Lowchen

Life Span : 13 to 15 years

Availability : Rare

About Lowchen
The Lowchen, also known as the Little Lion Dog, the Leoninus (meaning “lion-like”) and the Petit Chien Lion, has been bred for centuries for the sole purpose of giving love and getting love in return. The correct pronunciation of the word Lowchen is “lerv-chun.” The breed is perhaps the ideal pet: hypoallergenic, virtually non-shedding, easily trained and full of fun.

Admitted into the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Non-Sporting Group in 1999, the Löwchen or Little Lion Dog, was also known by the name of Le Petit Chien Lion in France. It shares a common background with other dogs belonging to the Bichon family, including the Havanese, Bichon Frisé, and others.

France, Germany, and Russia claim to be the native lands of the breed, but the exact place or time of the dog’s origin is obscure. However, certain dogs looking like the Löwchen and having a lion trim have been seen in 16th-century German art.

The coat, according to the conventional lion trim, is clipped to a short length from the last rib to the hock joint. The front legs, above the pastern, are clipped from the elbow. The feet are also clipped and roughly half the tail is given a clipped look, with a plume at its tip. Long hair in other parts is not clipped.

The breed’s numbers diminished greatly in the ’60s but, through the attempts of two breeders, many dogs were brought from Germany to Britain. Those dogs were crossed extensively, which led to the formation of the breed in the United States and Britain. By 1996, the Löwchen gained entry into the AKC Miscellaneous class.

Visits to Groomer- Medium

Drooling- No

Bath- Rare

Tolerance to heat- Get a heatstroke

Tolerance to cold- Need warmth

Exercise Requirement- Lots

Under Coat- No

Colour- Chocolate, Black & Silver, Blue, Black, Black & Tan, Cream

Coat Type- Soft, Long and Wavy

Hair Length- Flowing

Hair Density- Dense

Lowchens are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Lowchens will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Cataracts

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Patellar Luxation

Hip dysplasia

Temperament
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. They are excellent entertainers and like to play and ‘clown’ around, never really growing up. This lovable nature makes them pleasing to own as family pets, being kind to children and other animals.

Training & Intelligence
Lowchens are highly trainable. They are smart, desire to please the people they love, and catch on to tricks rather quickly. Training should always be conducted with positive reinforcement and lots of treats. Lowchens are sensitive dogs, and treating them harshly will cause them to withdraw. When basic obedience has been mastered, Lowchens should graduate to advanced obedience, tricks, or agility training. They love the activity and it fosters the bond between dog and owner.

Breeding
Litter Size – 12 to 14 puppies (approximately)

Complication in Breeding-No

Procreation
Generally a dog takes around 18 months to reach his or her full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dogs after at least two years of age. If you are a first timer at breeding then taking a vets help.