Little Lion Dog: Facts about the Lowchen Dog Breed

Lowchen: Little Lion D

ver heard of the Lowchen dog breed?  The During the 1960’s, the Guinness World Book of Records named the Lowchen as the rarest dog breed.  Since that time, Lowchens have increased in numbers, but  only a couple of hundred if them are registered by the American Kennel Club.  

Lowchens look like  little lions and are often called Little Lion Dogs. 

According to the American Kennel Club, the Lowchen has been around for 400 years and was a companion dog during the Pre-Renaissance.  The dogs would warm the feet of ladies of the court.  

The Lowchen's coat was trimmed to look like a lion with short fur on the hindquarters  and a mane around the neck.  It is unknown exactly where Lowchen dogs originated, but it is believed they came from Germany and the Mediterranean. 

Similar to a bichon, Lowchens  weigh anywhere from nine to 18 pounds and stand 12 to 14 inches tall.  The dog’s body is compact and balanced with a short snout and a broad skull.  

His expression is alert and intelligent.  Lowchens haves dark brown eyes, pendant ears, and well-spaced teeth. 

These dogs walk with a spritely gait that emphasizes their long manes.  They carry their tail curved over the back.  

The hindquarters are strong and muscular.  The dog’s wavy, long coat comes in black, lemon, white, or a mixture of all the colors.

Lowchens Have an Outgoing, Positive Nature

Lowchen dogs are outgoing and good with children.  Their positive attitudes make them ideal as a family pet.  They are affectionate and are content to stay around the family. They also get along with other dogs. 

 They are smart dogs and easy to train.  

Traditional  Lion Clip

The Lowchen’s coat needs regular grooming  and most owners give the Lowchen a traditional Lion Clip. The Lion Clip is achieved by cutting the fur to 1/8 inch from the last rib and continuing across the hindquarters to the joint in the rear legs.  

The fur on the front legs is also cut 1/8 inch in length down to the elbows.  Tufts of fur are left on the bottom of the four legs but the feet are clipped.  The dog’s tail fur is clipped 1/8 inch in length but a puff of fur is left on the bottom of the tail. 

If you like the look of lions, a Lowchen could be the dog breed for you.

American Kennel Club: Lowchen