Non-Sporting group
Löwchen
The “little lion dog” — a playful, affectionate companion with a regal haircut.
Löwchen are small, lively companion dogs traditionally clipped to look like tiny lions. They are affectionate, outgoing and adaptable, with a low-shedding coat and a love of company.
- Height
- 12–14 in30–36 cm
- Weight
- 12–18 lb5–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–15 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Origin
- Western Europe (Germany and France)
Coat: Long, wavy, soft single coat, traditionally in a lion clip. Colours: Any colour or combination.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Löwchen are cheerful, friendly and devoted to their families. They are usually good with children and other pets and enjoy being included in everything.
They are alert and can be vocal, sometimes barking at passers-by from windows. They dislike being left alone.
Living with a Löwchen
Exercise
About 30–45 minutes of walks and play daily. Adaptable to apartment living.
Grooming
Brush a few times a week; the traditional lion clip or a pet trim needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks.
Training
Bright and eager; reward-based training works well. Teach a quiet cue.
Kids & other pets
Good with children and other pets, though some Löwchen try to boss much bigger dogs. Supervise play with toddlers.
Time alone
Löwchen prefer company and may bark or become anxious if left alone for long periods.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Löwchen right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Löwchen matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Löwchen typically lives 13–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Inherited vision loss; annual eye exams are recommended.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occur in small breeds.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Löwchen; Löwchen Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Small dogs with lion clips appear in European paintings and tapestries from the Renaissance. Löwchen were fashionable companions for noblewomen, reputedly used as foot warmers.
By the 1960s the breed was among the rarest in the world. Dedicated breeders revived it, and the AKC recognised the Löwchen in 1999.
Did you know?
- “Löwchen” means “little lion” in German.
- In 1973 Guinness listed the Löwchen as the rarest breed in the world.
- Löwchen appear in paintings by Goya and Dürer.
Library guides for Löwchen owners
Grooming
Brushing
Löwchen coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Löwchen without drying out the coat.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Löwchen.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Löwchen breeder about health screening.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Löwchen hypoallergenic?
- No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Löwchen shed very little.
- Are Löwchen good family dogs?
- Yes — they are affectionate and good with children.
- Does a Löwchen need the lion clip?
- No; many pet Löwchen wear a simple all-over trim.