Lowchen Pet Dog

AKC Ranking: 134
Family: companion, water dog
Area of Origin: France, Germany
Date of Origin: 1500s
Original Function: companion
Today's Function: companion
Avg Size of male: Height: 12-14 Weight: 8-18
Avg Size of Female: Height: 12-14 Weight: 8-18
Other Name: little lion dog

History
Lowchen (pronounced lerv-chun) means "little lion dog," and in France the breed is know as le petit chien lion. The lowchen shares common roots with other members of the bichon family, which includes the bichon frise and Havanese, among others. Germany, Russia and France have all laid claim to the breed. The exact time and place of its origin is obscure, but dogs resembling the lowchen, sporting the distinctive lion trim, can be found in 16th-century German art. In the traditional lion trim, the coat is clipped short from the last rib to, and including, the hindquarters down to the hock joint. The front legs are clipped from elbow to just above the pastern. The feet are clipped, and about half the tail is clipped, leaving a plume at the tip. Any long hair is to be left unshaped. In the 1960s, the breed's numbers had dwindled to perilous numbers; through the efforts of two breeders, several related dogs from Germany were brought to Britain. Because of their small numbers, these dogs were interbred extensively and formed the basis of the breed in Britain as well as America. The lowchen entered the AKC miscellaneous class in 1996 and was admitted as a member of the nonsporting group as of the first day of 1999.

Temperament
This is a lively, inquisitive, affectionate dog. It is a mixture of playful spirit and calm soul mate, a good companion for a quiet family. It is willing to please and responsive to commands, and it is devoted to its family. Some may bark or dig a lot.

Upkeep
The lowchen can receive ample exercise with a short walk or active game every day. It enjoys a mental challenge. It is not a breed that should live outside, although it appreciates access to a yard during the day. Its coat needs brushing or combing about every other day. Clipping to maintain the traditional lion trim must be done every month or two. Many pet owners prefer to keep their dogs in a puppy clip.

Health
• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: patellar luxation
• Occasionally seen: none
• Suggested tests: none
• Life span: 13 – 15 years

Form and Function
The lowchen is a compact small dog, very slightly longer than it is tall, with strong, sturdy — but never coarse — bone. Its gait is effortless with good reach and drive, and it proudly carries its head and tail. Its coat is dense and long, moderately soft with a slight to moderate wave. It is traditionally clipped in a lion trim. The lowchen has a relatively short, broad top skull and muzzle, and its expression is alert, bright and lively.