Lowchen

The Lowchen, also spelt Löwchen and known as the Little Lion Dog, is a small, cheerful European companion breed named for its traditional lion clip. It is recognised by Dogs Australia in the Toy group, and Dogs Victoria describes it as a friendly, playful and highly intelligent "little clown" that loves to entertain.

It is also one of the rarest breeds in Australia. Breeder directories show only a handful of active kennels nationally, and litters are infrequent. Expect a waiting list, possible interstate travel and careful checking of any listing, since rare breeds attract mislabelled crosses.

If the wait is too long, closely related small companions such as the Bichon Frise, a cheerful low-shedding companion, are far easier to find.

Characteristics of the Lowchen

The Lowchen rates highly for affection, adaptability and low shedding, and higher than most small breeds for grooming effort.

History of the Lowchen: The Little Lion Dog of European Courts

The Lowchen's exact origin is debated, with links suggested to the Mediterranean and to Germany, France and Belgium. It was a favourite of court ladies from the Middle Ages and appears in Renaissance portraits, according to Dogs Victoria.

By the mid twentieth century numbers had fallen so low that the breed came close to disappearing. Belgian breeder Madame Bennert began a rescue breeding programme in the 1940s, later joined by Dr Hans Rickert in Germany, and the AKC history of the breed credits that work with saving it. It has appeared in Guinness World Records as the rarest dog, according to the Canadian Kennel Club, and it remains rare worldwide.

Appearance of the Lowchen: The Lion Clip Explained

Size and Build

The Lowchen stands 25 to 33 cm at the withers and typically weighs around 4 to 8 kg. It is compact, sturdy and slightly longer than tall.

Coat and Colours

The coat is long, soft and wavy with no undercoat. Any colour or combination is permitted, so litters can vary widely.

The Lion Clip

The traditional clip leaves a full mane over the front, shaves the hindquarters and leaves cuffs on the legs and a plume on the tail. Most pet owners choose a simpler all-over puppy clip instead.

Gender Differences

The standard sets one height range for both sexes, and differences are slight. Personality varies more between individuals than between males and females.

Temperament of the Lowchen: Bright, Playful and Affectionate

Core Personality Traits

Lowchens are lively, affectionate and confident, with a clownish streak. They like to be part of everything the family does.

Social Behaviour

Most are friendly with people and other dogs. They are alert and will bark at visitors, but they are not aggressive.

Companion Instincts

Bred purely as a companion, the Lowchen craves closeness and attention. It is happiest with someone home for much of the day.

Common Behavioural Challenges

Barking, attention seeking and separation distress are the most common problems. Early training and gradual alone time help prevent them.

Intelligence and Trainability of the Lowchen: Quick and Eager

Intelligence and Learning Ability

The Lowchen learns quickly and enjoys tricks, games and dog sports such as agility and rally.

Training Approach

Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best. Harsh handling backfires with this sensitive breed.

Early Socialisation

Introduce puppies gently to people, dogs, grooming and handling. Getting used to the clippers early makes lifelong grooming far easier.

Potential Training Challenges

Toilet training can be slow, as with many small breeds. The breed is fast for its size, so recall training and a lead in open areas matter.

Lowchen Family Life: Children, Pets and Households

Living with Children

Lowchens are playful and sturdy for their size, and suit families with gentle children. Supervise toddlers, since any small dog can be hurt if dropped.

Living with Other Pets

Most get on well with other dogs and can live with cats when raised with them.

Household Environment

The breed adapts well to apartments and houses. A fully enclosed yard is important, as Lowchens are quick and curious.

Lifestyle Compatibility

It suits families, couples and retirees who are home often. It suits households that are out all day poorly.

Health of the Lowchen: Knees, Eyes and Limited Data

Lifespan and Healthy Living

Dogs Victoria gives a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, which makes the Lowchen one of the longer-lived breeds.

Common Health Conditions

The breed is generally healthy, but breed-specific health data is limited because so few dogs exist. Owners should be aware of the following, and it is best to discuss any concerns with a veterinarian.

• Patellar luxation, a slipping kneecap common in small breeds.
• Progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited eye disease causing gradual vision loss.
• Cataracts, clouding of the lens that can affect sight.
• Hip dysplasia, abnormal hip development.

Genetic Health Testing

Ask breeders for patella checks, a current eye examination and any DNA results available for the parents. A good breeder will explain what they test and why.

Preventative Health Care

Keep vaccinations, worming and paralysis tick prevention current, and check the long coat carefully for ticks. Dental care matters too, as small breeds are prone to dental disease.

Caring for the Lowchen: Daily Care and Climate

Daily Care Routine

A good day includes two short walks, play, a few minutes of training and a quick brush.

Living Environment Requirements

Keep the Lowchen indoors with the family, with a secure yard and a quiet bed of its own.

Climate Sensitivity

A long coat and a small body need care in Australian heat. A shorter summer clip, shade and walks in the cooler hours help, and the temperature limits for dogs in Australia are worth knowing.

Caring for Senior Lowchens

Older Lowchens benefit from gentler walks, regular dental checks and monitoring of their eyes and knees.

Grooming of the Lowchen: Lion Clip or Pet Clip

Coat Maintenance

A full coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent mats. The right brushes and technique make a grooming routine for long-haired dogs far easier.

Clipping

A pet clip trimmed about every eight weeks is the usual choice, according to Dogs Victoria, with the longer hair on the ears and tail brushed most days. The lion clip is mainly kept for the show ring.

Ear, Nail and Dental Care

Check ears weekly, trim nails every three to four weeks and brush teeth daily if possible.

Bathing and Professional Grooming

Bathe every few weeks and dry the coat thoroughly. Professional grooming costs $40 to $200 per visit, according to RSPCA NSW.

Exercise Needs of the Lowchen: Walks, Play and Games

Daily Exercise Requirements

Around 30 to 45 minutes a day, split between walks and play, suits most adults.

Activities Lowchens Enjoy

Walks, fetch, trick training, agility and car rides all suit this energetic little dog.

Exercise in Australian Conditions

Walk early or late in summer, avoid hot pavements and check for paralysis ticks after bush walks.

Importance of Mental Stimulation

Puzzle feeders and short training games keep this clever breed busy and reduce barking.

Feeding the Lowchen: Nutrition for a Small Companion

Nutritional Requirements

Feed a complete diet formulated for small breeds, with kibble sized for a small mouth.

Feeding by Life Stage

Feed puppies three to four small meals a day, then two meals daily from around six months.

Portion Control and Weight Management

Weigh food and limit treats. Extra weight strains small knees, and the coat can hide gradual weight gain.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid grapes, sultanas, chocolate, onion, garlic, macadamias, xylitol and cooked bones.

Lowchen Price in Australia: Puppy Cost and Ongoing Expenses

Puppy Purchase Price

Expect to pay around $2,500 to $4,000 for a Lowchen puppy from a registered Australian breeder. The only Australian breeder price found was a Victorian listing on Dogz Online's Lowchen breeder directory at $3,000 to $3,500. In the UK, Pets4Homes puts puppies at £800 to £1,500, roughly AUD 1,600 to AUD 3,000, and scarcity pushes Australian prices higher.

Waiting Lists and Availability

With very few breeders nationally, a wait of many months is normal. Be wary of cheap "Lowchen" listings with no registration papers, which may be crosses.

Ongoing Monthly Costs

Dog-owning households spend about $2,520 a year on average, according to Animal Medicines Australia, and Canstar's pet insurance premium figures show costs rising with age.

Long-Term Financial Commitment

Over a lifespan of up to 16 years, grooming is the largest recurring cost after food. Dental care and knee or eye treatment are the main health costs to budget for.

Buying Advice for a Lowchen: Finding a Rare Puppy

Choosing a Responsible Breeder

Choose a breeder registered with their state canine body and be ready to join a waiting list. Working through questions to ask a dog breeder helps you check registration, health testing and how puppies are raised.

Health Checks Before Purchase

Ask for patella and eye results for both parents, and meet the mother if possible. Puppies should be vaccinated, wormed and microchipped before leaving.

Questions to Ask the Breeder

• Are both parents registered with Dogs Australia?
• What patella and eye checks have the parents had?
• How long is your waiting list?
• Have the puppies been handled for grooming?
• Can you arrange interstate transport?
• Will you take the dog back at any age if needed?

Considering Adoption

Lowchens rarely appear in rescue, but breed clubs and breeders occasionally rehome retired adults, which can suit buyers who do not need a puppy.

Is the Lowchen Right for You? A Rare Little Lion for Patient Buyers

Lifestyle Compatibility

The Lowchen suits people who are home often and want a cheerful, low-shedding small dog. It is less suited to busy households or buyers who want a puppy quickly.

Time and Care Commitment

Plan on daily walks, regular brushing and a clip every eight weeks or so, for up to 16 years.

Grooming and Health Awareness

Grooming is the main commitment. Health checks focus on knees, eyes and teeth.

Ideal Owner Profile

The ideal owner is patient, home often and happy to groom. Those who cannot wait may prefer the Maltese, another long-coated small companion.

Find Lowchen Puppies for Sale

Lowchen litters are rare, so browse puppies for sale on Pups4Sale and contact breeders early to join a waiting list.