Lowchens

Overview of Lowchens

  • Lowchen, Petit Chien Lion, Little Lion Dog, Little Lion : Bichon Havanese, Bichon Habanero, Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichon Havanais, Bichon Havanês, Havaneser, Havanezer : Breed Type : Purebred : Purebred : AKC Group : Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Non-Sporting breed.
  • The Lowchen is generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Patellar Luxation and Cataracts. The Lowchen has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
  • Lowchen were imported into Britain in 1968 and the breed was accorded Kennel Club (UK) recognition in 1971.[6] The Lowchen would finally make an appearance in America in 1971,[7] by way of England.
  • Lowchens were once the rarest breed in the United States with only 65 registered members, and although the ranks of this breed have grown in number since they are still rare.
  • This dog breed is a small, elegant, and lively breed that loves to be around people, will need a certain level of attention and makes a great companion and family dog.
  • Lowchen’s origin, price, personality, life span, health, grooming, shedding, hypoallergenic, weight, size & more Lowchen information & dog breed facts.
  • This dog the breed we have in mind when imaging this scenario, but the breed’s trademark lion cut wasn’t entirely a whimsical fancy of bored noblewomen.
  • Lowchen Dog T Shirt – Little Lion Dog T Shirt – Lowchen Mom – Lowchen Mama Tee – Lowchen Graphic Shirt – Lowchen Tee – Womens Tshirt SweetSpiritWear.
  • Lowchen history reaches back to the tail end of the middle ages, when the “Little Lion Dog” was depicted in art during the mid-15th century.
  • They are considered small dogs with sizes ranging between 12 and 14 inches tall and 9 and 18 pounds heavy.

Life expectancy

Lowchen have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years and is in general quite a healthy breed. Some issues might include patellar luxation, eye problems and ear infections.

Training

Be consistent and firm though while also being positive. If you are too meek and do not make it clear you are the leader it can become difficult as it thinks it is the boss. It is a great idea to extend its training from just basic obedience as it does well at it and gives it plenty of mental stimulation. It is often a quick learner, it is smart and it likes to be with you and make you happy. Make the training sessions a lot of fun and keep them short and varied and that will keep it interested in what is going on. Offer it treats, praise and encouragement. Training a Lowchen is easy with the right approach but for those with less experience it may be a bit more of a gradual process.

Barking

A dog park is a good idea and gives it an opportunity to socialize too. If there is a yard keep it well fenced and be warned it does like to dig so have a space for it where that is okay. It can play ball for hours and it loves being outside. It is active inside and while a yard is a bonus it is not needed. It needs a couple of walks a day and a place to run safely off leash and play now and then. Lowchen are a lively and energetic small dog and while it can live in an apartment thanks to its size, its barking may be an issue. Make sure it gets enough mental activity as well as physical. With its size even being an energetic dog it is easy to keep it happy and healthy.

Breed

A qualified breeder or a rescue should be your first source for your dog.  Sound breeders will also be able to breed shyness as well as excess health conditions out of their line, which will give you a long and happy time with your new Lowchen.

Social

However, you owe it to your lion dog to make them into a good canine citizen. With the Lowchen, good early socialization is also important as they can be shy with strangers.

Health

How much exactly can vary from one Lowchen to another depending on its metabolism, level of activity, age, health and size. It will need to be fed ½ to 1 cup of a good quality dry dog food a day, and that should be split into two meals.

Coat

Due to their unique coat, professional grooming may be required and should be factored into the decision to bring a Lowchen into your home. That said, the coat does require frequent brushing and combing.

Temperament

One woman, Madame Bennert, revived the breed with only two female Lowchens and one male. That’s because after World War II, Lowchens nearly became extinct. This dog is suited to many types of homes and families due to their easy temperament, but the true test is finding a Lowchen.

History of Lowchens

  • In 1960 the Lowchen was in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the rarest breed of dog in the world.
  • In 1969, the Guinness Book of World Records named the Lowchen the Worlds Rarest Breed of Dog.
  • In 1973, Guinness World Records stated that Lowchen was rarest dog breed in the world with only 65-70 total recorded.
  • In the 1500s, the Lowchen is seen in various paintings.