Löwchen    Questions About the Lowchen? Click Here for the Kennel.com Forum! Description: Löwchen are happy, extremely loyal and very affectionate which leaves little doubt as to why this breed makes such a wonderful companion. Their exact origin is up for debate, however, small dogs with the Löwchen's characteristic 'lion trim' can be found in works of art from the 15th century therefore giving an idea of how long these charming dogs have been in existence. Löwchen were very popular with royalty and common people alike. It was unfortunate WWII nearly wiped out their existence, however they were eventually revived by devoted breeders and Löwchen fanciers worldwide. In 1960, Löwchen earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as "Rarest Breed of Dog". The Löwchen Club of America was founded in 1972. The breed's registration was approved by the AKC in 1995 in the Miscellaneous Class and fully recognized in the Non-Sporting Group in 1999. Height: The height for a Löwchen is 10-13 inches (25-33 cm). Weight: Löwchen weigh 9-18 pounds (4-8 kg). Coat Type: The Löwchen has a silky, wavy, long and flowing. Although the Löwchen breed has a single coat, he has thicker guard hairs mixed in with finer, softer hairs. To keep the coat in good condition, thoroughly brush and comb it at least once a week. The Löwchen is non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Color: According to AKC Standard for the Löwchen, All colors and color combinations are acceptable, with no preference given to any. Temperament: Löwchen are great companion and family dogs. They're affectionate, playful, cheerful and very good with children. Löwchen are intelligent, eager to learn and happy to please its master making training relatively easy with this breed. Although small in size, they are fearless and will certainly defend. Barking can be problematic, but this behavior should corrected through training when the Löwchen is a puppy. Some Löwchen are diggers. These dogs love exercise and should be taken for daily walks in addition to play time. Health Problems: Löwchen are generally a very healthy breed. Some health issues include: cataracts, PRA and patella luxation. Life expectancy for the Löwchen is between 12 - 14 years, however, some are known to have lived up to the age of 17. Special Interests: • The Löwchen Club of America was originally named the Little Lion Club of America. It was founded in 1971 by Charles and Jane Cook and Robert and Carol Yhlen. • The Löwchen was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club on January 1, 1999. • Löwchen are considered a rare breed making them difficult to find. In 1960, the breed was named "Rarest Breed of Dog" in the Guinness Book of World Records. • Löwchen means "little lion" in German. Classifications: AKC: Non Sporting Group ANKC: Group 1 - Toys CKC: Group 6 - Non Sporting FCI: Group 9 - Companion & Toy Dogs Section 1 KC: Toys NZKC: Toys UKC: Companion Breeds