Lowchen

ATTRIBUTES: Affectionate, Outgoing, Positive

GROUP: Non-Sporting Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Wavy

COAT LENGTH: Long

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds, Best Family Dogs

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Maltese, Havanese

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Origin

France, Germany

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Registration

1996

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Size

12 - 14 Inches

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Weight

15 Pounds

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Expected Life

13-15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
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COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
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COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
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PATTERNS
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CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The tendency for a breed to show warmth towards its family or familiar individuals can vary greatly. There are breeds that may reserve their warmth strictly for their owners exhibiting a more reserved demeanor with others. In contrast, there are those that are universally friendly exuding a 'best buddy' vibe to all acquaintances.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The degree to which a dog breed can accommodate and remain patient with the antics of children, as well as its compatibility with family life varies. It is crucial, however to ensure that dogs are always monitored when in the presence of young ones or children who aren't accustomed to canine interactions.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a breed towards fellow canines can differ significantly. While it's essential to oversee dogs during meet-ups and introductions, certain breeds naturally tend to be more amiable with other dogs, whether it's within the home environment or out in communal settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur a breed sheds can range broadly. High-shedding breeds generally require more regular grooming sessions may increase the likelihood of setting off specific allergies and often necessitate a more steadfast approach to cleaning including regular vacuuming and the use of lint rollers.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming needs of each breed, including the frequency of bathing, brushing, cutting or other forms of coat care can differ notably. When evaluating the grooming commitments necessary, it's important to consider your available time, level of patience and grooming budget. It's worth noting that regular nail trimming is a must for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The likelihood of a breed to drool extensively can vary. For those who cherish cleanliness and order, selecting a dog that tends to produce copious amounts of drool leaving trails of slobber on your arm or damp patches on your attire might not be the most fitting option.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wavy
COAT SPECTRUM
Long
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The degree to which a breed is receptive to unfamiliar people can span a wide spectrum. Certain breeds maintain a guarded or wary attitude towards all new faces irrespective of the setting, whereas others exhibit an enthusiastic eagerness to make the acquaintance of a fresh face at any given opportunity.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The zest for playfulness in a breed can often persist well beyond its puppy years. There are breeds that still revel in a robust game of tug-of-war or enjoy chasing after a ball as adults, while others tend to prefer lounging on the sofa with you for the better part of the day.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The propensity of a breed to notify you of the presence of strangers can be strong in some dogs. Such breeds are more inclined to respond to what they perceive as potential threats, which could range from the daily visit of the mail carrier to the sight of a squirrel darting past the window. Typically, these breeds may become more receptive to outsiders who enter the home once they recognize them as guests welcomed by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
A breed's adaptability to change encompasses their response to alterations in living situations, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other day-to-day fluctuations. Some breeds navigate these changes with ease, while others may require more time and assistance to adjust to new circumstances.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training your dog and its eagerness to learn new skills can greatly depend on its breed. Some breeds appear to be motivated by a desire to please their owners often making training a smoother process. Meanwhile, other breeds exhibit a more independent streak preferring to go by their own rules and whims.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a dog breed can profoundly differ. High-energy breeds thrive on activity and adventure and they frequently engage in running, jumping, and playing for the majority of the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds tend to have more sedentary behaviors often content with lounging and napping. It's essential for a prospective dog owner to align their lifestyle and energy levels with the needs of the breed they choose.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
It's crucial to gauge the intensity of intellectual activity that keeps various breeds both vibrant and in optimal health. Purpose-bred canines might need occupations that demand adeptness in problem-solving, decision making and persistent attention. In the absence of these mentally-stimulating exercises, they’ll likely invent their own endeavors to engage their brainpower leading to undesirable outcomes from your perspective.
COLORS

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PATTERNS

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About The Breed

The Lowchen, translating to 'little lion' in German has captivated hearts across Europe as a cherished companion for centuries with its non-shedding travel-friendly size. This breed is recognized for its loving and vivacious personality mirroring the courage of a lion. Despite their small stature measuring slightly above one foot at the shoulder, Löwchens carry themselves with a noble spirit. They are often groomed in a 'lion clip,' resulting in a striking mane and a fluffy tail tip reinforcing their leonine appearance. Found in various colors and combinations, they possess a strong and well-built, albeit sophisticated and well-balanced frame under their ornate coats.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A LOWCHEN

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Lowchen: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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Most Lowchen pups are robust and lively. Ethical breeders take the extra steps to check their breeding dogs for common health issues including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation also known as a dislocated kneecap cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. When selecting your furry companion, it’s important that the breeder shares with you the health clearance documents for the puppy's parents enabling you to make well-informed choices about your new dog's health care.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

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The Löwchen's grooming routine is quite manageable a thorough brushing every couple of days and a pleasant bath biweekly are all it takes to keep them in top form. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also essential for their well-being. To maintain their coat, a visit to a professional groomer or the breeder every few months is recommended to get a neat 'puppy cut' or the classic 'lion' trim depending on your preference.
Health

Exercise

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The Löwchen is an endearing and sprightly friend who revels in frolicking within the safety of a fenced garden or joining their owner for extended strolls. They are bright and thrive on engaging challenges making them ideal for obedience or agility training. While not cut out for extensive distance running, this hardy little canine finds joy in virtually any pursuit that involves spending time with their human companions.
Health

Training

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The Löwchen, bearing a legacy of being a noble's trusted companion often amidst potential dangers is exceptionally vigilant and swift to respond to curious noises or activities. It is crucial to instill in him from puppyhood that incessant barking at every little noise or movement isn't required or desirable. Eager to delight his owner, the Löwchen takes to training quite readily especially when positive reinforcement techniques are employed. Stern or harsh methods, however, do not sit well with this sensitive breed.
Health

Nutrition

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The Löwchen will generally thrive on a premium dog food, whether it's a store-bought brand or a home-cooked meal prepared under the guidance and consent of your vet. It's essential to match the diet to the specific life stage of your dog be it as a puppy, adult or senior. Be mindful as some are inclined to gain excess weight, it's important to monitor your dog’s intake of calories and maintain a healthy weight. While treats are beneficial for training purposes, overindulgence can lead to obesity. It's also worthwhile to know which foods meant for human consumption are safe for your dog and which to avoid. Should any issues arise regarding your dog's weight or diet consulting your vet is the best course of action. And, of course, ensure that there is always a supply of clean and fresh water readily accessible.

Historiography

The roots of the Löwchen breed have sparked much discussion and remain a mystery to historians, who have yet to reach a consensus on where exactly the breed originated. Despite its German moniker, the Löwchen has been a favored pet among the aristocracy across many nations, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Russia and Germany since medieval times. The Löwchen shares ancestry with age-old companion breeds like the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. And with its depiction in Renaissance art across various countries, we can affirm that the distinct appearance of the Löwchen has been preserved for over half a millennium.

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