Lowchens

Appearance:

Body: Square, compact, and well-balanced with a level top line, well-sprung ribs, and short, strong loins.

Coat: Long, wavy, dense, and moderately soft.

Color: All color variations.

Ears: Medium length, well-feathered (fringed) drop-ear.

Eyes: Large, round, dark, set wide apart and deep, and expressively intelligent.

Feet: Small, round, cat-like, and well-arched with thick pads. Center toes slightly longer than outer toes. Hind feet are smaller than forefeet.

Head: Short with a wide skull, flat between the ears, moderate stop, short, strong muzzle, and dark nose.

Legs: Forelegs are straight and fine-boned, shoulders are well laid back. Hindquarters are muscular, legs are straight, stifles are well bent, and hocks are well let down.

Neck: Moderate length and slightly arched, blending smoothly into well laid back shoulders.

Size:
Weight: 9 - 18 pounds
Height: 12 - 14 inches

Tail: Curled with a feathering of hair at the end and carried upward over the back.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Good with children and with other animals
Can be barkers

The Lowchen, affectionately known as the "little lion dog" due to his lion style clipping in the show ring, is a lively, alert, sociable, and intelligent dog. He is a true companion and lap dog who loves to be with his owner and family wherever they go. He craves attention and won't do well if left alone for long periods of time. Though he is small and kind, he is also capable of holding his own with other dogs if necessary.

Lowchens get along well with people, including children, and with other animals though he can be unintentionally injured by younger children who might play too rough. He is not an outdoor dog nor is he a kennel dog. Give him a comfortable home with a warm place to sleep...like the bed, and lots of love and affection, and he will be your friend for life.

AKC Standard says, "Lowchen are an ideal family pet: They are hypoallergenic, "non-shedding," easily trained, and make good companion dogs. Show them a squirrel and they'll bark, but then won't know what to do with it. Show them a stranger, they'll bark, and then be the person's friend. Show them a child, not too young, and they will allow themselves to be picked up and carried gently."

Training is easy with the Lowchen but should be gentle, positive, and rewarding.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Non-Sporting

Bred for companionship.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Moderate exercise such as a daily walk and some playtime is sufficient.

Grooming: Brush three to four times weekly. Clip monthly or every four to six weeks as needed. Keep his ear canals clean and dry.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies
Luxating Patella (knees)

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes

The Little Lion Dog is a warm-weather dog. He will need a jacket or sweater if you live in the north where temperatures can get quite cold in the winter months.

Country of Origin

Uncertain: Believed to be from France by many breed enthusiasts and thought to be from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, or Spain by others.