Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)
Male: 5-8 kg, Female: 4-7 kg
26-32 cm at the shoulder
13-15 years
France
About the Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)
The Lowchen, or 'Little Lion Dog', is a charming and robust companion breed that has been a fixture of European royal courts since at least the 16th century. Despite its diminutive size, the breed is known for its outgoing and brave personality, often behaving more like a large dog than a typical lapdog. Its most striking feature is the traditional 'Lion Clip', where the hindquarters are shaved to resemble the king of beasts, a style historically maintained to provide warmth to their owners while acting as 'hot water bottles' in drafty castles. In a modern home, the Lowchen is a versatile and highly adaptable family member. They are exceptionally intelligent and thrive on human companionship, often forming very close bonds with their owners. While they are elegant enough for the show ring, they are equally at home on a hike or participating in agility trials. Their lack of an undercoat makes them a popular choice for those sensitive to shedding, though their long, silky hair requires consistent maintenance to remain in peak condition.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
The Lowchen presents a silhouette of balanced elegance and strength, moving with a proud, free-striding gait that exudes a cheerful confidence. In the ring, the breed is defined by its distinctive 'Lion Clip' which must show a short, dense coat on the hindquarters contrasting with the long, flowing mane on the forequarters. Their large, dark, expressive eyes convey a depth of intelligence and affection that is uniquely captivating.
In Australia
In 1976, the Lowchen was imported from the United Kingdom, as recorded by the Shih Tzu Club of Victoria and the National Dog Annual.
Bred For
Companion dog and lapdog, traditionally kept by European nobility.
Temperament
Affectionate, intelligent, lively, and fearless without being aggressive.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
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Exercise Needs
Moderate; approximately 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity including walks and interactive play.
Grooming Needs
High; requires regular brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for the traditional 'Lion Clip'.
Living Suitability
Excellent for apartment living or small homes; they are very adaptable to indoor environments as long as daily walks are provided.
Good with Kids
Very good with children; they are sturdy and playful, though supervision is recommended with very young toddlers due to the dog's small size.
Good with Other Pets
Generally excellent; they tend to get along well with other dogs and can live harmoniously with cats when properly socialized.
Trainability
High; they are quick learners and eager to please, though they can occasionally display a playful independent streak.
Coat & Colours
Long, silky, wavy, and single-layered (no undercoat).. All colors and combinations of colors are permitted under the breed standard.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
While the Lowchen is a hardy breed, they are more likely to experience dental disease and overcrowded teeth due to their small jaw size—this doesn't mean every dog will, but daily dental care or raw meaty bones are highly beneficial. They can be predisposed to luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), so keeping them at a healthy weight is vital to reduce joint stress. Their coat is prone to matting if daily brushing is neglected, requiring a dedicated grooming routine. As a devoted companion breed, they are more likely to develop separation anxiety if left alone for very long periods, but they thrive when they can participate in daily family life. They can be alert barkers, noticing every passerby, though this is easily managed with consistent positive reinforcement training. Some Lowchens are predisposed to tear staining around the eyes, which can be managed with a fresh, additive-free diet and regular cleaning of the eye area.
Feeding Guide for Your Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)
Healthy Weight
4-8 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
120-240 grams
For an adult Lowchen, a fresh or raw food diet should consist of approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. For a typical 6 kg adult, this equates to roughly 120-180 grams per day, split into two meals. Puppies and highly active adults may require closer to 4% to support growth and energy levels.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, nutrient-dense diet rich in lean proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids to support coat health and metabolic needs.
A balanced raw diet for a Lowchen should focus on lean proteins available from Majestik Pet Food such as Kangaroo or Chicken to maintain a lean body condition. Include a 10% organ meat ratio (liver and kidney) and 10% edible bone (like chicken necks or wings) to support dental health. Small portions of pureed green vegetables provide essential fiber and phytonutrients without adding excessive calories.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Lowchen (Little Lion Dog) Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
3-6 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.