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Lowchen
Lowchen
Origin
Germany
Size
Small Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
15º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
Top 5 Traits
Energetic
Intelligent
Loyal
Playful
Friendly
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,300 - ₹ 5,400
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 16 May 2025
A brief introduction to Lowchen dog breed, origin and temperament
Lawchen dogs, also popularly known as ‘Little Lion Dog’ are small-sized companion dogs. They belong to a non-sporting group of dogs and are originally meant to roam around and play.
Are you looking for more information about this dog breed? Then let us dive deep into their history and origin.
Origin and history of Lowchen dogs
While there are still debates about this breed’s origin, its name literally translates to ‘Lion’ in German. Still many historians think this was a breed that is also popular among noblewomen in France, Spain, Italy, Holland and Russia, hence, its origin or birthplace is still a debate. They come from the same lineage of breeds like Bichon Frise and Maltese. Hence, they are also believed to be from the Bichon family of dogs from the Mediterranean region. The art Renaissance helped to spot this breed and it hasn’t changed for at least 500 years now.
Now that we got a glimpse of the origin and history of Lowchens, let us now understand their temperament and physical traits of this dog breed.
Life expectancy of Lowchen dogs
Lowchen dogs generally live somewhere from 12 to 24 years. With good care, balanced diet, medical care, and physical exercise they can outlive their peers.
Traits and temperament of Lowchen dogs
Physical traits
- The adult Lowchens stand at 25-33cms height and weighs around 4-8 kgs
- They have a long silky coat and can come in any color or combinations.
Check the full breed standard given by the AKC.
Characteristics of Lowchen dog breed
- They have a friendly temperament and quite relaxed dog breeds that can be great lapdogs.
- They are happy, affectionate, and playful dogs and at times can be protective of their loved ones.
- Although the puppies are hyper-active, the adult dogs have a calm demeanor that makes them best pets for senior/aged pet parents.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
The price of Lowchen dogs
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
The average price of Lowchens can vary from ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 1,00,000 in India. The cost depends on factors like breeder, lineage, and health conditions.
Several factors should be considered while purchasing a puppy -
- The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
- Ask the Lowchen breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no in-breeding taking place.
- The cost of Lowchen puppies depends on many variables like ancestry, the possibility of show quality, and breeder reputation.
Adopt
There is another way to get a Lowchen puppy home, i.e. to Adopt
- Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
- Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.
Here are some of the breeds that are similar to Lowchen dogs -
Shih - Tzu | Maltese | Lhasa Apso | Havanese | Bichon Frise |
Prerequisites to pet a Lowchen
Access to Groomer
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Lifestyle Compatibility
Financial Capability
Now that you know what it takes to raise a Lowchen, are you ready to take the next step to get one home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if the dog breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Find reputable sources: Before buying a puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.
Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.
Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.
Prepare your home: It is your duty to make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.
Nutritional guide to Lowchen dog breed
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Calories per day
Puppies: 600 kcal
Adults: 300 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Fibre
Vitamins
Minerals
List of foods
Chicken
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Mutton
Home made meals
Vegetables
Let us have a detailed understanding of the nutrition requirement for Lowchens. Lowchen dogs are laid-back and relaxed dog breeds. They are often prone to obesity, so providing a balanced diet is the key.
- While deciding the amount of food for your dog, there are several factors that should be kept in mind like - age, size, activity level, spayed/ neutered, and individual health conditions.
- You need to consult your veterinarian. That will be your best bet to come up with a comprehensive diet plan for your dog.
- Their diet should contain protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fibres and minerals in an adequate quantity to support their overall development and well-being.
- Make sure the diet meets the AAFCO standards, that comprises all the necessary nutrients.
- Another important factor is providing an adequate amount of water to your dog. Keeping your dog hydrated helps regulate body temperature, lubricates joints, aids smooth digestion and overall organ functioning.
In the next section, we shall understand the food items that should be included in your dog’s diet.
Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
How to choose the right food for your Lowchen dog?
- Include protein sources in their diet which is found in chicken, lamb, and meat. This promotes muscle development and the immune system.
- Food items like salmon, flaxseeds, and sweet potatoes promote joint health in dogs.
- They need healthy fats in their diet like fish oil, and other vegetable oils in a balanced quantity to maintain shiny coat and skin health.
- Carbohydrates provide energy to carry out daily activities of your dog. This can be found in brown rice, barley, oats, millet, whole wheat and potatoes, but this should be fed in a balanced fashion as overfeeding leads to obesity.
- Vegetables like carrots, green beans, spinach, beetroots, and pumpkin provide minerals and vitamins.
- Whereas fruits like bananas, apples, blueberries, strawberries and watermelons provide anti-oxidants without any added sugar.
- However, it is best to consult a veterinarian before feeding any food items for your dogs.
Now we understand what are all the foods that can be fed to your Lowchen dogs, it is also your responsibility to know what are the foods that can cause potential damage to your dog’s health.
In the next section, we will look into all those foods that are harmful for dogs.
Food items that are harmful for your Lowchen
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Almonds
Avocados
Cherries
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Dairy
Fruit seeds
Garlic
Grapes
Lemon
Milk Products
Mushrooms
Onions
Salt
Sugar
- Avoid foods like chocolates, grapes, coffee/tea, onions, garlic, and avocados to your dog. This might cause severe damage to the digestive system and can be poisonous.
- Check the label of the dry food for animal-based proteins and avoid food with fillers, artificial preservatives, colors and odors.
- Avoid food items that contain high levels of sugar as this can lead to diabetes in dogs.
- Food items that have high-level fats such as highly processed meat and mutton as this leads to obesity in dogs.
- Food items that contain more salt content should be avoided to prevent potential long-term illness.
Healthcare Overview of Lowchen Dog Breed
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 900 - ₹ 1,800
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Canine distemper
Heartworm
Hip Dysplasia
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lyme disease
Parasites
Parvovirus
Well being
Exercise
Agility Training
Games
Socialization
Bonding
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 45 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Decreased play
Some of the common health issues found in Lowchen dogs
Lowchen dogs are generally a very healthy dog breed and less prone to diseases. However, Lowchen Club of America has recognized some of the commonly found health conditions in Lowchens that are listed here -
- Luxating Patella: This is a joint issue where the knee joint slipped out of the position. This is a common condition in small dogs. This can be treated by weight regulation, medications, joint supplements and physical therapy.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a common condition in dogs where the hip joint is underdeveloped and causes pain in joints. This leads to arthritis. It can be addressed by surgery in severe cases or medication in initial stages.
- Cataract: This occurs as the dogs age, there is a clouding in lens and eventually leads to blindness. This condition can be cured by surgery.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy(PRA): This is a genetic condition which causes gradual loss of sight in dogs. This does not have a definitive treatment, but can be prevented by not breeding with Lowchen with this condition.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus
10-12 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
12-16 Weeks
Rabies
14-16 Weeks
Second DHPP, Leptospirosis
Annually
DHPP Booster, Rabies Booster, Leptospirosis Booster
Guidelines to care for senior Lowchen dogs
Here is a simple yet effective guide that can help you care for your senior dog -
- Regular vet check-ups: As they age their medical needs also change. Hence, take them to regular vet check-ups to ensure overall health and detect any conditions at an early stage.
- Balanced diet: This is a very essential requirement as their food needs also change. Design a diet with vet consultation to provide overall nutrition.
- Physical exercise: Even though Lowchens are relaxed dogs, they still need regular exercise to maintain health and avoid obesity. But be mindful not to over-excert them as that can cause joint pain.
- Comfortable place: Their stamina decreases as they age, so make sure you provide a comfortable place for them to stay with access to all the things that they need.
- Mental stimulation: This factor is often neglected by pet parents, but your dog needs mental stimulation and positive reinforcement as their stamina reduces once they age. Hence keep them socialized, engage them with interactive toys and puzzles.
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Grooming Guide for Lowchen Dog Breed
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
Low Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Nail Trimming
Teeth Care
Ear Cleaning
Eye Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Prevents infections
Quality of life
Low Shedding
Even though Lowchen dogs have long, dense coats they are relatively low-shedding dogs and hence, they are low-maintenance. Below are few grooming tips that can help you in grooming your dog -
- Brushing: Regular brushing can prevent matting of fur and help maintain a shiny coat.
- Bath: It is recommended by the groomers to give them a bath once a month or more often depending on their activity level.
- Ear cleaning: They have flappy ears and the chances of dirt and debris accumulation is high. So, clean their ears regularly with vet-recommended cleansing liquid.
- Dental care: Clean their teeth with specialized toothpastes for dogs and do not use human toothpaste as they can be poisonous to them.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lowchens be trained to perform tricks or agility activities?
Yes, Lowchens are intelligent and enjoy learning new tasks. They can excel in obedience training, agility courses, and even participate in dog sports with proper training and encouragement.
How should I introduce a new Lowchen to my home with existing pets?
Introduce your Lowchen to existing pets gradually in a neutral environment. Supervise their interactions and give each pet their space initially. Positive reinforcement for good behavior helps them adjust and bond over time.
How much exercise does a Lowchen need?
A Lowchen requires about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day. This can include walks, playtime, and agility training to keep them healthy and happy.
