Lowchen : One of the Most Unusual Dog Breeds

During the 1960's, the Guinness World Book of Records named the Lowchen as the rarest dog breed. Since that time, the Lowchen has increased in numbers but there are still only a couple of hundred registered by the American Kennel Club. The Lowchen looks like a little lion and is often called Little Lion Dog.

History of the Lowchen

According to the American Kennel Club, the Lowchen has been around for 400 years and was a companion dog during the Pre-Renaissance. The dogs were used to warm the feet of ladies of the court. The Lowchen coat was trimmed to look like a lion with short fur on the hindquarters and a mane around the neck. It is unknown exactly where the Lowchen dogs originated but it is believed to come from Germany and the Mediterranean.

Lowchen Appearance

The Lowchen is similar to a bichon and weighs anywhere from nine to 18 pounds and stands 12 to 14 inches tall. The dog's body is compact and balanced with a short snout and a broad skull. The Lowchen's expression is alert and intelligent wutg dark brown eyes, pendant ears, and well-spaced teeth. The Lowchen walks with a spritely gait that emphasizes its long mane. The dog's tail is carried curved over the back. The hindquarters are strong and muscular. The Lowchen's coat is wavy and long coat in various colors of black, lemon, white, or a mixture of all the colors.

Lowchen dogs are outgoing and good with children. Their positive attitudes make them ideal as a family pet. They are affectionate and are content to stay around the family. They also get along with other family pets. The Lowchen is a smart dog and easily trainable.

Traditional Lion Clip

The Lowchen's coat needs regular grooming and most owners give the Lowchen a traditional Lion Clip. The Lion Clip is achieved by cutting the fur to 1/8 inch from the last rib and continuing across the hindquarters to the joint in the rear legs. The fur on the front legs is also cut 1/8 inch in length down to the elbows. Tufts of fur are left on the bottom of the four legs but the feet are clipped. The dog's tail fur is clipped 1/8 inch in length but a puff of fur is left on the bottom of the tail.

American Kennel Club: Lowchen