The Löwchen Dog, often called the “Little Lion Dog,” is a small, lively toy breed with a distinctive lion-like mane and a friendly, affectionate nature. With a compact and well-balanced body, Lowchen typically stands between 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs around 9 to 18 pounds. Their luxurious, long, and wavy coats can come in various colors, including black, white, lemon, and chocolate shades. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain the coat’s health and prevent matting.
This charming toy dog breed was developed as a companion dog and remains in this role today. Active and smart, they do very well in dog competitions such as obedience and agility, surpassing many expectations for a family companion. Highly affectionate and playful, these pups fit into any home setting, including apartment life. Although, they like to bark, which is something nearby neighbors might not appreciate. But even novice pet parents will find Löwchens adaptable and easy to train with positive reinforcement.
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When considering a Löwchen Dog
, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a needy dog. However, choosing a reputable breeder is crucial if you decide to purchase a Lowchen puppy. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their dogs. Reputable Lowchen breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the puppies. This active approach ensures you bring home a healthy and happy pup while discouraging unethical breeding practices.
Lowchen Breed History:
It has been debated where the Löwchen comes from, with answers ranging from such European countries as Germany, Spain, or Russia. Many agree that France is the country of the breed’s origin, although the word Löwchen is German for “little lion.” The breed originated in the originatedentury when the nobility found it as a companion. Ladies of the court often groomed the Löwchen to resemble a little lion, giving the breed its name. The breed is often referenced in words and pictures of the time and even in Goya paintings of the 16th century. The French nobles particularly loved this dog and often carried them to court. During the war, people often set the dogs loose to fend for themselves, which caused the Löwchen to become rare dogs.
Löwchen Dog Breed Information And Facts
A Belgium lady so admired the breed that she collected as many as possible and revived their numbers. The Löwchen is most likely related to the bichon breeds, but they may also have been bred from Maltese, Havanese, or Bolognese dogs. Löwchen numbers declined again in the 1960s when the Guinness Book of World Records gave them the title of “Rarest Breed.” Two breeders set about to revive the breed in Britain and imported several related dogs in this effort. Slowly, the numbers rose again, and by 1995, the Löwchen breed was registered with the AKC under the miscellaneous class. By 1999, the breed was transferred to the non-sporting class.
Löwchen Dog Breed Information And Facts
Löwchen Size:
The Lowchen is slightly longer than he is tall. The ideal height for a Lowchen is 12 to 14 inches, and he generally weighs between 9 and 18 pounds.
Löwchen Dog Personality:
The Lowchen is the personification of an even-tempered breed. He is lively and active, affectionate and gentle. He is an intelligent dog who learns quickly and easily. Lowchen are fearless watchdogs who often bark if they see something or someone suspicious. They don’t seem to mind that they are small and will challenge larger dogs if needed.
They take control of their home, and their people may feel like they’ve become a beloved possession of their sweet little dog. There is no doubt that the Lowchen is a wonderful breed with a cheerful disposition who has many people opening their hearts and homes to not just one but many Lowchen companions.
The Löwchen Dog is a wonderful breed to train. They are intelligent and take to training very quickly. Like many toy breeds, they can have issues with housetraining, but this can be overcome with patience and consistency. Socialization is necessary for this breed, which can be shy around people. Lowchen that are not properly socialized can become fearful or timid. They generally get along with other pets, but socialization with other dogs is important for all breeds.
Löwchen Dog Breed Appearance:
This small and compact breed is square with a balanced and strong body. It has an effortless gait that often accentuates its signature coat style. The Löwchen boasts a short, broad skull and muzzle. A bright, alert face features intelligent, forward-looking brown eyes and pendant-shaped ears with feathering. The teeth land in a good scissors bite. The most distinguishing feature of the breed is the preferred style of coat. Hair is long and thick, with a soft texture that has a wave. Traditionally, the hair is clipped close on the hindquarters and the lower half of the tail. The legs are also close-clipped, leaving a small amount of hair near the paws. This gives the Löwchen a lion appearance, with a thick mane around its face, neck, and upper body, with tufts near the paws and at the end of the tail. The coat can be in various colors, but white, lemon, and black dogs are the most popular.
Lowchen Breed Maintenance :
The dense coat of the Löwchen Dog requires frequent brushing every day or so. Without this routine grooming, the hair will become tangled and matted, making the dog very uncomfortable. Clipping in the traditional lion style requires a close trim on the legs, hindquarters, and tail and will need to be done once every one to two months to maintain. This breed sheds little, making it an ideal choice for those with pet allergies. An occasional bath is recommended to keep the Löwchen clean. They have fast-growing nails that need regular trimming to prevent splits and cracks. Ears should be routinely cleaned of wax and debris, and teeth should be brushed. The Löwchen is an active dog that needs frequent exercise. Due to its small size, it can easily be active indoors. This breed is adaptable to many living conditions, including apartment life, so long as there are daily walks and activities.
Lowchen Temperament:
The Löwchen was bred to be a companion, which shows in his loving and affectionate nature. He is a people pleaser and needs to be with his human family daily. This breed craves giving and getting attention and enjoys the activeness of playing and the relaxation of cuddling with their favorite someone. If Löwchen does not get the time with his family that he needs, he can be prone to separation anxiety. Though Löwchens can be rambunctious in puppyhood, they often grow into a calm, though alert dog. With a fearless nature, they can be prone to excessive barking as they take their watchdog role seriously. Though they can be snappy, they do enjoy playing with children. While they can be friendly to animals, they have been known to challenge other family dogs, even if they are much bigger. An intelligent breed, the Löwchen needs early training to prevent bad habits from forming, such as barking or digging. They are eager and can quickly learn obedience. The energetic and playful Löwchen loves carting, herding, and water trials. Their positive demeanor also makes them excellent therapy dogs.
Clay Jacobs
Goldie Sims
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