Affectionate, loving, gentle and people pleasing, the Lowchen doesn’t really live up to its ‘lion dog’ name - there’s no fierceness here. Unless you’re talking about the fierce traditional Lowchen clip, which sees them rock a full, natural mane, close clipped back legs and arched, plumed tail. Aside from their looks, these small, playful pups make great family dogs who get on well with children, adults, and other pets.
Lowchen Facts
It’s not known exactly where Lowchens sprung from. Their name is German, but this dog has been popular among Europeans for over 500 years - they even appear in Renaissance art from several European countries. However, it is known that Lowchen descend from the same ancient line of companion dogs like Bichon Frise and Maltese.
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 30-35cm
- Weight: 7kg
- Life Span: 13-15 years
- Coat: Wavy, long
- Colour: Various colours
What Does a Lowchen Look Like?
A Lowchen gets its name from its traditional appearance. Translated from German, Lowchen means lion dog. The traditional Lowchen clip includes a full, natural mane and clipped-almost-to-the-skin back legs, complete with fluffy feet and an arched, plumed tail, making Lowchens look like little lions. These days, not all owners do the traditional Lowchen clip.
Instead, you’ll see a Lowchen’s long, dense, soft and slightly wavy coat. Lowchens come in all colours and combinations - there’s no one ‘Lowchen colour’.
Slightly longer than they are tall, Lowchens grow to a maximum of 30cm. Although they’re classed as non-sporting dogs, they’re still known to be strong and sturdy.
Lowchen
Lowchen Temperament: Loving Little Lion
Like most small dogs, Lowchens have the brave heart of a lion. With personalities bigger than their size, Lowchens will take on any dog or rule that they want to. Lively and energetic, Lowchens will rule your home and heart if you let them.
But unlike a lion, a Lowchen is never fierce. In fact, Lowchens are gentle, sweet and affectionate dogs that are great with children as well as adults. They’re also surprisingly playful pups who love a bit of rough and tumble with their humans. Loving dogs, Lowchens thrive when they’re with their people. Known for being adaptable, a Lowchen will fit into any home and situation, whether that’s an apartment or big house.
But the key to a happy, healthy Lowchen is to ensure they’re always inside with their family. These aren’t dogs that are meant to live outside or in a kennel. They do best with someone with them during the day so if you work away from home, consider a dog sitter or doggy daycare.
Although generally Lowchens get along well with everyone, including other dogs and pets, they can be wary of strangers at first - and for good reason. Lowchens were originally bred to be a companion to royalty, who were under constant threat. Alert watch dogs, they react quickly to suspicious noises (and unknown people) and will bark an alarm when something or someone catches their eye.
Keeping Lowchen Healthy: 3 Issues to Watch Out For
Lowchens are generally healthy dogs. But like all dogs, they’re prone to certain health problems. Although not all Lowchens will go on to develop any of these issues, it’s good to be aware of them. Preventative care, like regular vet check-ups, tooth brushing, and flea and worm treatments, can help your Lowchen live a long healthy life.
Joint Issues
Most small dogs experience some kind of joint issues. For Lowchens, this is mainly patellar luxation, or floating kneecap. When the kneecap doesn’t sit in the right place, it causes lameness or an abnormal gait in that leg. Left unchecked, the constant rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis.
Patellar luxation can be managed in many ways, depending on how severe it is. Treatment options include medications, weight management, physical therapy, and surgery. However, patellar luxation is an inherited condition that puppies are born with. Responsible breeders should screen for it.
Cataracts
A lot of older dogs can develop cataracts, including Lowchens. Cataracts cause a clouding of the lens in your dog’s eye, which affects their vision. Cataracts can normally be treated with surgery.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that currently there’s no cure or treatment for, which means dogs with PRA will eventually go blind. Most dogs adapt well to being blind and continue to live happily. Because PRA is an inherited condition that’s detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness, reputable breeders should regularly check their breeding dogs’ eyes for it.
Caring for Your Lowchen Dog
Lowchens are easy care dogs, with minimal grooming and exercise needs. Sure, they need training in puppyhood, and especially early socialisation, but they’re so devoted to pleasing you that it’ll be enjoyable for you both.
Grooming
The Lowchen might have a long, soft, wavy coat but their grooming needs are low. Give them a good brush every few days, to ward off tangles and mats. A comb can be a good way to detangle their hair.
Every few weeks, give them a bath to help keep their coat shiny and healthy. Bath time is the ideal time for the rest of their grooming. This includes checking their ears for any dirt or debris build-up. Gentle ear wipes will help you thoroughly clean their ears. It also includes trimming their nails to keep them comfy as they move about.
Aim to brush their teeth every day to stop plaque and tartar building up. Finally, book them into a professional groomer every few months to get a haircut.
Nutrition
Lowchens aren’t known for being fussy eaters so should happily eat whatever you serve up. Go for quality commercial dog food that’s tailored to their life stage (puppy, adult or senior). A mix of wet and dry food is nutritionally balanced and gives their teeth a clean at the same time.
Keep an eye on how many treats your Lowchen is getting. Their exercise needs aren’t high so if they don’t move enough, they can gain extra weight. As a small dog breed, extra weight puts extra stress on their bones and joints. If you need help with your dog’s weight management, have a chat to your vet about what to feed them and portion size.
Exercise
A Lowchen will be happy with at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. The ideal walking companion, Lowchens love long walks on-lead with their humans and will enjoy whatever activity you’re doing. As long as it’s not a long-distance run - because of their small size, Lowchens aren’t suited to this.
Lowchens thrive on human interaction so expect to spend some time playing with them every day, like throwing a ball for them in the garden. Make sure your Lowchen gets enough physical and mental stimulation. Intelligent dogs, they’ll make their own entertainment if you don’t provide it. This usually includes destructive behaviour, like digging. Keep them out of trouble (and your veggie patch) by stocking up on interactive toys.
With their intelligence and thirst for new challenges, Lowchens excel at dog sports, especially obedience and agility so sign up for a local class where you can.
Training
It’s thanks to this intelligence that the Lowchen is a great dog to train - they take to it very quickly. Plus, Lowchens are people-pleasers so heap on the praise and treats through positive reinforcement training and you’ll quickly have a well-mannered pup.
One of the first things to focus on with a Lowchen is barking. Alert dogs, used to being on their guard against threats to their royal owners, Lowchens are prone to reacting quickly (and noisily) to anything or anyone they think is a threat. Work on training your puppy to understand when it’s appropriate and ok to bark, and when it isn’t.
Because of this natural wariness, a Lowchen that isn’t properly socialised can become fearful or timid. Enrol your Lowchen into puppy class or enlist a professional dog trainer, where they’ll have safe and controlled exposure to a wide range of people, dogs and situations. Early socialisation is really important for Lowchens, especially at curbing their ‘small dog, big personality’ tendencies to take on any other dog that they see.
You might have to spend a little extra time toilet training your Lowchen. Small dog means small bladder, so they’re more prone to accidents than other breeds. Patience and consistency are key.