Lowchen means Little Lion Dog. It was bred to be the companion of court
ladies in pre-Renaissance Europe, either in France or Germany. It was popular
across Europe by the sixteen century. Once considered "the rarest of
breeds" by the Guinness Book of World Records, it has made a
comeback. The Lowchen was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995.
IT is also recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, The
Kennel Club of Great Britain and the Australian Kennel Club.
The Lowchen is small and lively. He has an outgoing and positive attitude
and can be very protective of his family.
The head of the Lowchen is a hallmark of the breed. The backskull is broad.
There is a moderate drop off (stop) between the skull and muzzle. The muzzle
is equal in length or slightly shorter than the backskull. The muzzle is
slightly rounded with a dark colored nose. The lips are tight with a scissors
bite. The eyes are set well into the skull, large, dark and round in shape.
They have a bright and lively expression. The ears are pendant, moderate
in length and well fringed. They set slightly above the level of the eye.
The neck is of good length and slightly arched. The head is carried high
when the dog is moving. The topline is level from withers to tailset. The
body is slightly off-square. The brisket is moderate in width and reaches
to below the elbow. The legs are of good length and straight. The pasterns
are short. The hind feet are slightly smaller than the front feet. The tail
is set high and carried in a cup handle fashion over the back when the dog
is moving. It may drop down when the dog is at rest. The untrimmed coat
is long. It is rather dense and moderately soft in texture. It may be slightly
wavy. There is a lion coat trim that is used for the show ring. All coat
colors and combinations thereof are acceptable. Average height is between
ten and thirteen inches. Average weight is between nine and eighteen pounds.