The Löwchen (pronounced lerv-chun) is a playful and curious family dog, formerly known as the “little lion dog.” In our profile, you’ll learn what sets the Löwchen apart, what to consider when purchasing one, and the activities it enjoys. You’re sure to find out if this dog is right for you!

History of the Löwchen

The history of the Löwchen can be traced back to the 13th century. In the Gothic Cathedral of Amiens, built at that time, two stone-carved dogs with the typical lion cut of today’s standard can be seen. It comes from an ancient family of lap and companion dogs known as Bichons. It is depicted in many paintings of nobles from the 17th century and originates from France and Belgium. In French, the Löwchen is called “Bichon petit chien-lion” or “Petit Chien Lion.” With the French Revolution and the decline of the French nobility, demand for this breed also declined. By the mid-20th century, the breed was nearly forgotten. Through the efforts of enthusiasts of this breed, it was revived, and in 1961, the historical breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Appearance of the Löwchen

The Löwchen has a robust build and a square shape. The overall small dog (between 20 and 35 centimeters) has long, silky fur. The coat can come in all colors and is slightly wavy. It has no undercoat. In dog shows, it is required that the Löwchen’s coat be groomed in the typical lion cut, where the entire hindquarters of the dog are shaved. The lion cut and the fluttering lion’s mane are further emphasized by its proud and confident gait.

Nature and Character

Overall, the little dog gives off a cheerful, lively, and friendly impression. The small dog is always in a good mood and generally gets along very well with other dogs, people, and other animals. The Löwchen is a true pack animal and loves its pack above all else. Sometimes it may be more reserved with strangers at first, without becoming aggressive. Even though it has the reputation of being a lap dog, this small breed is by no means content only on your lap! The Löwchen is very intelligent and likes to be challenged. The dogs are brave and curious and always welcome new challenges!

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	Low

Acquiring a Löwchen

The first step in acquiring a Löwchen is to look for a suitable breeder and ideally make contacts with reputable breeders. Make sure the breeder is a member of the AKC and that the breeder’s dogs have been tested for hereditary diseases. Also, ask to see the pedigree of your new pet to exclude inbreeding. A good and reputable breeder typically documents the development of his litter, so there should be photos available. It’s best to see the puppy on-site by appointment and also see the mother dog in that context. You should never buy a puppy from the internet, as they usually come from admirers or from a puppy mill!

If you’re considering getting a Löwchen, you should take some measures beforehand. You need a place where the puppy can retreat and have its peace. Especially in the beginning, this is very important so that the dog isn’t overwhelmed by all the new impressions. Additionally, you should teach your children to treat smaller dogs respectfully and that they are not toys. Long walks should also be on the daily schedule of a Löwchen, as they need to be physically and mentally stimulated.

How much does a Löwchen cost?

For a Löwchen, you can expect to pay an average of $1,000. It’s not uncommon, however, for a Löwchen puppy to cost $1,800. With special features, the price can rise even higher.

Development and Training of the Puppy

At the beginning, when you bring the Löwchen puppy home, you should allocate enough time for him. This way, the new family member can adjust to the new environment calmly. Also, you should give him enough attention and not leave him alone too often. Löwchens are very affectionate and prefer to spend most of their time with their human pack. In addition to the human pack, they also enjoy the company of another dog, with whom they can romp and play. Therefore, living together with a second dog is not a problem and even desirable.

It is advisable to attend a puppy school with the puppy, as the Löwchen is very teachable and intelligent by nature, and basic training will certainly not harm him. With consistent handling, you will surely have a lot of fun with this furry friend. It is important not to spoil the dog despite his size and cute appearance. Furthermore, the socially compatible little dog can get to know other young dogs of different breeds in a puppy school.

How do I care for a Löwchen?

The Löwchen is the perfect dog for singles, couples, seniors, and families alike. With children, the dog gets along very well due to its loving and reserved nature. It is also well suited for beginners, as it is easy to train. The small dog can easily be kept in a small city apartment or in a house with a large garden. The important thing is that he gets enough exercise in nature and can experience new impressions. In addition to physical activity, you should also challenge the Löwchen mentally and try out various games with him.

The dog is undemanding in terms of care and is often kept as a companion or family dog.

Activities with the Löwchen

The Löwchen is up for any fun! Do you enjoy hiking? No problem! The small dog can keep up well even on longer hikes. It can also be taken along for hunting or used as a guard dog for the garden. The important thing is to give it plenty of cuddles, as these little rascals are also very affectionate.

Dog sports like agility or mantrailing are a blast with this four-legged friend. This little guy has a well-developed sense of smell. With proper training, it can even serve as a therapy or guide dog. As you can see, the Löwchen is a real all-round talent!

Grooming a Löwchen

Löwchens are generally very robust dogs that remain active even into old age. The dog’s coat is wavy, silky, smooth, and sheds very little. This is because it has no undercoat. Despite the lack of an undercoat, you should brush the Löwchen every two to three days as the coat can easily become matted. Knots can especially form behind the ears, on the buttocks, or under the armpits. You should regularly trim the hair on the nose bridge and the dog’s bangs as otherwise, the hair can obstruct vision. Regular paw care is also very important as dirt and snow clumps can easily accumulate there. Also, check and trim the claws occasionally if necessary.

Health and Genetic Diseases

The Löwchen is a very robust dog and is not prone to breed-specific diseases. On average, they live to be twelve to fourteen years old. If you buy your Löwchen from a reputable breeder, genetic diseases are almost excluded. Recently, more and more of these dogs are being sold by unscrupulous breeders who suffer from elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. So, make sure to buy your dogs from reputable breeders.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

The Löwchen has the reputation of being a spoiled luxury dog ​​that prefers to be carried around in a handbag. Only the elegant and graceful appearance remains of this reputation because these cute little dogs also enjoy rolling in the dirt or engaging in more intense dog sports.