This breed Lowchen is also known as the “Little Lion Dog” for their bravery and manes. The Lowchen was once one of the favored pets of European nobility, and they look and act the part. Their long and lustrous manes have earned them a comparison to lions. Their bold and fearless personalities suggest that they’ve taken that comparison to heart. This breed is friendly and highly sociable among humans. They can sometimes be bossy and bullying when in the presence of other dogs. Bred to be lapdogs, this isn’t a canine designed to live outdoors. They can live perfectly happily even in a small apartment. Human attention and companionship is a far more important commodity for them than space.
These dogs can be rare to find. They have big and bright personalities. They also have some notable characteristics that set them apart from other toy breeds. Once you can get past its swaggering and brash demeanor, you’ll find a sweet and devoted dog.
Lowchen Size and Weight
As a toy-sized dog, the Lowchen is petite and longer than it is tall. Their brave personalities and sharp barks are accompanied by a body that is only about a foot tall. It weighs less than 20 pounds. Males and females of the breed tend to be roughly the same height and weight.
Lowchen Common Health Issues
Lowchen is fortunate to be a purebred without a history of severe health issues. They’re prone to a handful of conditions that are common among dogs of most breeds. They also have some specific conditions tied to their eyes. The condition known as Progressive Retinal Apathy is genetic. It can lead to the loss of eyesight and eventual blindness over time. They’re also prone to developing cataracts. Like many other breeds, Lowchens are susceptible to patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. You won’t find this dog at a rescue. Make sure that your breeder can provide you with the appropriate paperwork. Also obtain medical information. Eyes exams and inspection of the hip and knee will ensure the characteristics that will help your dog live a long and healthy life. Make sure to prioritize.
Lowchen Temperament
The Lowchen puts on a big front when faced with strangers and other dogs, but that imposing demeanor hides a sensitive side. When they’re with people they trust, these dogs are an endless reservoir of brightness and curiosity and they’re capable and dedicated cuddling companions that also have the minds and energy for complex play and exploring. These dogs couldn’t be gentler in the company of their trusted caregivers, but their anxious personalities demand quite a bit of attention. These dogs were bred to be companions to European nobility, and they can become distressed and even destructive when they’re left without a companion.
How To Take Care of a Lowchen
In terms of basic care, the Lowchen isn’t very different from any toy breed that you’d find at a breeder or rescue. Here’s the care advice to help raise Lowchens from curious puppies into happy adults.
The Best Dog Food for Lowchens
Lowchen doesn’t have any particular nutritional requirements, and their diet is similar to that of most toy dogs. These dogs should eat food appropriate to their age and should keep the consumption of treats to 10% of their diet or less. As is the case with other small breeds, the dental structure of this dog can occasionally make some foods difficult to eat, so experimenting with other formulas can be an effective choice if your Lowchen is a picky eater. Adult dogs should eat between a half cup and a full cup of food split over one or two meals a day. Fresh water should always be readily available as well. Keep in mind that Lowchen have an appetite to match their anxiety. Overeating is common in this breed, so keeping a strict eating schedule and monitoring weight fluctuations is critical to keep your dog healthy. That’s due to the chicken-based diet’s natural glucosamine, which helps fortify the joints and guard against conditions like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. There’s also DHA, important for brain function and beta-carotene for eye health. This kibble has a special design to help keep the gums and teeth clean.
Lowchen Maintenance And Grooming
The trademark mane of this little lion — along with the rest of its coat — needs a good deal of upkeep no matter how they’re styled. Lowchen who keep their long and wavy hair should be brushed daily to prevent matting and rescue them from a style emergency. Fortunately, they don’t shed — so there isn’t as much cleanup as there is with dogs like the German Shepherd. Many owners opt to instead keep their Lowchen’s fur trimmed for easier maintenance and a distinct look.
Dogs similar to Lowchen
This little lion dog has some unique fur, but it shares a lot of characteristics with other small breeds. And while the exact genetic lineage of this dog is lost, there are three breeds in particular that are likely closely related: the Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Havanese.
- Bichon Frise – The giant puffed haircut of the Bichon Frise is every bit as distinctive as the mane of the Lowchen. They also tend to be friendlier, although they require a greater amount of regular activity.
- Maltese – The Maltese was also raised as a spoiled pet of nobles, although their lineage descends back hundreds of years longer. They can be stubborn, but they’re bright and lively dogs with big personalities.
- Havanese – In addition to similar looks, the Havanese and the Lowchen both share a serious devotion to their families. But Cuba’s native breed are more sociable and less territorial towards strangers.
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