Live Life Team
This dog, which translates as “Little Lion,” is an old German breed and one of the rarest dogs in the world. Less than 100 registrations are made each year.
Records of the HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%B6wchen” Lowchen go back to the early 16th century. They are seen in many European art works from this period. However, many dogs were trimmed into a “lion cut” before painting, so these may not all have been Lowchens.
The dog is thought to be related to the Bichon Frise, which is very similar in appearance. However, whether the Lowchen developed from this breed or from the same foundation stock is unclear. They were bred to be court lap dogs and were owned mainly by nobility.
By the late 19th century, Lowchen dogs were popular across Europe with the main kennels being in HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany” o “Germany”Germany, France, and Belgium. However, the Bichon overtook it in popularity, and the two World Wars further decimated the population. The dog remains a rare breed today.
The Lowchen resembles the Bichon Frise and is shown in a similar way with its hair shaved into a lion cut. It is of toy dog proportions with a compact shape and light musculature. The hair is extremely long and silky and covers the entire body.
The most striking aspect of the breed is its head, which is broad and short in the muzzle, giving the dog a lion-like appearance that is enhanced by its show ring cut. The dog has bright expressive eyes and a friendly personality. It makes an excellent pet.
