The Lowchen Short Hair is a fantastic breed for families with kids, as they are known to be gentle and affectionate.
They are relatively small in size, weighing between 8-15 pounds and standing about 13-15 inches tall.
Lowchen Short Hair dogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy families.
This breed is generally healthy, with a lifespan of 14-16 years, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as eye problems and patellar luxation.
Löwchen Temperament & Intelligence
The Löwchen temperament is truly one-of-a-kind. They're always happy and don't seem to be scared of anything.
These dogs are incredibly easygoing and friendly, making them a perfect fit for families or individuals who want a low-maintenance companion. They're adaptable and can thrive in various living situations.
The Löwchen is of average intelligence, but what they lack in book smarts, they make up for in loyalty and a willingness to please their owners. They adore their people and will go to great lengths to make them happy.
Early socialization is crucial for Löwchen, as they can be protective of their loved ones. This means exposing them to new people, places, and experiences from an early age to help them develop good social skills.
Their alert nature means they're always aware of their surroundings, which can sometimes manifest as barking at the slightest noise. With proper training, however, they can learn to control this tendency and become a well-behaved companion.
Suitability and Care
Löwchen make amazing family dogs, scoring perfectly in friendliness and affection. They get very attached to their families and adore their owners.
Löwchen are great with kids of all ages, including small children, and will easily fit into large households or busy homes. They'll often put themselves right in the middle of the action.
To keep your Löwchen happy and healthy, it's essential to watch her diet, ensure she gets plenty of exercise, and regularly brush her teeth and coat.
Suitability of Dogs for Families
Löwchen makes amazing family dogs, scoring perfectly in friendliness and affection. They get very attached to their families and absolutely adore their owners.
Löwchen get along well with kids of all ages, including small children. They'll easily fit into large households or busy homes and will usually put themselves right in the middle of the action.
There are very few families where a Löwchen would not fit in some capacity, making them a great addition to many households.
At Home Care
At home care is essential for keeping your Löwchen happy and healthy. Much of what you can do is common sense.
Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise. Regularly brush her teeth and coat to prevent dental and skin issues.
Call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her.
Signing up for pet health insurance is crucial to cover medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life.
Health and Wellness
The Lowchen's health is a top priority, and with good reason. They are considered to be very healthy dogs with generous lifespans.
One thing to be aware of is hip dysplasia, which can be a concern, but a responsible breeder should be able to remove it through careful breeding. Progressive retinal atrophy can cause vision problems in older Lowchen, but it doesn't affect them in the same way it does a human.
Luxating patella and cataracts are also potential issues, but they can be managed with proper care. Brushing your dog's teeth daily can even prevent periodontal disease.
Here are some common health concerns for Lowchen:
- Luxating patella
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hip dysplasia
It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who is transparent about the breed's health issues and can provide health guarantees for their puppies.
Health and Conditions
Löwchen are considered to be very healthy dogs with generous lifespans, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. They do not suffer from any major or concerning health conditions, but hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy are potential concerns.
A responsible breeder can remove hip dysplasia through careful breeding, but progressive retinal atrophy can cause vision problems in older Löwchen. Hampered vision does not affect them in the same way it does a human, but it's still something to be aware of.
Luxating patella, also known as kneecap issues, is a minor knee problem that can occur in Löwchen. It's not a major concern, but it's something to keep an eye out for.
Cataracts are another potential issue that can affect Löwchen, but overall, the breed is very healthy and can live a long and healthy life with proper care.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Löwchen:
- Luxating patella (minor knee issue)
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy (can cause vision problems in older Löwchen)
- Hip dysplasia (can be removed through careful breeding)
If you're considering bringing a Löwchen into your family, be sure to ask the breeder about the health of the parents and look for certifications such as OFA patella certifications and certification free of eye disease by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
The Löwchen Remains Unchanged
The Löwchen has looked the same for 500 years, with their appearance remaining unchanged in over five centuries.
This is evident in Renaissance paintings from over 500 years ago that feature Löwchen dogs, which look identical to how they look today.
A Unique Breed
The Lowchen Short Hair is a one-of-a-kind breed.
They originated in Europe, specifically in Germany and France, where they were bred as ratters and companions.
Their name "Lowchen" literally means "little lion" in German, which suits their bold and confident personality.
Lowchen Short Hair dogs are known for their distinctive beard and mustache, which require regular grooming to prevent matting.
Their short coat is easy to maintain, but they still need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.
Lowchen Short Hair dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
They are generally quiet and don't bark much, but they do make great watchdogs due to their alert and protective nature.
Pet Ownership
Pet ownership can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the needs of your furry friend.
Lowchen short hair dogs are adaptable to apartment living due to their calm nature and moderate energy level.
They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a must-have for any pet owner, especially if you have a purebred dog like the Lowchen. Pet insurance for Lowchen costs more than for mixed breed dogs.
Lowchen are more likely to make claims for hereditary conditions that are expensive to treat. This is why it's essential to get pet insurance for your Lowchen when they're still a healthy puppy.
The best time to get pet insurance for your Lowchen is when they're a healthy puppy. You can't predict what will happen in the future, and pet insurance is the one thing you can't get when you need it the most.
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Tips for Bringing Home a Healthy Puppy
Getting a new puppy is a thrilling experience, but it's essential to bring home a healthy one to ensure a happy and healthy life for both you and your furry friend. Find a good breeder who will match you with the right puppy, and will have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible.
You can get a referral to a breeder by visiting the website of the Lowchen Club of America. Don't purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed.
Consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter or a rescue group, as many health and behavior problems in Lowchen aren't apparent in puppyhood. Lowchen can live as long as 17 years, so an adult dog will still be a part of your family for a long time.
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Take your new puppy to your veterinarian soon after adoption, and ask your vet to spot any visible problems and set up a preventive regimen. Ask specifically about dental care, as most toy breeds suffer from dental problems, and get tips on dealing with tear staining.
Make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides.
Pet Compatibility
Pet Compatibility is a crucial aspect of pet ownership. Löwchen are very friendly and get along with almost any other pet.
They don't have strong prey drives, which means they're not likely to chase or harass other animals. This makes them a great addition to multi-pet households.
Some Löwchen can be attached to their owners, which can lead to jealousy or possessiveness in multi-dog households. However, they're rarely aggressive or ornery.
Overall, Löwchen are a great choice for families with multiple pets.
Sources
- Löwchen Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Löwchen Dog: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care (dogster.com)
- Lowchen (Little Lion Dog) Breed Information (purina.co.nz)
- Lowchen Club of America (thelowchenclubofamerica.org)
- referral to a breeder (thelowchenclubofamerica.org)
- Lowchen - Breed Info - Johnson Creek Veterinary Care (johnsoncreekveterinarycare.com)
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