Lowchen
OutgoingActiveAffectionate
France / Germany · 13–15 years
About the Lowchen
The Löwchen, whose name means 'little lion' in German, is a rare and ancient companion breed that has been a favorite of European aristocracy since at least the 1400s. They appear in paintings, tapestries, and woodcuts throughout medieval and Renaissance art. Their traditional lion clip — where the hindquarters are shaved while leaving a full mane and tail plume — gives them the little lion appearance that inspired their name. Löwchen are cheerful, outgoing, and surprisingly sturdy for a small breed. They are among the most sociable and people-oriented of all toy-sized breeds.
Breed stats
- Height
- 12–14 in
- Weight
- 15–18 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Coat
- Long, dense, slightly wavy, soft
- Origin
- France / Germany
Coat colors
- Any color or combination
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
20–30 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–0.75 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Dental issues
Not every Lowchen will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Lowchens eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Löwchen are one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. In 1973, there were fewer than 65 known Löwchen, making them the rarest breed on earth at that time. While numbers have improved since then, they remain uncommon — typically ranking among the least-registered AKC breeds. Finding a Löwchen puppy requires patience, as there are very few breeders and waiting lists can be long. Prices typically range from $4,000 to $8,000, reflecting their rarity and the small litter sizes (averaging 3-5 puppies). Their scarcity makes them a true hidden gem for those fortunate enough to find one.
- The lion clip is the Löwchen's traditional and iconic grooming style. The coat is left long and natural on the front half of the body (head, mane, shoulders, front legs), while the hindquarters, back legs, and base of the tail are shaved close to the skin. The tail is left with a full plume at the tip. This creates a dramatic contrast that makes the small dog resemble a miniature lion — hence the name Löwchen (little lion). The clip has been the breed's signature look for centuries, appearing in medieval artwork. In the show ring, the lion clip is required.
- Löwchen are outstanding family dogs — often considered one of the best small breeds for families with children. They are gentle, playful, and sturdy enough for appropriate play with kids. Unlike many toy breeds, Löwchen are not fragile or snappy. They get along beautifully with other dogs and cats, showing none of the terrier-like aggression some small breeds exhibit. They are cheerful, outgoing, and genuinely enjoy being part of family activities. Their moderate exercise needs and apartment-friendly size make them adaptable to various living situations. The only challenge is actually finding one due to their rarity.
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