Löwchen
Also called Little Lion Dog, Petit Chien Lion, Lowchen
From France (country of origin per FCI); the type has been known across Europe since at least the 16th century, and the German name means 'little lion'.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard gives about 6 kg for the breed; the ranges come from Wikipedia.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, silky, wavy single coat
A small, compact bichon-type dog with a long, wavy, silky coat that has no undercoat. For the show ring it wears the traditional lion clip: the hindquarters are clipped short while the mane, leg cuffs and tail plume are left natural.324
Personality what they are like
A cheerful, loving little companion that bonds closely with its family. It is playful and clever, adapts easily to new situations, and can settle down calmly when asked. Good with children and happiest with company around.324
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: up to about an hour of exercise a day.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs brushing more than once a week to keep the long coat free of tangles. The lion clip is traditional and required for showing; pet dogs are often kept in an easier trim.43
Home where they are happiest
Fits well in a town flat or a country home; a small to medium garden is plenty.4
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and prefers not to be left alone for long stretches.2
The story where it all began
Little lion-clipped dogs appear in European church carvings from the 13th century and in tapestries and paintings from the following centuries. The French breed club was set up in 1947, and the FCI accepted the breed in 1961. Numbers were once so low that it was counted among the rarest breeds in the world.312
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 233, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 Bichons and related breeds; recognised definitively on 30 October 1961; current standard 24 March 2004.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Toy Group; recognised in 1971.4
- AKC
- Non-Sporting Group; Miscellaneous Class 1996, fully recognised 1999.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Löwchen. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- Face foldsWipe and dry the skin foldsevery 2 days
- Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Löwchen, and at what times?
Feed your adult Löwchen at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and your vet for exact amounts.5
What should a Löwchen eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced dog food suitable for a small breed. Avoid dangerous foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for the best diet.6
How often should I bathe a Löwchen?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every four weeks. In general, bathe at least every three months, or more often if your Löwchen gets dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Löwchen need brushing?
Brush your Löwchen at least twice a week, but daily is ideal to prevent tangles in its long, silky coat. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every two days.437 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Löwchen's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or when you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, avoiding the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or groomer.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Löwchen need?
Your Löwchen needs about an hour of exercise daily, including walks and playtime. It adapts well to apartment living with a small garden.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Löwchen's teeth and ears?
Brush your Löwchen's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently wipe the outer ear; never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Löwchen live?
A Löwchen typically lives 14 to 18 years, bringing you many happy years of companionship.2
Is a Löwchen good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Löwchen is good with children and other pets when properly socialized. It is a cheerful, loving companion that bonds closely with its family.324
Can a Löwchen be left alone?
Löwchens are very people-oriented and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They are happiest with company around. If you must leave them, provide toys and consider a pet sitter.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Bichon Frise
Havanese
Coton de Tulear
BologneseLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Petit Chien Lion (233) fci.beused for recognition, origin
- Löwchen - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition dates, size ranges, lifespan, colours, history, fun facts
- FCI Standard No. 233 Little Lion Dog fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament, history, clip
- Lowchen (Little Lion Dog) - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, habitat
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- Löwchen - AKC akc.orgused for general description (checked)
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.