Small lion dog

Breed Description

The Little Lion Dog, or LГ¶wchen, has a rich history that dates back to medieval Europe. Its origins are believed to be linked to the territories of Germany and France, where it was bred as a decorative breed symbolizing luxury and sophistication. The first mentions of dogs resembling the LГ¶wchen appear in 16th-century art and literature, where they are depicted in portraits of nobility, sitting at their owners’ feet or in the arms of ladies. The LГ¶wchen was a favored companion of European aristocracy due to its unusual appearance, reminiscent of a miniature lion, and its friendly nature. The name “Little Lion Dog” is connected to its distinctive grooming style, which emphasized its resemblance to a regal lion. This grooming, where the hindquarters were kept short while the front remained long-coated, was seen as a symbol of bravery, wealth, and refined taste. LГ¶wchens often adorned the homes of the affluent, and their well-groomed appearance highlighted the owners’ status. However, the breed was not only admired for its beauty; it also served as a useful companion, helping to warm its owners’ hands or knees, acting as a kind of “living heater,” which wa

Breed Description

The Lowchen, or “little lion dog,” has a rich history that dates back to Medieval Europe. Its origins are believed to be linked to the regions of Germany and France, where it was developed as a decorative breed symbolizing luxury and sophistication. The earliest mentions of dogs resembling the Lowchen appear in art and literature from the 16th century, depicting them in portraits of nobility, sitting at their owners’ feet or in the arms of ladies. The Lowchen was a favored companion of European aristocracy, thanks to its unique appearance that is reminiscent of a miniature lion and its friendly nature.

The name “little lion dog” is associated with its characteristic haircut, which emphasized its resemblance to a regal lion. This grooming style, where the rear of the body is kept short while the front retains long fur, was seen as a symbol of courage, wealth, and refined taste. Lowchens often adorned wealthy homes, and their groomed appearance highlighted the status of their owners. However, the breed was not just admired for its beauty; it also served as a useful companion, warming its owners’ hands or laps, acting as a kind of “living hot water bottle,” which was especially valued in cold castles.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the breed’s popularity somewhat declined, particularly after the emergence of trends favoring other decorative breeds. Nonetheless, true enthusiasts continued to breed Lowchens, passing down traditions from generation to generation. In the 20th century, the breed faced the threat of extinction, and by the middle of the century, its numbers had dwindled to a critical minimum. However, thanks to the efforts of breeders, especially from France and Germany, active work began to revive the breed. Purposeful breeding programs played a significant role in this process, restoring its numbers and preserving the unique appearance of the Lowchen.

Today, the Lowchen is valued for its historical heritage, refined appearance, and affectionate character. It remains a symbol of nobility and elegance, reminding us of its role in the life of European aristocracy. The Lowchen continues to be a rare breed that enchants with its loyalty, intelligence, and stunning looks, making it an ideal companion for those who appreciate beauty and a rich history.

The price for a puppy ranges from 180,000 to 220,000 rubles.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the small lion dog is proportional and expressive, with a broad, slightly convex skull. The forehead smoothly transitions into a short and neat muzzle. The expression of the head is lively and friendly, emphasizing the breed's aristocratic appearance.

Морда

The muzzle is short and rectangular in shape, with a well-defined chin. The nose is black, medium-sized, and has open nostrils. The lips are tightly sealed, dry, and without sagging, which maintains an overall neat appearance. The muzzle emphasizes the elegance and gentleness of the dog.

Уши

Medium-sized, floppy ears that are set high and close to the head. They are covered with long, dense fur, giving the dog an elegant appearance. The ears move according to the dog's mood, adding liveliness to its look.

Глаза

The eyes are large, round, and symmetrically placed. They are dark, shiny, and have an expressive, gentle gaze. Due to their shape and size, the eyes give the dog a friendly and intelligent expression.

Зубы

The teeth are strong, with a proper scissor bite. The jaws are strong despite the dog's small size. Regular dental care, including brushing, helps maintain oral health.

Корпус

The body is compact and harmoniously built with a square format. The chest is deep, and the ribs are well-arched, giving the dog strength and endurance. The back is straight, smoothly transitioning into a slightly rounded hindquarters, highlighting the elegant lines of the body.

Конечности

The limbs are straight, strong, and have well-developed joints. The front legs are parallel, while the hind legs have moderate angles at the joints, which ensures a smooth and confident gait. The paws are compact, oval-shaped, with tightly closed toes and firm pads.

Хвост

The tail is set high, of medium size, covered with long fur. When relaxed, it may be lowered, but more often it is elegantly curled and lies on the back, emphasizing the dog’s liveliness and cheerful disposition.

Шерсть

The coat is long, soft, thick, and without an undercoat. It has a silky texture and evenly covers the entire body, creating the breed's characteristic appearance. Special attention is given to the grooming, which highlights the lion-like look of the dog.

Окрас

The coat of the small lion dog can be diverse: white, black, cream, red, as well as combinations of these colors. All color options harmoniously emphasize its elegant and well-groomed appearance.

Appearance

The LГ¶wchen, or Little Lion Dog, is an elegant and compact breed that immediately draws attention with its unusual appearance, resembling a miniature lion. Its body is proportionate, with harmonious lines that emphasize grace and sophistication. The coat is long, soft, and dense, allowing for a distinctive cut, leaving the rear of the body closely trimmed while the front features long, flowing hair that resembles a lion’s mane. This haircut is the breed’s hallmark, highlighting its aristocratic look.

The LГ¶wchen has an expressive gaze, thanks to its large dark eyes, which give its face a friendly and intelligent expression. Its long ears, covered with thick fur, add softness and refinement to its appearance. The tail is generally carried high and elegantly curled, underscoring the dog’s cheerful character. The LГ¶wchen has a light and graceful gait that reflects its energy and confidence.

The average height of the Löwchen is 25-33 cm at the withers, and its weight ranges from 4 to 8 kg, making it light and suitable for urban apartment living. Despite its small size, the Löwchen remains a hardy and active breed. The average lifespan of these dogs is 12-14 years, and they retain their playfulness and cheerfulness even in later years. The appearance of the Löwchen perfectly complements its friendly and affectionate nature, making it an ideal companion.

Character

The Petit Basset Griffon VendГ©en, or LГ¶wchen, is known for its friendly, playful, and sociable nature. This true family dog loves to be the center of attention and actively participates in the lives of its owners. The LГ¶wchen is incredibly loyal to its owners, easily forming a close emotional bond with them, often following them around the house like a shadow. Its cheerful disposition and curiosity make it an excellent companion for families with children, as it enjoys playing and quickly adapts to the family’s rhythm of life.

These dogs are highly intelligent, making them easy to train and responsive. They strive to please their owner and willingly follow commands and participate in training, especially when the process is conducted in a positive atmosphere. The LГ¶wchen loves interaction and active play, but also appreciates cozy moments spent simply resting beside its owner. It is adaptable and sensitive, understanding people’s moods well and able to adjust accordingly.

The Löwchen is not aggressive and shows friendliness to everyone, including strangers, which makes it a poor guard dog but a great companion. However, it may bark if it notices something unusual, demonstrating its alertness. These dogs get along well with other animals and usually find common ground quickly, thanks to their sociable and calm nature.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen does not handle loneliness well, as it is very attached to its family. Prolonged absence of its owners can lead to anxiety, so it requires attention and care. The Löwchen loves stability and comfort, preferring to spend time in a cozy home environment. However, it also enjoys active walks and even short trips to nature where it can express its playfulness and energy. This gentle, friendly, and intelligent pet is perfect for those seeking a faithful and cheerful friend.

Care and Maintenance

The Löwchen, or Little Lion Dog, requires special care that highlights its elegant appearance and maintains its health. The main focus should be on its long, soft coat. The coat needs to be brushed several times a week to avoid matting and to maintain its shine. If the dog has a traditional lion cut, it is important to regularly refresh it to keep the coat neat and in line with breed standards. It is recommended to bathe the Löwchen as needed, using a mild shampoo to avoid drying out the skin.

The eyes and ears of the Löwchen require regular inspection and cleaning. Its large, expressive eyes are prone to tearing, so they should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth or special products to avoid irritation. Its ears, covered in thick fur, can accumulate dirt, increasing the risk of infections, so they should be cleaned regularly and monitored for health.

The teeth of the Löwchen also need attention, as the breed is predisposed to tartar buildup. Regular tooth brushing and the use of special chewing toys will help maintain their health.

The Löwchen requires moderate physical activity. Daily walks and active play indoors or outdoors are sufficient to meet its exercise needs. It loves attention and enjoys participating in family activities, relishing affection and interaction with people. These dogs do not cope well with loneliness and need close contact with their owners. If left alone for extended periods, a Löwchen may experience anxiety and boredom, negatively affecting its behavior.

This breed does not respond well to rough handling or shouting, as it has a sensitive nature. The Löwchen appreciates respectful treatment and stability in its environment. It is also not overly active and thrives in a calm home setting. Proper coat care, regular health attention, and ample affection will ensure the Löwchen remains a happy and healthy companion, always eager to show its affection and playfulness.

Training and Education

The Löwchen, or little lion dog, is known for its intelligence and eagerness to learn, making the training process enjoyable and productive. They adore attention and strive to please their owner, so positive reinforcement works best in training. Löwchens quickly grasp commands, particularly when learning is presented in a playful manner, accompanied by praise, treats, and affection. These dogs do not respond well to harsh methods or punishment, as they have sensitive temperaments. Rudeness can diminish their trust and interest in learning.

It’s best to start training at an early age to lay the groundwork for obedience and socialization. LГ¶wchens need clear rules, but it’s important to remember that they possess an independent mind and can sometimes be a bit stubborn. Patience, consistency, and variety in training will help maintain the dog’s interest and achieve good results. LГ¶wchens enjoy mental challenges, so incorporating elements of complex tricks or games can help stimulate their intellect.

These dogs choose an owner who shows them attention, care, and emotional warmth. A LГ¶wchen bonds with the person who spends the most time with them and demonstrates respect. They respond best to a confident and calm individual who creates a comfortable and predictable environment for them. It’s essential for the owner to be patient and willing to devote time to training, as LГ¶wchens thrive on active interaction.

The LГ¶wchen is ideal for those seeking a smart and sociable companion. They get along well with children and adults if they sense a friendly attitude. This breed is oriented toward emotional connection, so they respond well to those who demonstrate care and attention. With the right approach, a LГ¶wchen can become a obedient, playful, and incredibly loyal pet that happily participates in all aspects of their owner’s life. Zoonika unites certified breeders offering puppies with excellent pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

When choosing a puppy of the Löwchen breed, it is important to approach the process carefully to ensure that the dog grows healthy and meets breed standards. Start by looking for a reputable kennel that specializes in breeding Löwchen and can provide all necessary information about the puppies and their parents. The breeder should be willing to show the living conditions of the dogs, their socialization, and health. The puppies should be in a clean, cozy environment, and be active and friendly.

Pay attention to the appearance and behavior of the puppy. A healthy puppy has clean, soft fur, clear eyes without discharge, clean ears, and tidy paws. The puppy should be curious, playful, and not overly shy or aggressive. Try to observe its reaction to new people and sounds- a balanced puppy will show interest and mild caution, but not fearfulness.

Documents that need to be verified include the puppy’s registration form, which confirms its lineage and adherence to breed standard. This document can later be exchanged for a pedigree. Ensure that the puppy’s parents have pedigrees mentioning several generations of ancestors, as well as show evaluations confirming their breed qualities. The breeder should provide health information about the parents, including tests for genetic diseases typical for the breed.

The puppy’s veterinary passport should contain records of initial vaccinations, deworming, and parasite treatment. This confirms that the puppy has been properly cared for and is ready to move to a new home. Ask the breeder about the puppy’s diet, feeding schedule, and care recommendations for the first months of life.

A responsible breeder will be ready to answer all your questions, show you the puppy’s parents, and give advice on helping the puppy adapt to its new home. Choosing a puppy with attention to its health, appearance, and behavior ensures that it will grow into a full-fledged representative of the breed, becoming a wonderful companion and beloved family member. Zoosoffers attractive deals-depending on the breed and pedigree.