May 15, 2025, 12:59 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

The “little lion” among dog breeds—the Löwchen—combines an elegant appearance with a lively temperament. However, beneath its graceful lion-like grooming lies a robust, intelligent, and active companion dog that shies away from neither challenges nor training. It’s hard to believe, but this rare breed was once on the brink of extinction.

Origin

The Löwchen originally comes from France and is recognized as a distinct breed by the FCI under number 233. As a member of the Bichon group, it is closely related to the Maltese, Bichon Frisé, Bolognese, Havanese, and Coton de Tuléar. The oldest depictions of this breed can be traced back to the 14th century—such as in the Cathedral of Amiens or in works by artists like Goya and Dürer. The resemblance is particularly evident in medieval tapestries that show the typical silhouette with a lion cut.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Löwchen was widely popular as a fashionable dog at the courts of European nobility. However, as times changed, the breed lost significance and nearly disappeared. By the 1960s, only about 40 specimens remained worldwide—many of them in Germany. It was only through the efforts of individual breeders, particularly the Belgian Madame Bennert, that the breed’s survival was ensured. Today, the Löwchen is still considered rare but is stably established and bred internationally.

Appearance & Coat

The Löwchen’s distinctive feature is its namesake “lion cut”: The fur remains long on the front body, head, and tail, while the hindquarters and flanks are clipped short—giving the dog the appearance of a miniature lion. Even without the cut, the Löwchen remains a striking, harmoniously built small dog with an elegant and robust presence.

The ideal shoulder height is between 26 and 32 cm, and the weight ranges from 4 to 8 kg. The body is compact and nearly square, with strong limbs and an upright posture. The long, low-set ears are densely furred, and the head is short and broad with expressive, round eyes. The tail is carried curved over the back and ends in a bushy tuft.

The coat is medium-length, silky, slightly wavy, and has little to no undercoat—though it is not ideal for allergy sufferers. All colors and color combinations are allowed according to the standard. The coat tends to mat, so regular grooming is essential.

Character & Temperament

Löwchens are lively, friendly, and exceptionally affectionate companion dogs. They are considered attentive, playful, and people-oriented—but not intrusive. They are loyal and cuddly with their family, while they may initially be reserved with strangers. Aggressive behavior is not expected in this breed.

Their intelligence, eagerness to learn, and curiosity make them ideal partners for various activities—from trick training to agility to therapy dog work. Löwchens often have a strong will and tend toward independence, so clear rules and confident handling are important. Their charming demeanor should not be misleading: These small dogs like to test boundaries if given too much leeway.

Training

The Löwchen is generally easy to train and, with its quick comprehension, is suitable for beginners. Consistent, loving guidance is important. Those who are too swayed by its cute appearance risk giving the little stubborn one too much freedom. Clear commands and a structured training framework promote harmonious coexistence.

Early socialization—ideally through a puppy school—strengthens social behavior and reduces excessive barking. Positive reinforcement works particularly well with this sensitive breed. Older people also usually manage well with training a Löwchen.

Proper Care & Maintenance

The Löwchen is an exceptionally adaptable dog that can feel comfortable in both a city apartment and a rural environment. Adequate exercise is essential: Daily walks and shared activities are a must, as the Löwchen is active and loves variety.

Coat care is more demanding than for many other breeds. Brushing two to three times a week is essential to prevent matting. The areas behind the ears, under the armpits, and on the belly are particularly sensitive. Regular trimming—especially around the face—prevents eye irritation from overly long fur. Ears and claws should also be checked regularly. A visit to the groomer every 8–12 weeks is recommended.

Nutrition

Due to its small size, the Löwchen requires only small amounts of food, but of high quality. Ideally, a protein-rich diet with a high meat content and no sugar is best. Both wet and dry food are suitable—BARF can also be beneficial with good planning.

Because of the small stomach volume, feeding in two to three portions daily is recommended. It is important that the animal has enough rest after eating to aid digestion. Small kibble sizes make food intake easier. Water should, of course, always be available.

Susceptibility to Certain Diseases

The Löwchen is generally considered a robust and long-lived breed with an average life expectancy of around 15 years. Genetically predisposed diseases are only known in isolated cases. Recommended health checks include patella and hip joint evaluations as well as ophthalmological examinations.

Special attention should be paid to the fur around the eyes: Too long or unkempt hair can lead to irritation, increased tearing, or even inflammation. Regular trimming of facial hair prevents such issues. In general, Löwchens benefit from routine vet visits and careful dental care.

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The Löwchen at a Glance

• Character: friendly, playful, intelligent, curious
• Size: 26–32 cm shoulder height
• Weight: 4–8 kg
• Coat: medium-length, silky, wavy, little to no undercoat
• Maintenance: high–regular brushing and trimming necessary
• Life Expectancy: about 15 years
• Special Features: very rare breed, traditional lion cut, suitable for families and seniors