Lowchen

Origin & history

The Lowchen has been around western Europe since at least the Renaissance, turning up in paintings and tapestries from the 1500s, with France and Germany both laying claim to it. It was kept as a companion rather than a worker, a small lapdog favoured by ladies of the household, and the lion clip you still see today appears in old artworks. The breed very nearly disappeared in the mid-twentieth century and at one point was counted among the rarest dogs in the world, kept alive by a handful of dedicated European breeders who rebuilt the numbers from a tiny base. It remains uncommon everywhere, Australia included, where you will only find a few committed breeders. It belongs to the bichon family and is related to breeds like the Bichon Frise and the Havanese.

Temperament

This is an affectionate, even-tempered little dog that bonds closely with its family and is usually happy in the thick of household life. Lowchens are typically good with children who handle them gently and tend to get on with other dogs and with cats they are raised alongside. They are friendly rather than wary with visitors, so while one will bark to announce someone at the door, do not expect a serious guard dog. They are clever and respond well to reward-based training, which helps with the occasional stubborn streak. They are not especially independent and dislike being left for long stretches, which can lead to barking or clinginess if their need for company is ignored. Early socialisation and gentle, consistent handling bring out the best in them.

Appearance

A small dog, generally about 25 to 33 cm at the shoulder and roughly 4 to 8 kg, squarely built and a touch longer than tall. The coat is long, soft and slightly wavy, traditionally clipped in the lion pattern with a full mane and short hindquarters, though many pet owners keep it in an easier all-over trim. Almost any colour or combination is allowed, so you see white, black, cream, fawn and parti-colours. The head is fairly broad with a short muzzle, the eyes are round and dark, and the ears hang down well feathered. The tail is carried up and over the back when the dog is moving.

Suitability

Lowchens suit apartments and houses equally well, and their modest exercise needs make them a sensible choice for less active owners as well as busy families, provided someone is around for company. They are forgiving enough for a first-time owner who is prepared to keep up the grooming. They do not cope well with being left alone all day and are better suited to homes where someone is about for much of the time. The long coat carries heat, so in an Australian summer keep walks to the cooler parts of the day, make sure there is shade and water, and a shorter clip over the warmer months keeps a Lowchen far more comfortable.

Health

Lowchens often live to around 13 to 15 years and are a fairly sound little breed, but a few conditions are worth knowing. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of position, turns up in small breeds and this one is no exception. Two inherited eye problems are also seen, progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, and there is a DNA test for one form of PRA. Like most small dogs they are prone to dental crowding and gum disease, so tooth care matters across their life. Because the gene pool is small, choosing a breeder who tests is especially important. Ask to see eye certificates from a veterinary ophthalmologist, evidence of DNA testing for PRA where available, and patellar checks on the parents.