Lowchen Dog Breed Information

  • AKA:Little Lion Dog
  • Size:Small
  • Ease of Training:Medium/High
  • Grooming:Low
  • Shedding:Medium/High
  • Exercise Needed:Occasional walks
  • Energy Level:Medium/ High
  • Protection:Makes an effective watchdog
  • Good with Children:Yes, with gentle, older children
  • Health Clearances:OFA, CERF
  • Weight:8-18 lbs
  • Height:12-14 inches
  • Coat Colour:Any colours or combinations

Lowchen Coat

The Lowchen has a soft and silky coat texture. It is typically trimmed to resemble a lion. Their back end is sheared to the skin, and a tuft of hair is left on the end of the tail. The ears are left long and fringed. If the coat is not trimmed into the lion cut the fur is long and wavy; never curly. The Lowchen coat color comes in various combinations and changes numerous times over the dog's life span. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Lowchen Character

An active, well-balanced, and strongly built breed, the Lowchen is a mixture of calm soul mate and playful spirit. They are charming, delightful, and make excellent companions. Lowchens possess a positive and outgoing attitude, and is a dog of regal bearing and style.

Lowchen Temperament

The Lowchen is extremely intelligent, affectionate, and sociable. This breed is loyal, devoted, and eager to please. 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.

Lowchen Care

The classic leonine look of the Lowchen requires a professional grooming every four to six weeks. The unclipped hair must be combed daily to prevent tangles and mats. Bathing should be done on a weekly basis. It is important that sunscreen be applied to the shorn area to prevent sunburn. Lowchens are generally healthy, although they are prone to subluxated patellas, eye irritations caused by hair, and skin irritations on the shaved areas.

Lowchen Activity

This breed loves long walks, daily jogs, and hiking. They especially enjoy "off leash" time where they have the opportunity to run freely. They are suitable for apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise and ample play sessions. A securely fenced yard is nice but is not essential to the Lowchen.

Lowchen Health and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Lowchen is around 13-16 years, and there are just a few health issues that are linked to this generally hardy, healthy breed. This includes PRA, cataract, luxating patella, and possible allergies. The parents of the Lowchen puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.