Lowchen
羅秦犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Löwchen, the "little lion dog", is a small, sturdy companion breed of the Bichon family that has been groomed into a lion clip by European nobility for at least 500 years and is today one of the rarest breeds in the world. Affectionate, outgoing, playful and exuberant, it abhors an empty lap but also loves to run, jump and learn tricks, takes readily to positive training and can be a keen little agility dog. Alert by nature, it should be taught young not to bark at every sound; the soft, low-shedding coat needs brushing every few days and a trim every couple of months.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 25–36cm |
| Weight | 6.8–7kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: non-sporting FCI: 9 |
| Role | Companion |
| Coat | Long coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition reported in the breed; DNA tests and eye examinations are available. Ask your vet or breeder about eye screening.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about eye examinations if you notice cloudiness in the eyes.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Behaviour
Abhors an empty lap — but loves to run and play
The CKC calls the Löwchen sprightly, affectionate, outgoing, playful and exuberant: it abhors an empty lap and makes an excellent tummy-warmer and couch companion, yet loves to run, jump and play, takes well to training and is a good prospect for obedience and agility because it enjoys a challenge.
Alert companion — teach it when not to bark
The AKC notes that with its history as a companion to royalty under constant threat, the Löwchen is a very alert fellow that reacts quickly to suspicious noise or activity, and should be taught as a young puppy that barking at every sound is neither necessary nor appreciated. It lives to please its owner, so training is fairly easy with positive methods; it does not respond well to harsh correction and is not suited to long-distance running.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Löwchen
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Lowchen (Non Sporting Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Lowchen Little Lion Dog
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Little Lion Dog (standard no. 233, group 9)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club calls the Löwchen one of the rarest breeds and in danger of extinction, and describes an extremely sociable, easy-going dog that gets on with every member of the household, learns tricks easily and has proved itself in agility, therapy, tracking and dock diving. Its code of ethics requires breeding stock of sound temperament and strongly recommends eye, hip and knee testing, with results shared with the health committee and with buyers.”
— The Löwchen Club of America — Breed Health via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Löwchen — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Lowchen — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Lowchen Little Lion Dog — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Little Lion Dog — FCI standard no. 233 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Breed Health — The Löwchen Club of America — The Löwchen Club of America (public health pages) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.