Wagglebase
Sign inRequest early access

Toy · Europe

Löwchen

A walker's guide to the Löwchen: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Small, 4 to 8 kgActiveLittle lion dogLow sheddingConfidentCompanion breed
Exercise a day45 min
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleBouncy, bright, sociable
With other dogsOutgoing and friendly

Overview

The Löwchen appears in European paintings going back centuries, usually clipped to resemble a lion with a mane and a plumed tail. It is a small, square, long-coated companion that was once one of the rarest breeds in the world and remains uncommon in the UK, where most are kept in a pet trim rather than the lion clip.

For a toy breed it is a robust and confident dog. Löwchens are outgoing, playful and not easily rattled, happy to greet strangers and dogs alike, and brighter than their fluffy appearance suggests. They are easy clients as long as the walk has some fun in it.

Exercise and walking needs

Forty-five minutes a day, split into two walks, keeps most Löwchens fit and cheerful. They will do more if invited and enjoy a brisk pace, but they are small and should not be marched for hours. A mix of walking, a few retrieves and some sniffing time is ideal.

The coat is single-layered and not very weatherproof. On cold wet days a coat helps, and a long walk in heavy rain is unkind.

Daily minimum45 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeYes, in safe spaces

On the walk

  • Recall: Usually good; the breed likes to stay close and enjoys the game of coming back. Reward it generously and it stays good.
  • Other dogs: Confident and sociable with dogs of all sizes, sometimes to the point of not realising how small it is. Watch out for it bouncing up to a large, unknown dog.
  • Lead: Light and easy. A harness protects the throat and the long coat around the neck.
  • Coat: Long hair collects mud, seeds and twigs. A quick comb-through of the legs and belly after the walk prevents mats.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Bring a small toy. Löwchens enjoy fetch and tug and it keeps them engaged on a routine route.
  2. Avoid deep mud and long wet grass in a full coat.
  3. Keep an eye on pavements in summer; small dogs are close to the heat.
  4. Let the dog greet people if it wants to; this is a breed that genuinely enjoys attention.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Is the dog in a show clip or a pet trim, and does the coat need anything after walks?
  • Any knee or eye issues to keep in mind with jumping and rough play?
  • Does the dog wear a coat in winter, and does it mind the rain?
Bichon FriseA cheerfulHavaneseCuba's smallBologneseA smallMalteseAn ancient white companion dog