| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Little Lion Dog (Löwchen) owes its name to the typical haircut it has, resembling in all aspects the king of the Savannah
The origins of the Little Lion Dog (Löwchen) are probably quite old. However, there is no hard evidence before 1442, except for two cases that, according to interpretation, can be seen carved in stone in the cathedral of Amiens, dating from the 13th century.
It was in those years that the Little Lion Dog, also known as Löwchen, started to appear in numerous paintings, tapestries, drawings, and literature, where it was always characterized as a “lion”. But it is difficult to determine if it is actually the Little Lion Dog or other types of dogs whose hair was cut to resemble a lion.
The history of the Little Lion Dog and its origin is quite uncertain. It is believed that it comes from certain areas across Spain and France.
According to studies, its first ancestors were dogs brought by travelers from Far East areas, such as Tibet, where it was later crossed with local breeds such as the Spitz and different types of Terriers. Others say it descended from the Maltese, the Barbet, and the Continental Toy Spaniel.
In the centuries following the 15th century, this breed extended mainly as a pet of the nobility and royalty of half of Europe, especially among Spanish ladies who truly worshipped this breed so similar to lions.
Due to its oddness, this breed was at risk of extinction. But at the end of the 19th century, the Little Lion Dog had a new successful moment when the breed’s supporters started to breed it again in Belgium, Germany, and Holland. They were exported to Great Britain in 1968 and to the United States in 1971, where they are pretty popular today.
A long coat and several colors
Löwchen, which in German means precisely “Little Lion”, is a very rare dog. For a long time, it was considered one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. In 1973, only 65 specimens were registered, and today there are hundreds of newly registered exemplars worldwide.
The Little Lion Dog is recognized by its appearance. The coat is long, wavy, and comes in any color or combination of colors. It is a multi-texture coat with a mix of silkier thicker hairs and softer hair.
The Little Lion Dog takes its name from its haircut: The cut involves clipping the coat very short from the Löwchen’s last rib over the hindquarters and including the back legs. The feet and both legs are clipped, leaving bracelets around the ankles. This makes the animal look like a small lion.
There are many uncertainties about the actual origin of the Little Lion Dog. And, although it is not clear where this practice began, it has now become a tradition. Actually, it is its head that attracts attention with its wide muzzle, big, and intelligent black eyes and fluffy ears. This dog breed has the majestic personality of a lion, but at the same time it is really sweet.
The Löwchen stands at 14 inches (35 cm) and weighs 18 lb. Its size makes it one of the largest Toy breeds.
Löwchen: Temperament
The Little Lion Dog is generally a happy and lively, active, playful, and smart dog. All these characteristics make it an excellent domestic animal. Its love is never too invasive, but it is essential not to leave it alone for many hours.
It is also pretty quiet, and it does not bark much. This is the reason why it is so popular with neighbors. The Löwchen is easy to train and loves playing. It can be quite obstinate if you let it do whatever it wants. Just like many dogs of its size, this breed likes to boss around those who let it get away with it. That’s why it is important that you teach your Little Lion Dog from its puppyhood who is the leader in a consistent and coherent way, in other words, the guide it needs.
The Little Lion Dog loves long outdoor walks; so, it cannot be considered a Toy dog capable of staying still for an indefinite time without trying to get out.
It Is Also an Apartment Dog
It loves playing games and going for walks. It is hard for it to stay calmly at home if it hasn’t walked for at least half an hour. The Little Lion Dog adapts well in apartment life and does not need special care, even from the point of view of food. The perfect thing for this dog would be a house with a nice garden where it can play freely. In any case, it is calm and bears well urban life.
The Little Lion Dog is a companion dog: It is docile, calm, playful, loving, and knows how to behave. Like other dogs of its size, the Little Lion Dog builds, over time, a very strong bond with both its family and the space it lives in. Thus, it can be a great watchdog.
But this does not mean that it is a guard dog since it is a dog breed that is not aggressive at all. The Little Lion Dog’s task ends when it warns the owner that there are strangers or that something is wrong. Its size makes it easy to handle, but this breed may not be suitable for the elderly as it requires long walks.
Löwchen: Health
The Little Lion Dog or the Löwchen does not suffer from particular s, but it can suffer the typical problems of a small dog such as eye diseases (cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy) and joint problems, especially in its knees. Nevertheless, it is a healthy dog breed that does not present problems and has a life expectancy ranging from 12 to 14 years.
It is necessary to constantly brush its coat and take care of its grooming, because the Little Lion Dog has a very special coat that must be maintained. It can also have the same health problems as other dog breeds such as hip dysplasia (which is less frequent compared to large dogs) and obesity.
Löwchen: Relationship with its Owner
The ideal owner for the Little Lion Dog should be willing to give all the love back to his dog, since a strong bond will be created immediately between them. This bond is extremely valuable and will guide him day after day.
As we have already said, it is excellent as a house dog. This breed is good for any kind of owner, whether he lives in the city or the countryside. However, if the owner is a very old person with walking problems, having a Little Lion Dog could be a challenge. It does not require special attention, so this dog is definitely a good choice for those who want a loyal and easy-to-care-for companion.
Löwchen: Relationship with Children
The Little Lion Dog is very fond of children. It interacts well with everyone and understands immediately the children of the house, showing itself curious and eager to play. Being a highly docile dog, it is the perfect companion. Although it is a rare (and expensive) animal, it has no “nobility requirements”, it plays and runs with all children.
In addition, it is not likely to scare the little ones with its barking as it is rather a quiet breed. It learns easily and is ideal for growing up together with its small human companions.
Löwchen: Relationship with Other Dogs
The Little Lion Dog is not aggressive with other dog breeds. Besides, it will not try to attack other dogs because it loves pleasing its owner. Socialization is important since its early puppyhood so that it does not become too shy or, even worse, aggressive towards strangers or other dogs.
This breed can adapt well to life in an apartment with its “brothers” as long as they are also friendly. Its stubborn nature can be a problem when it comes to friendship with other dogs if encouraged by its owners.
Löwchen: Price and Puppies
The Little Lion Dog is an extremely rare breed. Some people still make the unforgivable mistake of believing that it is an impure Yorkshire.
Instead, it is not only a dog with a noble pedigree, but also it is really difficult to find. In numerous countries of the world, it is incredibly hard to acquire a Little Lion Dog from a registered breeding establishment. So, it is necessary to contact foreign breeders or multi-breed company sellers or other private sellers.
As a result, the price to take home a Little Lion Dog puppy is really high: It may cost 1600 dollars, or 1500 English pounds. What is more, it has been paid 9000 dollars, or 8000 English pounds for a puppy. Although the Löwchen is not as easy to find in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Ireland, Scotland and South Africa, there are European countries where it is easier to find one, such as France (where, according to many people, this breed originated), Central Europe, Great Britain, and Scandinavia.
Löwchen: Breeders and Puppies For Sale
Under this section, you can find the best registered breeders from different countries from whom you can request all the information you need. It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
In addition, if you adopt a puppy, the reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate which states that the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the purity of the dog’s breed. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Bichon Frise
- Bolognese
- Little Lion Dog (Löwchen)
- Affenpinscher
- Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)
- Shih Tzu
- Pomeranian Dog
- Dachshund
- Yorkshire Terrier
