SmallFrance

Lowchen

"A brave little aristocrat with a big heart: The Löwchen impresses with its intelligence, playfulness, and unique lion-like appearance as a devoted companion dog."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 33 cm

Age12-15 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 30-36cmHead Height: ~48cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight5-8 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€40+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

The Lowchen is lively and playful but does not require extreme athletic activities.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

It is intelligent, attentive, and learns quickly, making training relatively easy.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

A true family dog that is very affectionate and loves being close to its people.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

It is generally open, friendly, and non-aggressive towards other dogs and strangers.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Thanks to its gentle nature and willingness to learn, it is an excellent dog for first-time owners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Its manageable size and adaptable nature make it an ideal dog for apartment living.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The long, fine coat is prone to matting and requires regular brushing and professional clipping.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Since the Lowchen hardly sheds, it is often suitable for people with mild pet hair allergies.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Löwchen is a fearless charmer with a heart of gold, blending the elegance of a lapdog with the vitality of a terrier. Their high intelligence makes training a joy, as they are always eager to please. Despite their small stature, they possess a big dog spirit, acting as vigilant and brave companions without being overly vocal. They are deeply empathetic, reacting sensitively to their owners' moods and requiring gentle, consistent guidance.

Living & Exercise

Highly adaptable, the Little Lion Dog thrives in urban apartments as well as spacious houses. While their exercise needs are moderate, they truly enjoy varied walks and mental stimulation through agility or trick training. Being extremely human-oriented, they dislike long periods of solitude. They are the perfect partner for active individuals or families seeking a cheerful companion that integrates seamlessly into a variety of different lifestyles and daily routines.

Health & Grooming

Generally robust, the Löwchen boasts an impressive lifespan of up to 15 years. Responsible owners should monitor for patellar luxation and conduct regular eye exams. Their crowning glory—the silky coat—is low-shedding but prone to matting, requiring brushing several times a week. While the traditional lion clip is iconic, it is optional for pets but necessitates professional grooming every two months. This breed is often considered a great choice for those with mild allergies.

History

Tracing back to the 15th century, the Löwchen was a staple in European royal courts, often depicted in masterpieces by Dürer and Goya. Known as living hot water bottles, they provided warmth to noble ladies in drafty castles. Despite their aristocratic status, the breed nearly faced extinction after the World Wars. Thanks to dedicated Belgian and French breeders in the 1960s, this rare and precious companion was saved, though it remains an exclusive breed today.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.