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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Lowchen
Löwchen's have long, silky, wavy hair. All colors are permitted when showing
this breed. The most desired colors are white, black and lemon. This breed is generally
groomed in the traditional "Lion Clip". The head is short with a broad skull and
muzzle. The teeth meet in a scissor-like bite and the nose is black. The dark, round
eyes are large, set apart and set well into the skull. The feathered ears are pendant
and set slightly above the eye level. The well proportioned body is short with a
level topline. The strong shoulders are well laid back and the legs should be perfectly
parallel from the elbow to the feet. The stifles are well bent, the hocks well let
down and perpendicular to the ground. If dewclaws are present they should be removed.
The feet should be straight, well arched and deeply padded. The medium length tail
is set high and carried slightly curved over the back.
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Temperament
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Löwchen's are cheerful, curious, and affectionate dogs. They are generally
gentle-natured and rarely aggressive towards people or animals. These little dogs
love to be cuddled. They are excellent with children and a wonderful companion.
Due to their adorable natures and their intelligence, an appropriate master-dog
relationship should be established since the breed can easily become spoiled and
willful.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 10-13" ; Weight: 9-18 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed is slightly prone to patellar luxation.
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Living Conditions
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This breed is great for apartment living. They do fine without a yard.
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Exercise
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Though this breed loves long walks, it will take any exercise that their owners
will give them.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-14 years
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Grooming
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The coat of this breed should be brushed daily to keep it from matting. The hindquarters,
the bottom part of the tail and the back legs are usually clipped close. This breed
sheds little or no hair and is good for allergy sufferers.
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Origin
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The Löwchen is a member of the Bichon family dating back to the French pre-Renaissance
timeframe. Their popularity was widespread. The European aristocracy pampered these
little dogs and even used them as bed warmers. Throughout the centuries artists,
including Goya and Albrecht Durer, have included the Löwchen in their works.
By World War II, the breed became quite rare and in 1969, the Guinness Book of World
Records gave the Löwchen the status of "rarest breed". Concerned by this, Madame
Bennert, a Belgian woman, began a breeding program by collecting remnants of the
breed. All Löwchen's living today can trace their ancestry back to Madame Bennert's
dogs. Since this time, the Löwchen has gained in popularity and was admitted
to the UKC in 1995 and the AKC in 1999.
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Group
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AKC Non-Sporting, UKC Companion Dog
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