Löwchen – The Little Lion Dog

The Löwchen, also affectionately known as the ‘Little Lion Dog,‘ is a small and very rare breed of dog originating possibly from France, but confidently from around that area of Europe. It is a compact companion dog, with no real sporting background, but is a very active and playful breed. It also has a rich history amongst the wealthy and elites around Northern Europe. 

Despite its long history, the breed is very rare today, to a level so low that it is now listed as at risk of extinction. What a shame that would be for such a charming little companion.

Although small in size, the Löwchen carries a sturdy and regal aura. Often reminiscent of the lion from which its name comes from. It is a unique breed, sharing characteristics often seen in Eastern dogs and when the coat is trimmed to breed standard, you won’t mistake it for any other breed. 

The Löwchen is a member of the Non Sporting Group of dogs by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and is also recognised by the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK, and as of 2004, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) which is the International Federation of Kennel Clubs. 

History Of The Löwchen

The Löwchen’s legacy, though a bit hazy, is steeped in European history dating back to the Renaissance. They were a popular breed with the nobility and elites, appearing in many different works of  art and sculptures.  It’s not clear if all of these depictions are actually of the Lowchen, or similar small breeds trimmed with the same ‘Lion’s cut’. Either way, the Löwchen has been a symbol of status and wealth throughout the ages. 

It’s believed that this breed served as a warm companion during the cold European winters, sitting on the laps and feet of ladies and noblemen. They didn’t have plastic hot water bottles back then! 

While it’s ancient history is murky, we can more accurately trace the modern breed to the late 1800’s in Northern Europe, particularly Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. It wasn’t until the late 1960’s that the breed was introduced to the UK, and the 70’s to America. Despite it’s many great qualities and adaptability, it remains one of the rarest breeds in the world. 

Breed Origin

The precise roots of the Löwchen are not entirely clear, though it is widely believed to have flourished in France and Germany. It is thought that dogs brought to Europe by wealthy travellers and traders from the Far East were bred with local terriers and Spits dogs, which gave rise to the Löwchen breed. It may also be related ot the BIchon Frise but this is not confirmed and remains speculative. 

The breed’s name translates to ‘little lion’ in German, a nod to its traditional grooming style that mimics the look of a lion with a mane and tasseled tail. When sporting it’s traditional style, it has a distinctive and very unique look, instantly indentifiable.

Despite facing near extinction in the late 19th century, the Löwchen was revived by enthusiastic breeders who were charmed by its spirited personality and unique appearance. Today, while still exceptionally rare, the Löwchen continues to charm dog enthusiasts around the world. Efforts are being made by dedicated breeders, to try and rescue the breed from the jaws of annihilation.

Quick Facts

• Playful and Charming – The Löwchen is known for having a lively and affectionate nature, often loving to be at the center of family activities. It is a breed that invites a smile to anyone lucky enough to know one. Perhaps one of the most affectionate breeds and great with young children too.

• Courageous and Alert – Despite its small size and friendly nature, the Löwchen is a brave and alert dog. They are protective of their family and can make excellent watchdogs. By nature they can be vocal, but usually just to alert you to anything out of the ordinary, or when they are excited in play. They might be a bit small to physically deter an intruder, but it won’t stop them from trying.

• Highly Intelligent and Trainable – They might be a non sporting breed, but that doesn’t mean they are not skilled. On the contrary, the Löwchen iskKnown for its sharp mind and eagerness to learn. They respond very well to training, which can be a really rewarding experience.

• Adaptable and Sociable – With a sociable disposition, Löwchens thrive in various living situations and enjoy interacting with people and other pets. They adapt well to different environments and homes. From quiet apartments to active family homes

Characteristics Of The Löwchen

As I’ve mentioned earlier in the post, the Löwchen, is widely known as the ‘Little Lion Dog,’ which is basically just an English translation of the same from German. It is also sometimes referred to by it’s French equivalent, the ‘Petit Chien Lion’. Despite it’s French and Germanic roots, the breed was widely known by it’s English name, until 1971 when The Löwchen Club of America (LCA) was formed and the name was changed officially to Löwchen. 

It doesn’t really go by any other names or nicknames, and is more widely recognised by its traditional grooming style, which mimics the appearance of a lion. its distinctive lion cut and charming personality leave little room for confusion with other breeds.

Löwchen puppies are usually born in small litters, often ranging from two to five puppies. After the first few weeks with their mother and siblings they are generally ready to join their new families at about eight to ten weeks old. It’s important not to rob them of this time with their birth family, as they need this initial bond and learn vital social skills during this stage. 

The cost of a Löwchen puppy can vary widely, as can demand. They are a very rare breed, and with small litters there are not many pups available every year. In areas of high demand this can push the price up. In general though, prices typically range from $1500 to $3000 in the USA, and at least £500 in the UK, though often much higher. Because of their low numbers, prospective owners should expect to be placed on a waiting list after reaching out to a breeder. They really are a rare little gem of a dog. Any owner will have a responsibility to do their best to promote the recovery of the breed.

Appearance

Löwchens are compact and charming small dogs. They generally standing between 11 to 14 inches at the shoulder and typically weighing between 11 and 18 pounds. Males tend to be a little larger and heavier than females, and despite their small stature and delicate appearance, they have a strong and balanced build.

They have a distinctive long, flowing coat, and when styled in the iconic ‘lion cut,’ they carry a wow factor like no other dog. The lion cut is where a groomer shaves the rear half of their body but leaves the front part lush and full. This mimics the look of a lion’s mane, and it where the breed gets it affectionate name from.

The Löwchen’s body is slightly longer than it is tall, and this contributes to their agile and sprightly gait. Despite the potentially cumbersome look that their full coat suggests, Löwchens are surprisingly agile and quick. The face does seem to suggest some Eastern influence in the bloodline, with a broad shape similar to that of a Tibetan Terrier.

Coat

As you can probably imagine, given what I’ve mentioned about the lion cut, the Lowchen’s coat is one of the defining characteristics of the breed. It is a long, dense, and flowing coat, but for those wanting to give them the traditional lion trim, its probably best to leave that to an experienced groomer.

Color

The breed can come in a variety of colors and patterns. In total, there are 18 breed standard colors, as defined by the AKC, The solid colors include red, silver, black, white, blue, cream, fawn, gold, chocolate and tan. Tricolor and partis are also accepted when they include black & tan, or black & silver. Brindle varieties of black, red, gold and blue are also standard.

There are also six non-standard colors that are possible, and eight different standard marking patters including pied, points and partis.

Temperament

Löwchens are known for being very affectionate and amiable dogs. with a lively and sociable nature. They are an intelligent breed and despite their non-working heritage they are very capable, always looking to interact with their family. These dogs have a loving character that makes them ideal companions for any home or apartment, but they do particularly well with active individuals or families.

With their sociable nature, Löwchens thrive on interaction and affection from their owners, but are not suited to environments where they would be left alone for long periods. They can develop undesirable behaviors if left alone or without sufficient mental and physical stimulation. They are a very adaptable breed and do well with strangers, other dogs and especially well with young children.

Despite their small size, Löwchens carry a strong presence. They are naturally alert and can be protective of their home and family. They often perform very well as a watchdog and will always alert their family to a perceived threat or strangeness. The males are slightly more outgoing and assertive, while the females usually display a calmer demeanor.

Lifespan

Typically, Löwchens are a healthy breed with few concerns, capable of reaching a life span of around 13 to 15 years. This is above average amongst most dogs of a similar size or breeding, which is somewhat surprising given the genetic restraints that come with a breed this rare.

Known Health Issues

The Löwchen is generally a hardy and healthy breed. Like all dogs though, they can be prone to certain health conditions. The rarity of the breed makes it somewhat challenging to paint a full picture, but we do know that the following are health issues to look out for:

Hip Dysplasia: Although more commonly associated with larger breeds, hip dysplasia can also affect Löwchens. The condition involves an abnormal formation of the hip socket and this can lead to pain and arthritis. It can effect elbows as well as hips in some dogs.

• Treatment: Regular check-ups can help manage this condition, but maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing, to minimize stress on the joints, particularly as they age.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic condition that leads to the degeneration of the retina, eventually causing blindness. 

• Treatment: While it is irreversible, early detection can help manage the progression, and affected dogs can live full lives with adjustments to their environment.

​Luxating Patellas: This is a common issue in smaller breeds, including the Löwchen. It involves the dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause pain and lameness. 

• Treatment: Mild cases can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments, but severe cases might require surgical intervention.

Daily Life

Let’s take a look now at what the daily routine and life with a Löwchen is actually like.

Food and Diet

The Löwchen does best with high-quality commercial dog food or a well-balanced home-prepared diet tailored to the nutritional needs of a small breed. An adult dog will typically need about 1 to 1.5 cups of dry dog food per day, divided into two meals. This portion size can vary depending on the dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism. Puppies, who are more active, will need slightly more food distributed over three or four meals daily to support their growth and development.

Exercise

Consistent, moderate exercise will help prevent common health issues such as obesity and keep your Löwchen agile and alert throughout its life. They are not very demanding in that they will behave well on or off the leash, and you don’t need to worry about their strength pulling you if you need to keep them restrained for any reason. 

A couple of good walks per day will usually suffice, as long as balanced with plenty of play and attention when at home too. If you do have a yard, even better but an apartment will work fine too with plenty of walks.

Family Compatability

You may struggle to find a dog more widely compatible with different family types and settings. It has a history after all, of being a much loved companion dog for elites in North West Europe going back centuries. But then you might well struggle to find one of these rare little dogs entirely.

Part of the Löwchen’s charm, is that they are particularly gentle and patient with children. This makes them excellent companions for families with kids. While their sociable nature is well suited to homes with other pets and people, Löwchens do adapt easily to other living arrangements too. They can thrive equally well in apartments or homes with yards, as long as they are part of family activities. They are not a difficult dog to walk either, making them a good choice for elderly owners that are mobile. They are companion dogs at heart, and love to sit on their owners lap, but they will also do well as watch dogs too. They are a great breed for families seeking a loving and engaging pet, that is easy to manage, happy, well tempered and not too big and boisterous for young kids.

Training

Positivity is the key to training a Löwchen. They have a strong desire to please their owner, and respond very well to praise and reward when they get things right. They don’t respond well to an over firm, or harsh hand though, so patience is required when frustrated with their training. It’s their bark that might frustrate at first, because they do have a very active voice as a pup. This is handy in their alerting and guarding role within the family, but should be worked on in training to limit their barking to specific situations rather than at every little thing.

Socializing

Socializing should be a key part of any training routine, but it is particularly important for the Löwchen when it comes to tempering their voice. They will adapt well to other people, pets and environments, especially when introduced early. But to get their alert instincts tuned to the family home, the earlier you can socialize and correct their bark behaviour the better. 

Grooming

Despite the complicated nature of their traditional cut, a Löwchen’s coat is surprisingly not that difficult to maintain. If sporting the lion trim, then this should be maintained ideally by a professional groomer. Even when sporting a full coat, then just a good brush around twice per week should be plenty to keep the coat nice and tidy. A bath when smelly, and trimming the nails when long should also be part of their regular routine.

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

The Löwchen has a rich history as a companion dog. It has been loved for it’s affectionate and protective nature for Centuries, though perhaps not widely enough as the breed is exceptionally rare. These dogs are ideal for families and individuals alike and require grooming only once or twice per week. With proper care, the Löwchen can be a joyful and regal addition to any home, but you might have to wait quite some time to own one after displaying your interest. This rare breed needs all the help it can get to stabalize it’s dwindling numbers, but it’s character stands in its favor, as you may never meet quite as charming a small breed in your life.