Löwchen 101: Quick Facts About This Adorable Dog Breed

The little lion originally comes from France and was bred there during the Middle Ages. Various pictures from cathedrals or on carpets prove this. Even then, dog lovers appreciated the lion-like appearance, which was emphasized by the special shearing. Therefore, the Löwchen was already called "Petit chien lion" at this time. The Löwchen is related to other breeds of the genus Bichon, but was never bred excessively. Even today, these dogs are rarely seen. The FCI leads Löwchen in group 9 , section 1.3 under standard number 233.

The external appearance Löwchen

Weight

Löwchen weigh an average of six kilograms. There are definitely lighter animals with at least four kilograms and also heavy specimens that can weigh up to eight kilograms.

Size  

When fully grown, the breed is between 26 and 32 centimeters tall.

Colour

Löwchen is available in all imaginable color variations. Only brown is not allowed in this breed.

Anatomy

This breed is a small dog, the body of which appears short but still harmonious. These dogs carry their heads up and their bushy tails over their backs. The dense mane is typical of the Löwchen. Unshaved, the small dogs look all round, while breeding and show animals get the typical shearing. Here the hair is kept short in the area of ​​the hind legs, thighs and parts of the tail, which results in the lion-like appearance.

Special properties

Beings

Even if the Löwchen has long been considered an extravagant luxury companion, these dogs are by no means unapproachable. Rather, they are robust and friendly animals that like to be very close to their family. Children and their peers also like Löwchen and can play with them for hours. Because Löwchen are both patient and capable of learning, they are also suitable as beginner dogs. They are easy to educate and also show a lot of skill when studying tricks.

In keeping with the character of a companion dog, the Löwchen does not appreciate being left alone. Dogs of this breed feel much more comfortable when they are allowed to accompany their people everywhere in everyday life. Löwchen is also reluctant to dominate. It does not claim leadership in the household and readily subordinates itself to its people.

Possible areas of application

Basically, these dogs are perfect companion and family dogs that convince with their happy nature in everyday life. Anyone who wants to offer these dogs a bit more workload is well advised to practice tricks, agility or dogdancing .

Keeping and caring for the lion

These dogs can be kept both in an apartment and in houses with a garden. It is only important that these small dogs can enjoy enough exercise. But here, too, the lion is very frugal. It does not take long walks, but is also satisfied with small laps. Nevertheless, they can also be taken on hikes because they like to explore nature extensively.

Since Löwchen are long-haired dogs, they have to be brushed regularly. It is best to brush the fur well at least three times a week. The owners themselves decide whether the Löwchen needs to be styled regularly. If the dog is to wear the show cord, several visits to the dog groomer are necessary each year.

The lion's upbringing is straightforward. Owners should be patient and understanding with these dogs and should not raise them with too hard a hand. However, thanks to the docility and desire of the breed to please, this is not necessary anyway. Anyone who starts training early and also attends the dog school will be able to enjoy a socially competent and very obedient dog.  Visit mrsdoggie.com for more dog breeds

Health

Due to the rather low distribution of the lion, overbreeding or breed-typical diseases are not known. Only patella luxation , i.e. the loosening of the kneecaps occurs in a few dogs. This rarely encountered  dog breed is therefore a healthy and robust dog that can live up to 15 years and can also spread joy with its cheerful nature as a "pensioner".