Lowchen Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Lowchen?

The Lowchen is a breed of dog that has roots in both Germany and France.

With a name that literally translates to “little lion,” the Lowchen has been a popular family pet for over 500 years across Continental Europe. This non-shedding, brave, lively, and affectionate breed gets on well with other dogs and has a big heart. 

Traditionally, the coat of a Lowchen is kept in a “lion clip,” which is when most of the tail and hindquarters are clipped down near to the skin. This creates the appearance of a mini lion with a plumed tail and full mane.

The coat comes in many colours and colour combinations. Underneath this coat, you have a dog that is sturdy, strong, elegant, and perfectly in proportion.

Who are Lowchen dogs best for?

Lowchens are great dogs for families that have other pets and/or children. They tend to do well with children and enjoy playing with them.

As they have an easygoing nature, they are suitable for both new and experienced pet owners.

How much grooming does a Lowchen need?

If you have asthma, you will be pleased to know that a Lowchen could be your ideal companion. They have a hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat, which also makes them perfect for people with dog allergies. 

As mentioned, their coat is typically kept in a conventional lion cut. It is mildly wavy, silky, and dense. Some people do prefer a puppy cut for their little dog. The choice is yours!

Do Lowchen bark much?

So, what about the Lowchen temperament? Lowchens are companion dogs, and they are at their happiest when they are around people they love. 

However, baking is certainly a must-enjoyed pastime for this breed of dog! It is one of the reasons why they make such exceptional watchdogs. At the same time, though, their dog can become a bit of a nuisance for neighbours!

Do Lowchen bite?

Lowchens are known for being wary of strangers and making great watchdogs. However, they are generally not very aggressive. Instead, they have a friendly nature. We can definitely say that their bark is worse than their bite, as the saying goes!

If your Lowchen has started to bite people or objects, it is important to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. You may want to think about investing in a professional dog trainer for some assistance.

What is the temperament & personality of a Lowchen?

These dogs have a friendly and good-natured temperament, making them a pleasure to be around. Their positive and friendly nature means that they are perfect family companions. 

Despite being small in size, Lowchens are energetic, and they are always in a great mood. They have heaps of energy, which they will use for playing with their owner and the children in the family. They can play fetch and chase for a long time. 

These dogs also have a habit of getting very attached to their loved ones, so separation anxiety can easily happen when they are on their own. Because of this, it is important to make sure Lowchens are not left on their own for too long.

These dogs have fearless and outgoing personalities. They will not hesitate to bark if they notice something suspicious. They will challenge bigger dogs if needed, despite their small size. 

Lowchens also love cuddling up next to people, so they’re highly affectionate to those they love.

What is the weight & size of a Lowchen?

The ideal height for this dog breed is between 12 and 14 inches, while this dog will generally weigh between nine and 18 pounds.

How much training does a Lowchen need?

Lowchens are known to be quick learners. They thrive in tricks and obedience training. They want to please their owners with clown-like and trickery actions. However, you should note that they have a tendency to become arrogant and strong-willed if they perceive their human owner to be passive and meek.

Lowchens will adopt the alpha position if you are not consistent and do not establish dominance. Natural leadership is critical so that your dog will abide by the rules you define. As is a common case for small companion dogs, Lowchens can develop “small dog syndrome,” which is a human-induced behaviour issue.

This dog breed also needs to be walked every day. Play will accommodate much of their needs in terms of exercise. However, as is the case with all dogs, this will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk around and explore.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Lowchen?

All dog breeds are more inclined to suffer from certain health issues when compared with others. Dental disease is common in the majority of pets. However, Lowchens are more likely to experience issues with their teeth when compared with other dogs. 

If you do not prevent or treat dental disease, it can cause other issues, such as issues with their joints, heart, liver, or kidneys.

Lowchens are also susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. These are the same sort of diseases that all dogs can get, such as distemper, rabies, and parvo.

You also need to make sure that you manage your Lowchen’s diet carefully. Obesity is a severe disease that can cause joint problems or make them worse. Obesity can also result in heart disease, back pain, digestive disorders, and metabolic problems.

What is the lifespan of a Lowchen?

Lifespan: 12 - 14 years 

How much should you feed a Lowchen?

Lowchens are known to pile on the pounds, which is why you need to be extra careful with their diet. Make sure their diet consists of vegetables, ground bones, healthy fats, and biologically appropriate proteins. They should get all of the essential minerals and vitamins they need for optimal performance and health. 

What is the price of a Lowchen in Australia?

You will typically pay between $5,000 and $8,000 for a Lowchen. However, prices can differ considerably depending on a range of factors, from the experience of the breeder to your location.