Lowchen

In my own words

 

Oh was that a squirrel? I love chasing squirrels! Hang on a minute, let me go check it out. One of these days I really will catch a squirrel you know! Want to go out for a walk? I love running around, jogging and hiking is really fun. I don’t need much exercise but I sure do enjoy going out!

Did you know that Lowchen means “little lion” in German. Want to hear me roar? I am tougher than I look you know, and I’ve got a pretty powerful bark so you’ll always know when trouble is about with me around. Hey, don’t look at me like that! I’m not any trouble, I promise! I’m good as gold, I love cuddles and being with my family. Just watch out for those squirrels!

Information essential about the Lowchen

 

Not your typical lapdog—though endlessly cuddly—the Lowchen has a tough and fearless streak. It will stand up to the mightiest challenge to protect its family and territory. Make sure the Lowchen gets a good daily walk, and don’t forget the leash: These dogs have a special affection for squirrels.

Kennel Club Group:

Non-sporting

Size:

Small: Weight Male 10 – 18 lb (4.5 – 8 kg) Female 10 – 16 lb (4.5 – 7 kg)

Height Male 13 – 14” (33 – 36 cm) Female 12 – 13” (30 – 33 cm)

Popularity:

 

Over the centuries, the breed steadily declined in popularity and by the 1960s it was declared one of the rarest dogs in the world. A band of dedicated breeders and owners have seen that the population of this dog has increased worldwide since then but it still remains a relatively rare dog.

Breed History:

 

The Lowchen, which means “little lion” in German, dates back to the 15th century. Some enthusiasts claim they originated in Germany whereas others say they have a Meditarrenean background. They were particularly favoured by aristocracy and have been popular lapdogs and companions for centuries, featuring in many famous paintings.

 

The breed nearly became extinct during the first half of the 20th century but Madame Bennert of Belgium is credited with saving this breed. The Lowchen has appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records twice: once as the world’s most expensive dog and also as the rarest dog in the world.

Character:

 

The Lowchen is active, well-balanced and strongly built with a playful spirit. They make excellent companions with their charming and delightful personality. They are positive and outgoing with a regal bearing and style. This breed is extremely intelligent, affectionate and sociable. They are eager to please and are loyal and devoted to their owners. They are fearless, resourceful, and bold. They possess a gentle and sensitive nature, and firmly attach themselves to their family. This breed is good with children, other dogs, and other household pets. The Lowchen is fragile in appearance but is actually robust and tough. They may display arrogance or a strong-willed attitude. They are extremely protective of their family and will bark to warn of danger or visitors. The Lowchen is cheerful and playful, but is not hyperactive or high-strung.

Temperament:

 

Despite its fragile presentation, owners of this dog often report that it makes an excellent guard dog.  They are somewhat puppy like in their behaviour and enjoy playing with the family due to their lively personality. They are entertainers and never really grow up in their behaviour. This lovable nature makes them pleasing to own as family pets, being kind to children and other animals, so long as they are socialised from an early age. Adaptable, friendly, loyal and bright rather than intelligent, they like to be a constant companion and are at their happiest when snuggled in a warm lap or bed. They can be quite excitable at times however, but are generally suited for all situations and lifestyles.

Conformation:

The Lowchen has a small, compact frame covered in a long, soft coat. Its short broad head has deeply set eyes, a dark nose and pendant ears draped in long hair. Its tail is set high and usually carried over the back.

 

Coat:

Lowchens are considered a Bichon type dog. Unclipped dogs have a long coated and quite scruffy look. The coat is long and wavy in appearance, especially around the ears. The coat is often presented in the Lion Cut. This means that the haunches, legs (apart from so called ‘bracelets around the lower leg) and part of the tail is shaved, with the left of the coat left in its natural state to present a ‘lions mane’ around the rest of the body, hence the name.

Colour:

The coat can be any shade from chocolate and apricot, chocolate and cream, gold, sable, black and tan, blue and cream

Training:

 

The Lowchen is intelligent and willing to please which means they are easy to train. They excel at obedience and agility. It is important for this breed to be socialised early and proper training will discourage their tendency to bark excessively and curtail their tendency to dig. They response well to gentle, fair, fun and consistent training.

Care:

 

This breed benefits from a thorough brush every week to prevent matting and tangling but a daily brushing is even better. The Lowchen is usually clipped to have a “lion” look which requires professional grooming every four to six weeks. Bathing should be done on a weekly basis and it important that sunscreen be applied to the shorn area to prevent sunburn.

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is up to 14 years, which is normal for a dog of this size. However, some live for as long as 15 years. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. This breed has relatively few genetic health issues but some can develop a knee problem called patellar luxation as well as eye problems such as cataracts and PRA (progressive retinal atrophy).

 

Exercise:

This breed loves long walks, daily jogs and hiking. They enjoy free play off the lead but are suitable for apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise and play sessions. This breed benefits from a securely fenced yard. Exercise wise, this dog requires minimal amounts and is happy with a good run or play in the garden or a daily walk. Because it is low impact in terms of exercise, it can be suited to a person who does not have a particularly active lifestyle or a small home.

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