Lowchen

the Löwchen is a compact, lively dog bred to be a family companion. He has a cheerful, happy temperament and lovingly cuddles with his human owners. A playful, intelligent breed, the Löwchen enjoys learning new tricks and will serve as a trusty watchdog.

The dog has been traditionally clipped as the "king of the beasts" to mimic the look of a lion. The tail is clipped along the part, leaving just a plume of hair. The hind quarters are closely shaved also leaving the feet. Clipping is done at close range with an electric shaver to reveal the spotted skin. The classic leonine look of the Lowchen requires a professional grooming every four to six weeks. Bathing should be done on a weekly basis. It is also important that sunscreen be applied to the shorn area to prevent sunburn.

Lowchens are generally healthy, although they are prone to subluxated patellas, eye irritations caused by hair, and can develop skin irritations on the shaved areas.

These dogs are relatively easy to feed, not requiring any supplements or special diets.

The origin of the Lowchen is unclear, it is believed that the breed may have been developed in Eastern Europe between Russia and the Mediterranean. It was the Europeans who first embraced the breed and by the 1500s they were hugely popular in France, Germany, Italy and Spain where they were kept by the aristocracy. It was then that shaving the dogs became popular as they were apparently used as hot water bottles. The shaved area of the dog allowed the owner to have direct contact with the skin of the animal and this provided instant warmth. .

“Löwchen” is a German word that means “little lion.”The Löwchen originated more than 400 years ago in pre-Renaissance Europe, either in Germany or the Mediterranean, and was used as a foot warmer and comforter.