The friendly “Löwchen” is a happy and active, small sized purebred companion dog that belongs to the category of non-sporting dogs.
While the appearance and size of the Löwchen will largely depend on the appearance and size of both parents, generally speaking this will be a small dog that requires an average amount of daily exercise.
This bright and outgoing pet dog is agile and outgoing and often resembles a lion, and like their ancient name ‘Little Lion Dog’, this breed is brave as a lion.
Curious, playful, affectionate and active, this dog needs the attention of their humans and will not be happy if expected to spend time alone, which means this is not the dog for anyone who spends long hours at work, unless you can take your dog. with you.
Sweet in character, peaceful and gentle with all, this graceful and agile dog generally responds well to training and can do well in competitive dog sports such as Agility or Obedience.
Löwchen dog is a robust and graceful dog that can become shy if not properly socialized at a young age and may also have a propensity to bark, which will need to be controlled at a young age.
Statistics indicate that according to the 2017 American Kennel Club records, the inquisitive Löwchen is ranked 171st in popularity out of 202 registered breeds.
10 Facts of Löwchen
1. The breed name “Löwchen” is a French word meaning “little lion dog”.
2. The Löwchen is also known as the “Petit Chien Lion”.
3. For many years this breed was known as the “Lion Dog” and it was not until 1971 that the breed’s name was officially changed to “Löwchen”, the same year this dog received recognition from the Kennel Club.
4. A dog named “Littlecourt Emma” was the first Löwchen to acquire a championship title in Great Britain.
5. Native to France and Germany, this elegant little companion dog was fussed and fawned over by ladies of the court during pre-Renaissance times in Europe, when they groomed this dog to resemble a small lion. Even today, if you plan to show this dog, you need to cut it up to resemble a lion.
6. Historians theorize that this dog’s origins date back to the 16th century, when these dogs were depicted in prints, drawings, literature, tapestries, and paintings.
7. While this dog may be related to the Bichon frise, and its modern history can be traced, as they were often companions of the elite and wealthy population in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, the ancestors are believed to have From Löwchen came with travelers from Tibet who later interbred with local terrier and Spitz breeds.
8. Madame Bennerts (from Brussels), while searching for the ideal family pet, became interested in the Löwchen breed, and although she initially had not planned to become a breeder, at the end of WWII, she ended up starting a breeding program in an effort to help save the race from extinction.
In her determination to save the Löwchen, she began her research which eventually led to her finding two quality females, followed by locating a suitable male and these three dogs became the start of the Löwchen breed’s second chance with their first litter born in April 1948.
After Madame Bennerts became too weak to continue her breeding program, Dr. Hans Rickert took over her kennel in the early 1960s, at which point the “Von den Drei Lowen Kennel” was established, meaning “of the three lions”, which were Madame Bennerts’ original Player. Dr. Rickert continued to maintain his kennel and a litter produced in February 1964 became the world base for the Löwchen breed.
9. The Löwchen came to Great Britain in 1968, where a few years later (in 1971), they received recognition from the Kennel Club, after which they made their way to North America and the Löwchen Club of America was formed and named after the breed. it was officially changed. from “Lion Dog” to “Löwchen”.
10. Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1996, and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1995, the elegant and outgoing Löwchen is an intelligent companion with a friendly temperament.