They call him the “Little Lion” in Germany, and there is a good reason for that because, while the Löwchen is only 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder level and weighs barely 15 pounds, he no doubt has the heart of a lion. ,These little guys think they are much bigger than they are. This is why you’ll find that a Löwchen will never hesitate to take on much larger dogs, even if they are four or five times his size! Then combine that with how they look, and it’s easy to see the “lion comparison.”
But don’t fret…
While these little guys may be fearless, at their core, they’re happy and cheerful little dogs who are always comfortable and always up to something. That said, however, there is one thing you should know about these little guys: they do have a tendency to bark incessantly, which is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss what it might be like to own a Löwchen this way if you ever do get a chance to hold you’ll you know for sure if it’s a good idea or not.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Löwchen Dog Breed Fast Facts
Original Purpose: Companion
Country of Origin: Germany or perhaps Russia or France
Height: 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 15 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Non-Sporting group
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Origin of the Löwchen dog breed
Like many “ancient” dog breeds, sometimes it’s challenging to determine exactly where a dog originated. This is especially true when the dog is as cute as the Löwchen, which often causes multiple countries to want to claim credit. And in the case of the Löwchen, this is precisely what we see. What is known for sure is that the Löwchen seems to have a common ancestry with the Bichon dog breed, which was quite common in Germany, Russia, and France during the 15th century when these guys seem to have first appeared.
In fact…
There are many paintings and artwork from that era that depict this breed. One such famous artist of that time was Jan van Eyck, whose work, The Birth of the Baptist, brings this exciting dog to life. The Löwchen was also a favorite of the court ladies of that period. Why not? He was just as cute then as he is now. He was everyone’s favorite companion dog. Believe it or not, he was used as a foot warmer, a flea catcher, and a lap dog.
The bad times…
Just as breeds become popular, they can also get forgotten, precisely what happened to many domesticated dog breeds throughout Europe during the First and Second World Wars. Plus, the fact that many considered him a German breed did not help him – nobody wanted a German breed in those days. But just when everyone had given up on the Lowchen, a kind woman from Belgium, Madame Bennert, decided to do something about it. She took it upon herself to revive the breed and worked closely with other breeders in Germany to increase the Lowchen population.
Löwchen puppies…
They were imported to England in 1968 and then to the United States in 1971. But it was thanks to a hit TV show called Hart to Hart, screened in the 1980s, the Lowchen became popular in the U.S.
A Lowchen Club of America was formed shortly after. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1999.
Physical Characteristics
The Lowchen is only a toy dog and reaches 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder level. He weighs only 15 pounds so that you can carry him around. He has a short muzzle, a black nose, and small, dark or light brown eyes. His legs and haunches are clipped short, and his head is broad and short. His ears are small in size and hang down. Also, about half of his tail is cut short.
The Löwchen also…
Has a long and wavy single coat. He doesn’t shed much. He has this mane of wavy hair, which gives him a lion-like appearance. His skin can be black, cream, black and tan, chocolate, black and silver, and blue.
Comparison
The Löwchen is similar in looks and temperament to other non-sporting breeds, such as the Petit Chien Lion (also called the “Little Lion Dog”) and Bichon. You may also compare him to the Lhasa Apso.
Temperament and Personality
The Lowchen is a playful breed, always up to something. He is fast on his feet and just as comfortable outdoors as indoors. He is a bit of a joker, but he doesn’t know that! He takes himself very seriously. Indeed, something about this little dog reminds you of the fictional character Don Quixote. Like Quixote, the Lowchen may be brave, but he is only a tiny companion dog and by no means a fighter – so as his owner, you will have to work very hard to protect him from himself!
But leave him alone for just a few minutes when you’re outside, and you’ll find him challenging the friendly neighborhood Great Dane for a Mortal Combat! Always keep him on a leash!
Löwchen Training
The Lowchen is an intelligent dog and is easy to train. Also, it helps that he desires to please his owners. He is a very people-friendly dog and is responsive to your commands.
P0tential Health Concerns
The Löwchen is a healthy breed with an excellent life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, which is high for dogs. However, he is vulnerable to problems related to his eyes and hock joint, such as…
- Cataracts,
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA),
- Patellar luxation,
- Distichiasis,
- Congenital deafness.
And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
