well at night.
The Lowchen was considered to be one of the most rare dog breeds in the middle of the 20 century. The World Wars had caused the population to plummet. In 1973, there were less than 70 Lowchens around the globe!
With a carefully planned breeding program, Mrs. Bennett from Belgium and Dr. Rickert from Germany made this a reality. They were successful in restoring the breed. The Lowchen, although it is a rare breed of dog is not in danger of disappearing.
Food/Diet
Lowchens need to be fed high-quality dry kibble. Dry food is better for their oral health. Make sure the food is appropriate for Lowchen’s level of activity.
Lowchens are easy to train and quick learners.
Training
Lowchens are easy to train and quick learners. These little guys are extremely smart and can pick up new skills as quickly as lightning. Training is easy because they have an inborn desire to please their owners.
Training sessions should be enjoyable. Excited praise and lots of tasty treats are great training tools. The Lowchen will be much more well-behaved if they are taught positive and consistent methods.
Lowchens are great in obedience trials, and with extra training, agility classes. This breed is known for his personality and ability to train, so he would make a great therapy dog!
Weight
Lowchens weigh between 9 and 18 lbs and stand between 12 and 14 inches at the withers.
Temperament/Behavior
The Lowchen is a friendly, well-mannered dog that is easy to get along. The Lowchen is a happy, energetic dog. He enjoys being outside and can play for hours after chasing the ball. Lowchen is a sweet dog.
He believes everyone is his best friend, even children. The Lowchen is a great family companion because of his friendly nature and playful nature.
There is no perfect breed of dog. Lowchens are so attached to their families that they can suffer from Separation Anxiety if they have to go to school or work.
This can lead to excessive barking, scratching at doors and even destructive behavior. You should never leave the Lowchen alone for too long.
Common Health Problems
The Lowchen dog breed is extremely healthy. There are only three health issues that concern the Lowchen: patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. The breed’s health is due to the careful and strict breeding program that was established in the 1970s. It is possible that health problems will increase as the breed grows in popularity and population.
Life expectancy
Lowchens can live up to 12-14 years.
Exercise
The Lowchen is a small dog with a lot of energy. This breed loves to play and run outside, although it is not overly energetic. A Lowchen needs to be walked a few times each day. This little dog is a great jogging partner.
Although his legs are strong, he can still keep up with runners. Runners should also consider weight training and bringing the dog along on outings.
Lowchens are great family companions. Lowchens love children and are great family companions. Lowchen will play fetch or chase the ball with the children in the afternoon. This would allow the adults to spend more time cooking and less time chasing after the ball.
The Lowchen is a friendly, well-mannered dog that’s always a joy to be with.
AKC
According to the American Kennel Club, “Lowchen” is German for “little lion”. It’s a small, lively, and bright dog. Their trademark “lion” cut is the traditional style. The coat is left untrimmed at the forequarters, and the tail is clipped near the skin at the hindquarters.
The tail is cut except for the plume at the base and cuffs around the ankles are left on each leg. All colors are accepted, as well as color combinations.
“The agility and quickness of the Lowchen make them ideal for agility and obedience rings.” In 1996, the AKC recognized the Lowchen.
Coat of LowChen
Lowchen’s long, slightly wavy coat sheds very little. He is a great candidate for people with allergies and neat freaks. It is as soft as it appears and you could easily become addicted to petting it. Under the breed standard, all colors are allowed.
The Lion Trim is the lion-like cut that is required for the proper appearance of the Lowchen. Trimming is from the last rib to the rear. There is only 1/8 inch left of the coat. The tail and legs are also cleaned.
However, the tail tip retains a plume while the “wrists”, have cuffs. To prevent the coat from matting, it is important to brush the areas that are coated every day. Every four to six weeks, bathing and trimming should take place.
Puppies
Lowchen puppies make a great companion. They are easy to potty train and all training is very smooth for this breed. Although the Lowchen is an intelligent and friendly dog, socialization is important.
Conclusion
There is a certain amount of timidity, as with many sweet-natured breeds. It is crucial to socialize early in order to develop an outgoing and confident temperament.
Many Lowchens excel in agility and competitive obedience. They are attentive and responsive to nonforceful obedience training. They can be slow in housebreaking, which is their only training area.
You want a dog that…
- He is small, elegant, agile and light on his feet
- Long coat available in many colors, and it doesn’t shed very much
- It is lively, playful, but not too active
- Be polite to strangers and pets
- You don’t have to do a lot of exercise
- Responds to training
- Long-lasting.
You might be a Lowchen.
If is not for you,
- When left alone, separation anxiety (destructiveness or barking) can occur.
- If you are not socialized enough, shyness or suspicion can result.
- Potentially slow housebreak
- Potential for barking
- Regular brushing, combing, or cutting the hair short is a must.
- Waiting lists can be difficult to find
You might not be a Lowchen.
Remember that the inheritance of Temperament. It is more unpredictable than the inheritance Physical You may notice traits like size and shedding. Training and raising animals can also influence behavior and temperament.