The Lowchen, also known as the Little Lion Dog or the Petit Chien Lion, is a dog of European roots, having been created there about four hundred years ago. "Lowchen" is a German word that means "Little Lion". The breed was wonderfully popular from the 1500s to the 1800s, but lost its popularity after the two world wars. The Lowchen was often used as a foot warmer for wealthy women. In the 1960s, the breed was dwindling so quickly that they were listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the rarest breed in that day's existence. Today, the numbers have once again risen and they are primarily kept as family pets and companions to people.
The breed was only accepted for registry with the AKC in 1996 and they are now accepted by several others, including the DRA, the APRI, the ACR, the NZKC, the NKC, the ANKC, the KCGB, the FCI, and the CKC. They are classified under the "gun dog" category. Although having a registered dog may not mean that much to the average pet owner who is only looking for a loving companion, it does increase the monetary value of the dog for those who want to breed the animal or compete with him or her.
According to breed standards, the Lowchen should be between 9 and 18 pounds in weight when fully matured. They should be between 10 and 13 inches tall, when measured from the ground to the withers. Males will often be larger than females, in both height and weight. The head is somewhat square and the muzzle broad. The nose and ears are both dark in color. The ears have some feathering and are held in the flopped position down the sides of the face. The eyes hold an expression of sensitivity and sweetness. The tail is set high on the body.
The Lowchen boasts a gorgeous coat of long, silky hair. There can be a wave to it, but it should not be curly. Some owners keep their Lowchen in the traditional "lion cut", while others prefer to keep the coat shorter or more natural in appearance. The breed can come in several coat colors, such as white, black, and lemon yellow. Some are also speckled and this, too, is acceptable. Their grooming is must be maintained regularly. A daily brushing with a stiff, rubber-bristled brush and a shampoo if absolutely needed will suffice. Do not shampoo if you can avoid it as this will strip the natural oils that the dog already has to protect the coat. When well-maintained, the coat of this dog will be its crowning glory. Since the breed does not shed hair, this is a super dog for those who suffer from pet allergies.
Lowchens are extremely intelligent dogs and can be trained quickly, as long as there is good human to canine communication. Training must be consistent, with the human establishing his or her position as "pack leader" from the start. They should never be allowed to take on the role of the "alpha" in the home or to develop the "small dog syndrome". If this behavior is allowed, the Lowchen can become destructive or obsessive. If you are firm, consistent and calm, the dog will usually respond well to training and actually enjoy learning the rules. Crate training usually works well for this dog as they learn proper potty etiquette.
These dogs can live in almost any setting, from a farm to an apartment. They are active in either place. They must have at least a brisk walk daily, though, and some time for running and playing off the leash. This breed should be kept stimulated, both mentally and physically, to prevent them from becoming bored. They love being with their family and friends, and tend to do fine with both children and other animals, as long as they are well-trained and socialized. The Lowchen is cheerful and loves a day out for play. They are affectionate and loving, as well as charming and playful. The average life expectancy of the Lowchen is around 12 to 14 years, giving you a good amount of years to share with this dog.