Lowchen at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 25–33 cm
- Weight
- 4–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Cats and small pets.
Is the Lowchen right for you?
Like every breed, the Lowchen is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to daily grooming.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Lowchen fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Lowchen
The Lowchen, pronounced roughly "lerv-chun", is a small, surprisingly robust dog that is squarely built, with a good length of leg under its profuse coat and bright, intelligent eyes. It is usually a happy, lively and quick-witted little companion that is affectionate with family and close friends.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The name is German, but the breed is thought to be French in origin and is a member of the Bichon family. Its other name, the Little Lion Dog, comes from the traditional clip: shaved hindquarters, a plumed tail and a mane over the neck and shoulders. One theory is that the shaved rear was warm to the touch and comforted the ladies who owned them. A lion-like look was also thought to give the dog a lion's power to protect its owner.
The lion clip was popular for small companion dogs as long ago as the 1400s, which makes the Lowchen's roots hard to trace, because old paintings may show other breeds in the same cut. It may be related to the Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso types, as well as the Mediterranean Bichons.
Lowchen temperament
Lowchens are typically clever, sensitive and quick-witted, and friendly with the people they know. They will usually warm to new friends if treated kindly and patiently, but you should not expect them to approach everyone they meet. They are generally friendly with other dogs.
They are alert watchdogs and can be loudly vocal, letting you know about anything unusual nearby. A bored Lowchen is a loud Lowchen, so they suit a quieter home where close neighbours will not mind.
Size and appearance
Lowchens are small dogs. Adults typically stand 25–33 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 4–8 kg.
The coat is profuse and silky, with a fairly hard, dry feel. Any colour or combination of colours is possible, and the breed standard list includes black, white, cream, gold, silver, chocolate, brindle, sable shades and particolour.
How much exercise does a Lowchen need?
The Lowchen is a little ball of energy. It does not need long hikes, but it does need regular walks of around half an hour or more each, and up to an hour of exercise a day in total.
Mental stimulation matters just as much: vary your walking routes, and play games and practise training along the way. They do not need a large home, but they do need a very secure garden, even if it is small.
Training a Lowchen
Such a clever, quick breed is a joy and a bit of a challenge to train. The basics are usually fairly easy, and Lowchens can learn the kind of tricks more often taught to larger breeds.
- Focus on a good recall: they are active and have long legs under the fur.
- Socialise them early and sensitively, so they grow up confident rather than fearful.
- Try fun trick training to keep their brains busy.
- Keep them occupied, as boredom can lead to barking.
Lowchen grooming
The coat needs daily brushing and frequent trimming, even if you do not keep the traditional lion clip. It produces quite a lot of insulating undercoat, and if this is not combed out it can quickly build up into severe mats, especially once food, mud or plant matter get in.
Teach your Lowchen early to accept gentle grooming, to have its paws and legs checked after walks, and to be bathed and dried. The breed does shed.
Living with a Lowchen
A well-trained, confident Lowchen is a delight to live with. Despite their sturdy build they are small and can easily be hurt by larger dogs or rough children, so they are better for families with older children who understand a dog's boundaries and can help with training and grooming. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Lowchen health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Lowchen is described as a generally healthy breed. The Royal Kennel Club's main recommendation for breeders is to prioritise genetic diversity, and it does not currently list breed-specific DNA tests.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place. It is worth asking a breeder about.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Lowchen home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Lowchen cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Lowchen home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Lowchen
If you have decided the Lowchen suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Lowchen
Lowchens do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Lowchens looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Lowchen adverts at the moment.
Find Lowchen adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Australian Silky Terrier
Friendly, active, alert, keen, spirited, clever, brave and bold.
View breed guide
Lowchen FAQs
Is the Lowchen good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Lowchen live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Lowchen need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Lowchen shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Lowchen need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Lowchen easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Lowchen be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Lowchen bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Lowchen live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Lowchen get?
Adults typically stand 25–33 cm at the shoulder and weigh 4–8 kg.