Lowchen: Breed Profile: Essential Facts
This is a small but energetic dog who loves people and other animals.
Lowchen
- AKC Group: Non-Sporting
- Weight: 10–20 lbs.
- Height: 12–14 in.
- Life Span: 10–14 years
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Physical Description of the Lowchen
The lowchen is a small but muscular dog, often called the “little lion” because of its traditional grooming style — with a full mane in front and closely clipped hindquarters. Key physical features include: A plume-tipped tail Paws with fur resembling little boots Height of 12 to 14 inches
- Weight ranging from under 10 pounds to nearly 20 pounds
The lowchen has an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, though some live up to 17 years or longer.
This rare breed, once facing extinction, has long, wavy, soft fur that comes in all colors. The lowchen is also low-shedding, making it a good option for allergy sufferers. Learn more about dog breeds for people with asthma or allergies.
Origin of the Lowchen
The lowchen, meaning “little lion” in German, is believed to have originated over 400 years ago. It was especially popular in Europe, where these dogs often slept in master bedrooms, using their trimmed hindquarters as foot warmers. Highlights from the breed’s history:
- The origin is debated, with some believing it came from the Mediterranean or Russia.
- The lowchen appears in European paintings dating back to the 1400s.
- The breed nearly went extinct but was saved by a dedicated Belgian breeder.
- It earned official recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1996.
Purpose of the Lowchen
Bred as a companion, the lowchen remains a devoted pet today. Beyond companionship, this breed is active in various dog sports:
- It competes in conformation shows, showing off its distinctive looks.
- It participates in obedience events, demonstrating intelligence and trainability.
- It excels in agility courses, thanks to its lively nature.
Temperament
Lowchen are happy, sociable, energetic dogs that love the company of other animals and their owners. They are good with other pets, even non-canine animals, and are affectionate. They are intelligent and noted to be easily trainable.
They can also be spunky and goofy, and they love to play indoors and outdoors, as seen in this video where Hogan the lowchen plays with friends at the park:
Is the Lowchen the Right Dog for You?
The lowchen is a small dog with a big personality. It’s lively both indoors and outdoors, making it a great fit for apartments or city living — as long as it gets regular outings.
A few things to consider before bringing a lowchen home:
- It doesn’t shed much, making it a good option for allergy sufferers.
- The coat needs weekly maintenance to stay healthy and tangle-free.
- Choosing the lion cut means you’ll need regular trips to the groomer.
- This breed is known for its affection toward people and other pets.
With its playful spirit and loving nature, the lowchen can make a wonderful addition to many families.
Exercise Needs of the Lowchen
MEDIUM: The lowchen is an energetic little dog that benefits from daily exercise. While a daily walk is essential, this breed also enjoys playing indoors to burn off extra energy.
- A daily walk to stay physically and mentally healthy
- Indoor play sessions, which help meet its activity needs
- Well-suited for apartment or city living when provided with regular outings
With the right balance of walks and play, the lowchen stays happy and well-behaved in any home.
Grooming Requirements of the Lowchen
MEDIUM: The lowchen has moderate grooming needs, especially if you opt for the traditional lion cut. Regular maintenance helps keep this breed’s beautiful coat in top condition. Important grooming tips:
- Brush thoroughly twice per week to prevent mats and tangles.
- Schedule regular grooming sessions to maintain the lion cut (required for conformation shows), or choose a short puppy cut for easier care.
- Bathe once per week or once per month, depending on activity level and dirt buildup — always brush first to remove tangles.
- Keep nails trimmed, using tools like PediPaws if desired.
- Brush teeth regularly and maintain dental health.
- Check and clean the ears routinely to prevent infections.
Thanks to their low shedding, lowchen are often a good choice for people with allergies.
Common Health Problems in the Lowchen
LOW: The lowchen is generally a healthy and long-lived breed, but like all dogs, it’s prone to a few health issues that owners should watch for. Some common health concerns include:
- Patellar luxation — a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, common in small breeds
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — a genetic eye disease that can lead to vision loss
- Cataracts — cloudiness in the eye that can impair sight, especially in older dogs
- Hip dysplasia — though rare in the lowchen, it’s worth screening in breeding lines
- Allergies and skin sensitivities — usually mild but may require dietary or environmental management
Regular vet checkups, a healthy diet, and early detection help keep the lowchen thriving well into its senior years.
Adopt, Don’t Buy
If you consider getting a lowchen, please check rescues and adoption resources. Even purebred animals can end up in shelters. Try out Petful’s adoptable pet search.
Because the lowchen is a rare breed, you may not find one through adoption resources. You can also check with rescue groups and breeders. If you do choose to go to a breeder, make sure the breeder is reputable and doesn't exhibit any of the puppy mill warning signs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
A lowchen is a small, lively companion dog known for its lion-like haircut and affectionate personality.
Lowchen is pronounced as “lerv-chun” or sometimes “low-chen.”
Lowchen dogs typically grow to about 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 10 to 20 pounds.
A lowchen puppy usually costs between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on the breeder and lineage.
Additional Resources
- Lowchen Club of America
- Lowchen Clubs (International Listing)
- Photo: disneylands-loewchen.com
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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