Lowchen: The Little Lion Dog with a Big Heart

Curious about a small dog with a big personality? Meet the Lowchen, often known as the “Little Lion Dog.” Although rare, this charming breed is making waves in Australia as a loving family companion. At Jordan Dog Training, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about this delightful breed, from its history and temperament to grooming needs and suitability for Australian lifestyles.

Why Choose a Lowchen as Your Family Dog in Australia?

The Lowchen, with its affectionate personality and hypoallergenic coat, is ideal for Australians looking for a smaller dog that fits well with an active family lifestyle or a quieter apartment setting. Known for their intelligence and friendly nature, Lowchens are adaptable, making them perfect for both city and suburban living. At Jordan Dog Training, we enjoy working with Lowchens for their eager-to-please attitude and quick learning abilities, which make training sessions enjoyable and rewarding.

Key Benefits of the Lowchen

  • Hypoallergenic coat
  • Loyal and affectionate personality
  • Easy to train and highly intelligent
  • Moderate exercise needs, perfect for Australian city and suburban life

History of the Lowchen in Australia

The Lowchen’s origins trace back to Europe, specifically France and Germany, where they were popular lapdogs among nobility. Renowned for their “lion trim” — a fluffy mane with a shaved back half — these little dogs were a favourite in Renaissance artwork. Although they were bred solely as companions, their loyalty and brave nature give them the spirit of a lion. In Australia, Lowchens are still a relatively rare breed but are gaining a following among those seeking a unique, devoted pet.

Physical Characteristics of the Lowchen

The Lowchen is a compact yet sturdy dog, typically weighing between 4–8 kg and standing around 25–33 cm at the shoulder. Their small size makes them perfect for both apartment living and larger homes. They have a luxurious, soft, and hypoallergenic coat, making them a great choice for Australians with allergies. Their distinctive lion clip — featuring a full mane and shaved back — highlights their lion-like appearance, while their expressive eyes give them a lively, intelligent look.

Lowchen Temperament and Personality

Lowchens are affectionate, intelligent, and often described as a big dog in a small dog’s body. They are friendly, playful, and have a gentle disposition that makes them wonderful companions for families, couples, and singles alike. Known for their loyalty, Lowchens bond deeply with their owners and thrive on attention. They are also good with children and other pets, making them a versatile addition to many households.

While they’re generally calm, Lowchens can be surprisingly brave and alert, often displaying a keen sense of awareness when something seems amiss. This combination of loyalty, intelligence, and bravery makes them a fantastic companion dog for various Australian households.

Training and Exercise Needs

The Lowchen is quick to learn and highly trainable, making it an excellent candidate for obedience training, trick training, and even agility. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy structured activities that engage their minds. Due to their moderate energy levels, Lowchens don’t need excessive exercise. A daily walk and some interactive playtime are usually enough to keep them mentally and physically fit.

Expert Insight from Jordan Dog Training

“At Jordan Dog Training, we’ve found Lowchens to be exceptionally attentive in our obedience classes. They respond especially well to positive reinforcement and love the mental engagement of learning new tricks. Their keen intelligence and loyalty make them a fantastic companion for Australian households,” says Justin, our lead trainer. “With the right guidance, Lowchens thrive in both obedience and agility activities, making them a fun and versatile breed to train.”

Living Conditions

The Lowchen is well-suited to Australian living, adapting easily to both apartments and homes with yards. They prefer to be indoors and close to their family members, as they can become anxious if left alone for long periods. Lowchens do best in households where they’re given plenty of attention, so they’re ideal for people who work from home or families who can provide consistent companionship.

Health and Lifespan

Lowchens are generally healthy, with an average lifespan of 12–15 years. In Australia, reputable breeders are working to maintain the breed’s health, though like many small dogs, Lowchens can be prone to certain genetic conditions, including hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. At Jordan Dog Training, we emphasise the importance of regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them at a healthy weight to support a long, healthy life.

Grooming Your Lowchen

The Lowchen’s coat requires regular care to keep it looking its best. They need brushing several times a week to prevent matting and tangling. Many Lowchen owners opt for a professional groom every few months to maintain the iconic lion clip, though a simple trim can also be maintained at home. Routine care, such as dental hygiene, ear cleaning, and nail trimming, is essential for their overall health.

Ideal Home for a Lowchen

If you’re seeking a loyal, intelligent, and relatively low-maintenance companion, the Lowchen could be a perfect fit. This breed thrives in homes where they’re given plenty of love and attention, whether with individuals, couples, or families. As affectionate and social dogs, Lowchens enjoy being involved in family activities, making them an excellent choice for those wanting a close companion.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Lowchen

Pros:

• Loyal and affectionate

• Great with kids and other pets

• Hypoallergenic coat

• Quick learners, easy to train

Cons:

• Requires regular grooming

• Needs plenty of companionship (doesn’t like being left alone for long)

• A rare breed, which may require time to find a reputable breeder

Lowchen Popularity in Australia

Though still a rare breed in Australia, Lowchens are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique looks, affectionate nature, and adaptability to various lifestyles. Many Australian families are drawn to the Lowchen’s hypoallergenic coat and moderate exercise needs, making it an ideal breed for both city and suburban living.

Should You Get a Lowchen?

If the Lowchen sounds like a good match for your lifestyle, we recommend speaking to registered breeders or adopting from reputable rescues. Registered breeders in Australia work to ensure Lowchens are well-socialised and free from genetic health issues, giving you peace of mind when bringing a Lowchen into your home.

Client Story: Leo the Lowchen in Brisbane

“One of our clients, Kate from Brisbane, describes her Lowchen, Leo, as the perfect companion for city life. She says, ‘Leo’s affectionate, always eager to learn new tricks, and is great with our kids. The team at Jordan Dog Training helped us with basic obedience and some fun tricks that Leo picked up so quickly. He’s truly the heart of our home!’”

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Lowchen to help you decide if this breed is right for you:

Is the Lowchen good with children?

Yes, the Lowchen is known for its gentle and friendly temperament, making it a great companion for children. With supervision, they can be fantastic playmates for kids due to their affectionate and tolerant nature.

How often does a Lowchen need grooming?

Regular grooming is essential for Lowchens. Brushing their coat a few times a week and scheduling professional grooming every couple of months will keep them looking and feeling their best.

Is the Lowchen hypoallergenic?

Yes, the Lowchen’s coat is hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for those with allergies.

Are Lowchens easy to train?

Yes, Lowchens are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, making them easy to train.

Contact Jordan Dog Training

If you’re considering adding a Lowchen to your family, or if you already have one and want to strengthen your bond through training, reach out to Jordan Dog Training. Our classes are designed specifically for small breeds like the Lowchen, with sessions aimed at obedience, socialisation, and building confidence in a supportive environment. [Contact us today for more details on our services across Brisbane.]

For more guidance on choosing and training the right dog for your family, Jordan Dog Training offers a range of services to support you and your pet.

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Justin Jordan Trainer

Justin Jordan

Master Trainer

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Phone (07) 3264 8180      Mobile: 0422 600 774       Email: justin@jordandogtraining.com.au