Lowchen
Introduction
The Löwchen is alert, intelligent, and affectionate with the overall qualities of a loving companion dog. It has a lively, outgoing, and inquisitive personality.
Löwchen breed facts
Löwchen means Little Lion Dog.
The Löwchen is a breed of dog that once had the dubious distinction, like the Portuguese Water Dog and the Havanese, of being the rarest dog in the world.
Even today, the breed generally has fewer than a few hundred new registrations each year worldwide.
History
Löwchen are referred to in words and photos as far back as the mid-15th century. The breed is quite possibly from Germany, although for many years it was believed to have its origin in the Mediterranean. Regardless of origin, we know that the Löwchen has been a distinct breed for more than 400 years. The breed nearly disappeared in the 19th century, but tireless efforts by a Belgian breeder ensured the Lowchen’s continued existence.
The breed’s name translates from the German as "little lion". The names come from the traditional Löwchen clip, with close-cut hindquarters and a full, natural mane.
Right Breed For You?
| Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No | No |
| What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large | Small |
| How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day | 30 mins a day |
| How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long | Medium |
| How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day | More than once a week |
| Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed | Does shed |
| What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either | Either |
| What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House | Flat |
| What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden | No garden |
Breed Standard
 | General Appearance Coat clipped in traditional lion clip, tail also clipped, topped with plume, giving appearance of a little lion. Strongly built, active, well balanced and alert. |
| Characteristics Gay, happy, lively little dog. |
| Eyes Round, dark, large and intelligent. Unbroken pigmentation of eye rims, pigment to be in accordance with coat colour. |
| Mouth Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. |
| Neck Good length, proudly arched. |
| Forequarters Forelegs straight and fine. Shoulders well laid. |
| Body Short, strong and well proportioned. Level topline. Ribs well sprung. Strong loin with moderate tuck-up. |
| Hindquarters Hindlegs well muscled, with good turn of stifle; straight when viewed from rear. |
| Tail Free, parallel movement fore and aft, no hackneyed action. |
| Gait / Movement Coat clipped in traditional lion clip, tail also clipped, topped with plume, giving appearance of a little lion. Strongly built, active, well balanced and alert. |
| Coat Any colour or combination of colours permissible. |
Breed Photos
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