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Lowchen Breed Summary
Happy, Affectionate, Playful, Alert and Intelligent
The Löwchen was the dog of 15th century nobility in prominent European countries, such as Belgium, Germany, Spain, and France. Bred for its small size, dense fur, and affectionate nature, it was kept as a companion and often carried to court by the ladies of the day. Traditionally, the hair was clipped close to the skin on the legs, hindquarters, and part of the tail to give the dog a lion look, hence the name “little lion”, or löwchen in German. Today, the breed is still celebrated for its loving nature, and forms close bonds with its human family.
| Kennel Club Group | Non-Sporting |
| Lifespan | 12 - 14 Years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males and Females 12in - 14in |
| Weight | Males and Females 8lb - 18lb |
| Coat | Coats are Fairly Long and Wavy, Soft and Silky to the Touch |
| Color | Any color or color combination |
| Eye color | Dark |
| Common health issues | Luxating Patella |
| Other Names | Löwchen, Little Lion Dog, Petit Chien Lion |
The dogs are known for their loving and affectionate personalities. Additionally, they are very intelligent, which makes them relatively easy to train and a real candidate in sports and competitions! On top of this, they are a very playful and lively breed, mainly due to the fact that they remain puppy-like throughout most of their lives. They make a great choice for first time owners and love to be the center of attention! They are also a highly alert breed, meaning they make great watchdogs.
Löwchen origins have long been subject to debate, and historians can’t agree on the breed’s birthplace. The name is German, but since the Middle Ages Löwchen were popular among noblewomen of France, Italy, Holland, Spain, and Russia, as well as Germany. Löwchen descend from the same ancient line that produced such companion breeds as the Bichon Frise and Maltese, and, thanks to sightings in the Renaissance art of several countries, we know that the Löwchen look hasn’t changed for at least 500 years.