|
|
|
| Lowchen (Little Lion Dog) |
|
|
The Lowchen breed profile is sponsored by www.PetWearUSA.com visit PetWear to custom design your Lowchen's next designer dog collar, leash or more and then let PetWear hand make it and then ship for free!
The happy Little Lion Dog of France likely shares a history with the other small companion breeds of that region, namely the Bichon Frise and the Bichon Havanais. With a characteristically silky coat (no undercoat) allowed in all color patterns and shown in a unique cut (the lion clip) the Lowchen ring is a lively sight at any show. It's popularity is skyrocketing despite its recent recognition in many countries and as such the "bad" breeders outnumber the good ones by a frightening ratio. This is a charming breed but definitely one that REQUIRES a great deal of research before choosing a puppy to buy. The breeders are simply too numerous and the majority operate unethically. Despite that, whether by rescue or a responsible breeder, the Lowchen is a delightful companion for the home able to take the time to guide them into happy adulthood. |
|
|
|
| General Information |
| Group(s):
Toy |
Height: 10-11 inches |
| Weight: 12-14 pounds |
Longevity: high teens |
| Colors: All colors and patterns are permitted. |
Coat type: Silky, long, wavy and dense without undercoat |
| Recognized Registries: FCI, CKC, ANKC, AKC, UKC, NCA, TKC and others |
| Overall Appearance: Shown exclusively in the lion clip (hair left natural over the front half of the body, feet and end of tail but clippered close elsewhere), the Lowchen is a lively small dog, moderate in bone and balance. |
 |
| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: high |
| General Nature: |
lively, alert, active and happy |
| |
with Children: It's fragile nature makes it a poor choice with small children. Requires close supervision to make sure the children are good with the dog. |
| |
with other pets: Generally very good. |
| |
with dogs: Generally very good. |
|
| Socialization requirements: High to help prevent aggression and shyness. |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that appreciates that confident nature and personality of this dog. It is not a wind up toy. |
| Temperament Notes: Given proper guidance, the Lowchen is happy, confident and an excellent companion. |
| Training requirement: Moderate: socialization and basic manners |
| Trainer notes: Like many dogs bred to be companions, the Lowchen thrives on positive attention and fair guidance. Training the Lowchen is simple because you always possess the reward they want most, your approval. Even so, depending on what you are teaching the bending down can become a bit of a strain on the knees. Other than that, it is easy to see why Lowchens already possess titles in many dogsports including Rally Obedience, Agility, Freestyle Obedience and other disciplines. |
|
| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: Probably the 13th century. |
| Country of Origin: France |
| Original Function: Companion |
| History: Prized by the royal ladies of Burgundy, the breed appears in tapestries and art of the period. |
|
| Adoption Information |
|
| Deviations from Standard: poor pigmentation, dentition issues, turned up nose, entropion, ectropion, tail curled to a ring |
| Health Notes: luxating patellas, heart problems, deafness, eye problems, hip dysplasia |
| Health Testing: CERF, BAER, OFA, |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Lowchen?
Why do you have Lowchen (show, performance, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Lowchen?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Lowchen?
How would you describe the ideal Lowchen home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training an Lowchen?
How do you assist or help Lowchen in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: Lowchen Club of America, Della Cialini, East Rochester, NY 14445, (585)385-1536, della_cialini@fairport.monroe.edu Above is the only information found on Lowchen Club of America Rescue and it wasn't even on their website
http://theyreallkeepers.com/lowchenid.html - Flyer discussing the identification of a Lowchen in rescue as well as rescue contact information
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/lowchens/rescue.htm - Lowchen Rescue in Australia |
|
|
| Other Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
