History of the Löwchen Breed
The löwchen, which means “little lion dog,” is pronounced lerv-chun. Many countries lay claim to this unique breed, including Germany, Russia, and Spain; however many people agree that France was its country of origin. The breed shares roots with the bichon frise, Bolognese, Maltese, and Havanese. It was a popular dog in the 16 th century and appears in German artwork – particularly that of painter Goya. In the 1960s, the breed’s numbers waned so much that it was given the record of “rarest breed” by the Guinness Book of World Records. Two breeders sought to revive the little lion dog and brought several related dogs to Britain. Once there, they were interbred, and the breed’s numbers were slowly restored. The l ö wchen entered the AKC in 1996 in the miscellaneous class; and in 1999, it was transferred to the nonsporting group.
Size and Appearance of the Löwchen Breed
The löwchen is a small, compact dog that is almost square in shape. It is strong with a short, broad skull. It holds itself proudly, and its gait is uplifting and effortless. The breed’s ears are pendent-shaped and feathered, and its intelligence is evident in its eyes. Its coat is long, thick, and soft with a wave. The traditional cut that gives the l öwchen the name of Little Lion is clipped close on its hindquarters and the lower half of its tail. Additionally, the front legs are close-clipped, and the main is left long and natural to give the appearance of a lion. The breed can be any color, however the white, black and lemon dogs are most popular.
Löwchen Temperament
This intelligent breed is friendly, affectionate, and willing to please. It is fearless and has been known to challenge other household dogs – even those that are larger – to be the top dog. This quality is often surprising to others since the breed’s lion cut gives the deceptive image of a frail, undignified dog. The l öwchen is active and lovable. It enjoys playing with children and is friendly with other pets. This fearless dog will bark incessantly to protect its family and property. If not properly trained, it may dig and bark too much.
Löwchen Recommended Maintenance
The löwchen’s coat requires brushing every day or so to prevent tangles. The traditional lion cut requires a close trim on the front legs, the hindquarters, and the lower portion of the tail. The breed sheds very little, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Clipping will be required every month or so to maintain the lion look. The l öwchen is very active and needs to exercise frequently. It remains active indoors, which makes it a good choice for apartment life when access to a yard is not always feasible. This breed is a social animal that is a quick learner, although early training is necessary to ward off bad habits such as barking or digging.
Löwchen Health
• Life span: 13 – 15 years
• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: patellar luxation
• Occasionally seen: none
• Suggested tests: none
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