About the Lowchen
Photo by Van Damme taken in 1913
Marquise 11, Snow King, Triton, Treser
About the Löwchen
The Löwchen is believed to have originated in Germany but its country of development is listed as France. It is an ancient breed dating back to the late 14th century. Its distinctive clip originated when the ladies of the court clipped the hair from the dogs' backs and used them as hot water bottles. The breed has been traditionally clipped this way in a lion trim since that time. In fact, with this clip, waving hair flowing and his tail carried over the back with a plume flying he fast became a favourite in the courts. The löwchen has very sensitive hearing and for this reason he was also used as a watch dog, he would hear prowlers and intruders and bark, thus alerting the guards to release the guard dogs.
The first lowchen were introduced in Australia in the 1970's by Pia Kirke (then Rosemarye D'Agostin). They have been joined over the years by other imported bloodlines resulting in an excellent gene pool which ensures ever improving type and soundness in our dogs.
Average lifespan
The average lifespan of a Löwchen is 12 to 15 years, although they have been known to live up to 18 years.
Average height and weight
Being a toy breed, the maximum height should only be 33cm (13 inches) and maximum weight around 8 kg but this varies.
Breed Personality and Temperament
A 'bit of a clown' is one way to describe the Löwchen. Their generally happy disposition and willingness to please make them the ideal companion animal. The lowchen head is described as 'meltingly pleasant' and this is truly the case.
Compatibility with Other Pets
Very good. Will accept other pets if introduced at an early age.
Compatibility with Children
We find that the löwchen adores children but it is not advisable to introduce them to a home with very young children. No dog should be left alone with young children, supervision is essential as young children can be very rough and a dog will always defend itself.
Care Requirements
The breed is long coated and requires regular grooming and clipping. It is very relaxing to sit with a löwchen on the lap and comb through its coat nightly and the dog will enjoy the one on one attention also, although it is important to train your dog when young to stand on a table for grooming. This makes it easier to handle the dog when grooming, bathing and drying it.
The löwchen is a robust and generally sound breed with few medical problems. It is non shedding, therefore less likely to cause allergic reactions, making it a perfect all round pet for those looking for a house-mate.
Feeding
Care has to be taken with the löwchen as they will eat everything put in front of them and will gain weight easily. We feed raw food - chicken frames, chicken mince, with some additives, such as garlic to keep the fleas away and fish oil for a healthy coat. To aid dental hygiene and for calcium for healthy bones we feed raw bones regularly. Never feed a dog cooked bones.
Travelling with your Löwchen
The löwchen loves to be with you all the time, and that includes riding in the car. For your pup's protection, it should never be left unrestrained in a moving car. Either a soft crate (preferably), or a dog restraint (car harness) should be used at all times. NEVER leave a dog unattended in a parked car. The temperature in a closed car climbs very quickly, reaching a dangerous level before you realise it. Dogs become dehydrated quickly and you can lose your dog within a very short time. If you have to leave the dog in a car, make sure it is in a shady spot, leave the windows open a little and make sure the dog has water. Recently in the USA a professional handler lost 8 dogs which she left overnight in her car. Again, do not leave the dog for any length of time.
Poisons
There are some foods which are dangerous for dogs to eat: Chocolate, Macadamia Nuts, Onions, Grapes can all result in kidney failure so be very careful what you feed as treats. For more information, we have included a table on foods and plants which should be avoided. Doggy treats can be bought at most Supermarkets including doggy chocolate. It has recently been advised that the Sago Palm, also known as Coontie Palm, Cardboard Palm, cycads and zamias, (Scientific Name: Cycas revoluta, zamia species) is a decorative plant available in Garden Centres. It is extremely toxic to all animals. Just ingesting a very small quantity can lead to the following symptoms: Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastro-enteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death. Despite the most aggressive veterinary treatment, 70% of animals who ingest this plant will not survive. NOTE: THIS PLANT IS AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA.
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