Löwchen
Also known as Petit chien lion, Bichon petit chien lion
- Height at the withers
- 26 to 32 cm
- Weight
- 4 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A lively, proud little dog with a long, silky, wavy coat and no undercoat, the Löwchen owes its name (“little lion dog”) to its traditional clip, which gives it the outline of a miniature lion, mane included. Very affectionate and obedient with its owners, attentive and at ease in any situation, it can stay calm and quiet when asked, which makes it an excellent city companion.
History and origins
Its outline can already be recognized in 13th-century sculptures in Amiens Cathedral, then in 15th-century tapestries. A favorite of the ladies of the Burgundian court, it often appears in 17th-century painting, and Buffon described it in the 18th century, already noting its rarity. Having become extremely rare by the mid-20th century, it was saved by a handful of European breeders, and the French breed club was founded in 1947. Classed by the FCI among the bichons and related breeds (standard no. 233), it remains very little known in France, with 17 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, wavy coat. Almost no shedding, high coat care. Coat colors: all colors and color combinations.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Löwchen FAQ
How big does the Löwchen get?
The Löwchen stands 26 to 32 cm at the withers and weighs 4 to 8 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Löwchen shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Löwchen live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Löwchen need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Löwchen good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Löwchen live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy.
