Löwchen: temperament, size, care and health

About the Löwchen

The Löwchen (pronounced roughly "LURV-shen") is a small dog with a long wavy coat that is traditionally clipped so the hindquarters and the legs are bare, while the mane, the front legs below the elbows, the feet and the tip of the tail keep their length. The result resembles a tiny lion, and the name means "little lion" in German. Adults stand roughly 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder and are sturdy and compact, with a short muzzle, dark round eyes and a plume of tail carried over the back.

The breed was a lap-sitting companion in European homes. It is still bred as a pet, and it has the temperament for it: playful, social and happy to be involved in whatever the household is doing. Because it is rare, many owners who want one wait for a puppy.

Temperament and family life

A Löwchen is outgoing, affectionate and attentive. It tends to follow its person around and wants to share the sofa, the walk and the chores. Most are friendly with visitors after a short introduction, and they usually get on with other dogs and with cats.

The breed is generally good with children who treat it gently. At its size it can be injured by a thoughtless grab, so supervise young children and show them how to hold and carry a small dog. A Löwchen can develop separation anxiety if left alone long hours, and it may bark to alert the household or when bored.

Exercise and training

The Löwchen is energetic indoors and enjoys short outings. A daily walk, a game of fetch in the house or yard and some training sessions meet its needs. It is well suited to apartment life as long as the exercise is regular. Some dogs excel at agility, rally and obedience, and they enjoy learning tricks.

Training goes smoothly with a positive approach. Löwchen are bright, eager to please and sensitive, so scolding is counterproductive. Housetraining can be slower in small dogs, and a consistent routine, a crate and frequent trips outside help. Early socialization and puppy classes build confidence. Keep the dog on a leash outdoors and fence the yard securely.

Grooming and shedding

The Löwchen sheds very little, but its fine, wavy hair tangles. Brush and comb it to the skin several times a week, and bathe every few weeks. Owners who do not want the show lion clip can keep the dog in an all-over short trim, which is much easier. The clip should be redone every few weeks by a groomer if you do not do it at home.

Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed, wipe tear stains, check the ears and trim the nails. The teeth need regular brushing, as small dogs readily build up tartar. Because dogs with little shedding hold hair in the coat, mats can appear after swimming or damp weather, so dry and comb thoroughly afterward.

Health

The breed is regarded as fairly healthy and long-lived. Conditions to be aware of include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and dental disease. The breed has a small gene pool, so responsible breeders test knees and eyes, check DNA markers where available and keep careful records of pedigrees.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

Small lion-clipped dogs appear in European art from the sixteenth century onward, and the Löwchen is often linked to that tradition in western Europe. By the middle of the twentieth century the breed had become very rare. A breeding program begun in 1944 by Madame Bennert helped save it, but in 1973 only 65 were registered, and it was regarded for a time as one of the rarest dogs in the world. Numbers have recovered slowly since. The American Kennel Club admitted the breed in 1996 and recognized it fully in 1999.

Is the Löwchen right for you?

A Löwchen suits people who want a low-shedding, bright and portable companion, and who accept regular combing and trims. It is a good match for apartment dwellers, singles and families with considerate children. It is not suited to people who are away for long days or who dislike grooming.

Related small companions to compare include the Bichon Frise, the Havanese and the Coton de Tulear.