Lowchen
The Lowchen, whose name translates to "Little Lion Dog" in German, is a small companion breed with a distinguished history in continental Europe.
Depicted in tapestries and paintings dating back centuries, these charming dogs were favoured by aristocratic families across Germany, France, and Spain.
25-34kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Lowchen
The breed's most distinctive feature is its characteristic lion clip, where the hindquarters and portions of the legs and tail are closely shaved whilst the head and forequarters remain full-coated, creating a striking feline appearance. Standing 25–33 centimetres at the shoulder and weighing just 4–8 kilograms, the Lowchen is a well-proportioned, compact dog with a long, wavy, silky coat available in numerous colours and combinations. Temperament-wise, the breed is outgoing, affectionate, and playful with an engaging personality that endears it to families and individuals alike. Lowchens are intelligent and responsive to positive training, making them a pleasure to work with. They adapt readily to various living environments and typically get along excellently with children and other pets. Their sociable nature and moderate exercise requirements make them suitable for diverse households. The breed was once classified as one of the world's rarest, though populations have recovered well in recent years.
Lowchen at a Glance
- Group
- Toy
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Lowchen Temperament
The Lowchen is a cheerful, affectionate and lively little breed with a warm disposition and a natural eagerness to please. Often described as something of a clown, it brings energy and humour to daily life without being hyperactive or difficult to manage. It forms close bonds with its family and enjoys being involved in everything that goes on around it. The Lowchen is intelligent and responsive, making it a pleasure to train, and it generally gets along well with children and other animals. Despite its small size, it is robust and full of spirit, enjoying regular walks and play sessions. This is a sociable, adaptable companion that suits a wide range of households and owners.
Lowchen Lifestyle
The Lowchen adapts well to flat living and doesn't need a large home and is happy with a small or medium-sized outdoor space. They are versatile and do well in both city and countryside settings.
Dog Food for Lowchen
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Lowchen
Lowchen Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Lowchen weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Lowchen Characteristics
The Lowchen thrives with vigorous daily activity and lots of space to burn off energy and is one of the easier breeds to train. They are well known for being gentle and patient with young children, but manage alone time well enough, though they certainly prefer company. The coat isn't too demanding but does need consistent brushing and sheds at a typical rate for the breed type. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Lowchen Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outgoing, loyal, and affectionate, with a playful, clownish charm that never gets old
- Highly trainable, thanks to their intelligence and genuine eagerness to please
- Equally comfortable in a flat or a countryside home, given the right care and exercise
- Low-shedding coat that suits households with mild allergy concerns
Cons
- The traditional lion clip requires professional grooming every four to six weeks
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods
- Without early socialisation, they can show stubbornness and a bossy streak
- Limited availability means puppies often come with a higher price tag
