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Lowchen Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Lowchen so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank169
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Lowchen dog profile picture
OriginSpain flagSpain Germany flagGermany France flagFrance Netherlands flagNetherlands
Other Names
What other names does the Lowchen have?
Little LionLittle Lion DogPetit Chien LionLowchen
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Lowchen Size and Weight

Size
Is a Lowchen small, medium or large dog?

How big do Lowchen get?

What is the average size of a Lowchen?

Small
Weight
How much does the Lowchen weigh? How much should a Lowchen weight? What is the normal weight of a Lowchen? How much does a full-grown Lowchen weight?
Male: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 11-15 pounds (5-7 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Lowchen?
Male: 15.5 pounds (7 kg), Female: 13 pounds (6 kg)
Height
How tall is the Lowchen? Lowchen height:
Male: 13–15 inches (32–39 cm), Female: 12–15 inches (30–37 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Lowchen?
Male: 13.5 inches (34 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm)

Lowchen Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Lowchen puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Lowchen in the United States? How much money is a Lowchen?

Where to buy a Lowchen with a good pedigree?

$5000-$8000
If you choose to purchase the Lowchen, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Lowchen for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Lowchen gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Lowchen? How many Lowchen are there in the world?
Frequent: The Lowchen is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Lowchen Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Lowchen? Is the Lowchen breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Lowchen obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Lowchen ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Lowchen dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Lowchen?
Lowchen dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Lowchen good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Lowchen dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Lowchen dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Lowchen dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Lowchen Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Lowchen have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActivePlayfulHappyFriendlyFamiliar
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Lowchen sensitivity:
Lowchen dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Lowchen a good family dog?
High: Lowchen dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Little Lion need? Lowchen social needs:
Lowchen dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Lowchen to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Lowchen roam?
Lowchen dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Lowchen have high prey drive?
Their prey drive is low. Lowchen dogs don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals.

Lowchen Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Lowchens, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Lowchen dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Little Lion bark?
A lot: Lowchen is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Lowchen good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Lowchen in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Lowchen breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Lowchen Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Lowchen dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Lowchen be left alone? How long can you leave a Lowchen alone?
Lowchen dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Lowchen Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Lowchen has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Lowchen? How much bite force does a Lowchen have? How strong is a Lowchen bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Lowchen bite force: Weak. The Lowchen bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Lowchen measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Lowchen may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Lowchen being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Lowchen bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Lowchen puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Lowchen can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Lowchen bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Little Lion? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Lowchen? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Lowchen has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Lowchen do?
Lowchen dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Lowchen dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Lowchen Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Lowchen dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Lowchens tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Lowchen breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Lowchen breed? Most common health risks of Lowchen:
CataractsPatellar LuxationProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Lowchen breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Lowchen see the vet?
Frequent
The Lowchen should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Lowchen dogs live? How old can a Lowchen be? What is the age limit of the Lowchen? How many years can the oldest Lowchen live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Lowchen?

How long is the lifespan of a Lowchen?

13-15 years
The average lifespan of Lowchen: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Lowchen Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Lowchen have? What is the activity level of the Lowchen?
Lowchen dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Lowchen need? How much exercise do Lowchen dogs require per day?

Do Lowchen dogs need a lot of exercises?

Lowchen dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Lowchen breed need?
Lowchen dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Lowchen Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Lowchen need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Lowchen breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Lowchen? How much food should I feed my Lowchen?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Lowchen risk for obesity:
Average: The Lowchen has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Lowchen weight regularly.

Lowchen Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Lowchen have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseSilkyWavyHarsh
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Lowchen coats?
BlackTan Red Blue White SilverBrown Grey
Grooming
How to groom the Lowchen and how often? How often should I take my Lowchen to the groomer?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Lowchen requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Lowchen is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Lowchen dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Little Lion? Do Lowchen dogs shed a lot?
Lowchen dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Lowchen dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Lowchen need a bath? How often should you give a Lowchen a bath? Can I bathe my Lowchen every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Lowchen breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Lowchen dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Lowchen has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Lowchen drool?
The Lowchen is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Lowchen could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Lowchen.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Lowchen Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Lowchen dogs get along with other pets? Are Lowchen dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Lowchen dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Lowchen temperament with other people:
Lowchen dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Lowchen dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Lowchen temperament with children:
Lowchen dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Lowchen dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Lowchen breed live with a cat?
Lowchen dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Lowchen good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Lowchen dogs get along with other dogs?
Lowchen dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Lowchen breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Lowchen breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Lowchen dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Lowchen dogs good office canines? Do Lowchen dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Lowchen is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Lowchen dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Little Lion temperament with senior people? Are Lowchen dogs good for elderly owners?
Lowchens are usually recommended for elderly people.

Lowchen As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Lowchen be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Lowchen is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Lowchen be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Lowchen be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Lowchen is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Lowchen be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Lowchen is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Lowchen be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Lowchen is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Lowchen be a boat dog?

Not really

Lowchen breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Lowchen be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Lowchen is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Lowchen dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Lowchen Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Lowchen pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Lowchen breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Lowchen: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Lowchen have in a litter? How many puppies can the Lowchen breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Lowchen have? How many puppies can a Lowchen give birth to?
3-6 puppies

Lowchen Recognition

AKC Group
Is Lowchen recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Lowchen recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Lowchen breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel Club

Lowchen Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Lowchen dogs are easy to train.
  • Hypoallergenic: Lowchen dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Lowchen breed.
  • Shedding Level: Lowchen dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Lowchen is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Lowchen has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Adaptability: Lowchen dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Lowchen dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Lowchen dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Lowchens are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Lowchen dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Health Issues: Lowchens tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Grooming: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Lowchen dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Lowchen dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Lowchen is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Lowchen History

Introduction

The Löwchen is a very old breed. It is impossible to say where it came from with certainty, but there is enough evidence to suggest its history. There are now two schools of thought on the breed’s history. While both schools believe that the breed descends from an ancestor tracing to Tibetan type of dogs, this is where their agreement ends until the later history resumed during the latter part of the medieval period.

The original belief was that the Löwchen was developed in the Mediterranean and has spread throughout northern regions of Europe, including Germany, France, and Holland. If this concept if followed, the Löwchen would be considered a part of the Bichon family as well. This was the story of the breed until the late 1980s when extensive research was conducted for a Löwchen book.

Another alternative tale emerged from the investigation, which is backed up by a substantial body of evidence. Whatever history one chooses to believe in, we must admit that we will likely never know the true story and history of the breed. A canine genome study will presumably be able to sort out which breeds trace back to which ancestors one day, hopefully revealing this cherished breed’s true ancestors.

 

The breed’s history in art and folklore

The Löwchen’s origins can be traced back to the 1400s in Germany and Holland because most of the breed’s early evidence comes from these countries. Aside from written references, the breed can be seen in a number of medieval artworks. Among the best known are the Albrecht Durer Löwchen which abounds in several of his important works. The Löwchen he drew in 1500 is the same Löwchen reclining in someone’s living room today. There are many Löwchen images in well-known classics and obscure works that one could spend a lifetime discovering.

For generations, the breed has been a companion dog among both the governing elites and the common people. There are numerous amusing tales about the breed’s motivations. In one, a stone statue of a Löwchen is erected at the foot of a tomb containing the body of a knight who died peacefully. If he perished as a result of a battle, a great lion was erected to symbolize the knights’ valor.

Another story tries to explain the haircut by describing how the ladies of the court take the dog to bed with them because they believe the dog’s shaved body served as a bed warmer. Moreover, Conrad Gessner described the breed in “Histories Animalium” in 1555, making it the first written mention of the breed.

From that time on, the Löwchen was included in recorded dog classifications under several names, but most commonly as the “Lion Dog”. The other names included Shoshundle, Gutchen Hund, and Petit Chien de Lion, depending on the time era. Löwchen is a diminutive of the German word löwchen. It literally means small lion.

Many dog publications and antique encyclopedias mentioned the breed. The Löwchen can be found in works such as Hutchinson’s Dog Encyclopedia, Cassell’s New Book of the Dog, Das Edlen Hundes, Professor Gmelin’s The Animal Kingdom, and The Dog which was published in 1781.

 

Löwchen as a separate breed

Many people believe that the Löwchen is connected to the Bichon and Poodle breeds. However, the Löwchen was a separate breed from the very beginning, not as a breed stemming from either the Bichon or Poodle family. Although the Löwchen may have played a part in the development of the Toy Poodle. About the time that the Löwchen became very rare, the Toy Poodle began to develop, and its description somewhat resembles the Löwchen. By the time the Toy Poodle became established, the Löwchen had become a curiosity, no longer taken seriously and thought to be extinct by many. However, it is a mystery why the breed began to disappear.

 

Early breeders

The first breeder mentioned is from the 19th century, a German man called Dr. Walthier. He explained that the breed was given the name Leoninus because of its coat, not because it had a lion-like disposition. The next breeder we know about was involved in Löwchen’s rebirth. Maximillian Coninck of Belgium was breeding and exhibiting the breed at the turn of the century when the breed seemed to be making its final bow.

The most important client he had was a young married woman called Madame Bennert acquiring her first Löwchen in 1897. This was the start of a lifetime love affair between Madame Bennert and her pride of lions. While at the beginning, she had no intention of becoming a breeder, she was keenly interested in the breed. It was not until World War I, that she realized she would have to step forward to save the breed. She began her research to find quality specimens of the breed and her first litter was born in 1948.

Furthermore, another figure also appears to have played a role in Löwchen’s resuscitation. Madame Bennert’s professor known as Professor Kurt Konig began gartering Löwchen for genetic research. Kobaldt-Mascotts and Kobaldt-Daumlinge were the names he gave to the dogs he gathered for his breeding program. He and his research associates gathered dogs that were extremely hardy, healthy, and outgoing. He did not tolerate shy dogs. They stopped their breeding operations to dogs from outside after gathering the best dogs for the program.

It was not until he was elderly and made contact with Madame Bennert that his dogs contributed to the gene pool of today’s dogs. Madam Bennert and Professor Konig discovered that their dogs shared ancestors, making them suitable for both breeding programs.

Moreover, Madam Bennert received a black and white bitch named Quinte on the 6th of December in 1957, and she enrolled her with the ALSH registry as Fgitane in 1958. Fgitane was bred to Blaguer in that same year and she gave birth to Judith’s litter.

However, it is unclear whether Madam Bennert sent dogs to Professor Konig. Unfortunately, Fgitane was the only dog in his program to be incorporated into Madame Bennert’s breeding program and it is unknown what happened to his dogs. Moreover, from Madame Bennert’s kennel, the breed passed into the hands of Dr. Hans Rickert in the early 1960s.

Dr. Ricket was a veterinarian who had a special interest in genetics and he had helped Madame Bennert with her breeding program before. He established the Von den Drei Lowen kennel, which meant “from the three lions”. The first Von den Drei Lowen litter was born in 1964, Benjamin, Butzi, and Bienchen. This litter was important since all three dogs were foundation dogs for the breed in both Germany and worldwide.

 

Recognition

Löwchens were imported into Britain in 1968 and the breed was accorded Kennel Club recognition in 1971. The breed also made an appearance in America in 1971. At this time, the Löwchen was still known as the “Little Lion Dog”. In the same year, the Löwchen Club of America was formed and the breed’s name was officially changed to “Löwchen”.

The breed was also accepted into the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class in 1996, and then fully recognized into the non-sporting group in 1999. The number of Löwchens in the world continues to decline, and the breed is now classified as at risk for extinction. Efforts to save the species have begun.

Rate The Lowchen Breed

Lowchen Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Lion Master

    Apr 7, 2022, 10:31:56 PM:

    Gentle, fast, fun, loving, funny, happy, soft.

  • A owner of 2

    Jul 3, 2020, 6:20:17 AM:

    They are the best