Lowchen
The little lion dog — clipped like royalty, rare as it looks.
On these lists: Dogs for seniors · Dogs for anxiety
Vital stats
| Size | Small · 26–32 cm |
| Weight | 4–8 kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate — 30–45 min/day |
| Shedding | Minimal — single coat |
| Coat | Long, wavy single coat · all colours, traditional lion clip |
| Group | Non-sporting · FCI №233 / AKC |
| Origin | Continental Europe (France) |
| FCI group | 9 — Companion and Toy Dogs · FCI 233 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Lowchen by the numbers
The Lowchen facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Less common, so expect a waitlist and some travel to a reputable breeder — which pushes the price up. Ongoing costs stay modest — it eats little and routine vet care sits at the lower end. Its coat also needs a professional groom every few weeks — a real line in the budget.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
Bred purely for companionship in the courts and townhouses of Renaissance Europe, the Löwchen has no working baggage — just centuries of practice at being delightful. Expect a cheerful, outgoing little dog that learns quickly, greets the world warmly, and treats time apart from its people as a clerical error to be corrected.
Habits & quirks
Lap by default
Wherever you sit becomes a two-seat arrangement within the minute.
Pocket athlete
Between cuddles: real bursts of play, agility talent and garden sprints.
The town crier
Alert and quick to announce callers — a courtier's dog still keeps the court informed.
Gallery regular
Little lion dogs appear in European paintings and tapestries going back five centuries — posing is in the blood.
Care
| Grooming | Brush the silky single coat every day or two to stop mats; the lion clip is for the show ring, not a requirement. |
| Companionship | The real need: this breed does poorly left alone for long days. Plan your life accordingly. |
| Exercise | Two short walks and a play session keep it content — happy in a flat. |
| Training | Bright and eager; positive methods make house manners and tricks come easily. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 13–15 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
Common questions
Why is the Löwchen clipped like a lion?
The lion trim — shaved hindquarters with a full mane — has been the breed's signature since at least the 1500s, shown in period art. Today it's tradition and show convention; pet Löwchen often wear an all-over puppy clip.
Are Löwchen hypoallergenic?
No dog truly is, but the non-shedding single coat releases little hair and dander into the house. Many allergy-prone owners manage well — always spend time with the breed before committing.
Is the Löwchen still rare?
Yes — numbers have recovered from the near-extinction of the 1970s, but yearly registrations remain small worldwide. Expect a search and a waiting list for a good breeder.
Does the Lowchen shed a lot?
Not much. The Lowchen is a low-shedding breed, so loose hair around the home stays minimal. It still needs regular grooming, but you won't be fighting drifts of fur.
Is the Lowchen good with children?
Generally yes. The Lowchen is a friendly, people-loving breed that usually does well with children when raised and socialised well. As with any dog, teach children to be gentle and supervise around toddlers.
Is the Lowchen easy to train?
Reasonably. The Lowchen is trainable with consistency and rewards, though it isn't the quickest study. Keep sessions short and positive, and be patient with the basics like recall.