Löwchen Breed Guide for Adopters of Older Dogs
Löwchen overview
The Löwchen is a small companion breed that AKC places in the Non-Sporting Group. It was bred as a companion dog and is often nicknamed the little lion dog because of its traditional clip.
History of the Löwchen
UKC describes the Löwchen as a very old breed established in Europe in the 1500s, and says it began as a companion to ladies of the court who groomed it to resemble a little lion. AKC lists the breed's origin as unknown.
How big is a Löwchen?
AKC places the Löwchen in its small size category. AKC publishes a height of 12-14 inches and a weight of 15 pounds, while UKC gives a preferred height of 10 to 12 inches and an approximate weight of 13 pounds.
Löwchen temperament
AKC's temperament words for the breed are affectionate, outgoing and positive. UKC adds that it is alert, intelligent, lively and inquisitive. VCA says Löwchens crave lap time as well as play, and may bark in a way that mostly means they want to engage. VCA also notes that toddlers can be too rough or clumsy with pets. Because the breed was developed as a companion, it needs daily time with people and may suffer separation anxiety if left alone often.
Exercise and activity
VCA describes Löwchens as lively and ready to go when you are, yet satisfied by yard play or walks on leash.
Grooming a Löwchen
AKC lists the coat as long and wavy. According to VCA, shed hair tends to stay in the coat, but a Löwchen that is not brushed regularly will become uncomfortable. The traditional show clip leaves a mane over the front of the body while the hindquarters, parts of the legs and most of the tail are clipped.
Training
VCA describes the Löwchen as a willing, quick learner that can make a sharp obedience dog and an appealing therapy dog.
Health screening
VCA notes that patellar luxation can occur in small breeds and that eye problems occasionally appear, and advises asking about OFA and CERF clearance on the parents. AKC lists patella, hip and ophthalmologist evaluations as breed screenings for the Löwchen. Ask a veterinarian what screening makes sense for a particular dog.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Löwchen as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Non-Sporting Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1996
- Height (AKC published)
- 12-14 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 15 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 13-15 years
- AKC size category
- Small
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 2 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 4 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 8, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Lowchen | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 8, 2026
- Lowchen | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 8, 2026
- Löwchen - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
