Löwchen
Encyclopedia
The Löwchen is a breed of dog that once had the dubious distinction, like the Portuguese Water Dog
and the Havanese
, of being the rarest dog in the world. Even today, the breed generally has fewer than a few hundred new registrations each year worldwide.
and by the AKC as a non-sporting dog. The breed is traceable to as far back as 1442. They are found in many old paintings, drawings and literature. It is possible to trace the Lowchen history to the three countries of what are now known as Belgium, Germany and Holland. It is thought the breeds ancestor was a dog that was brought in by travelers from the far eastern lands of Tibet, that mingled with local dogs such as Spitz and terrier type dogs. Occasionally an genetic throw-back is found.
The head of the Löwchen is one of the most important features, with its relatively short, wide muzzle, broad skull, lively round eyes, and pendulant ears. The head, when in proportion to the body, is neither too big nor too small, but helps to emphasize the friendly, regal, and leonine personality of the Löwchen.
The coat should not be thin and fluffy like a Bichon Frise
, but wavy with a mix of thicker hairs amongst the fine ones. This allows for a flowing coat that is not frizzy or fly-away, and a Löwchen coat should neither be soft like a nor harsh like many terriers. They can come in all colours, including brown, that allow for dark eyes and nose.
Although this dog may be related to the Bichon Frise, the Löwchen's history remains obscure. The little 'lion dog' is seen in many art pieces featuring dogs as far back as the 16th century, but it is unclear whether these were all dogs like the Löwchen, or simply small dogs of the Bichon type that were trimmed in a lion cut.
It is an old breed type, found in many countries as far back as the 16th century. The modern sources of the breed were from Belgium
, France
and Germany
enthusiasts in the late 19th century.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed of working dog as classified by the American Kennel Club. Portuguese Water Dogs are originally from the Portuguese region of the Algarve, from where the breed expanded to all around Portugal's coast, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermen's nets, to...
and the Havanese
Havanese
The Havanese is a dog breed of the Bichon type, developed from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana . The Blanquito descended from the also now extinct Bichon Tenerife, which was introduced to the Canary Islands by the Cubans...
, of being the rarest dog in the world. Even today, the breed generally has fewer than a few hundred new registrations each year worldwide.
Appearance
The Lowchen is a breed with a long and wavy coat that is presented in a lion cut. This means that the haunches, back legs, front legs (except bracelets around the ankles), and the 1/3-1/2 of the tail closest to the body are shaved, and the rest of the coat is left natural to give the appearance of a lion-like form. A small dog, they are considered by some registries as a toy dogToy dog
Toy dog traditionally refers to a very small dog or a grouping of small and very small breeds of dog. A toy dog may be of any of various dog types. Types of dogs referred to as toy dogs may include Spaniels, Pinschers and Terriers that have been bred down in size. Not all toy dogs are lapdogs,...
and by the AKC as a non-sporting dog. The breed is traceable to as far back as 1442. They are found in many old paintings, drawings and literature. It is possible to trace the Lowchen history to the three countries of what are now known as Belgium, Germany and Holland. It is thought the breeds ancestor was a dog that was brought in by travelers from the far eastern lands of Tibet, that mingled with local dogs such as Spitz and terrier type dogs. Occasionally an genetic throw-back is found.
The head of the Löwchen is one of the most important features, with its relatively short, wide muzzle, broad skull, lively round eyes, and pendulant ears. The head, when in proportion to the body, is neither too big nor too small, but helps to emphasize the friendly, regal, and leonine personality of the Löwchen.
The coat should not be thin and fluffy like a Bichon Frise
Bichon Frisé
A Bichon Frise , is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type. They are popular pets, similar in appearance to, but larger than, the Maltese.-Etymology and History:...
, but wavy with a mix of thicker hairs amongst the fine ones. This allows for a flowing coat that is not frizzy or fly-away, and a Löwchen coat should neither be soft like a nor harsh like many terriers. They can come in all colours, including brown, that allow for dark eyes and nose.
Temperament
The Löwchen is a friendly, happy dog. Dogs of this breed are both active and playful, and very intelligent. The Löwchen makes a good pet for families with children and an excellent house pet.History
It is an old breed type, found in many countries as far back as the 16th century. The modern sources of the breed were from Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
enthusiasts in the late 19th century.