Lowchen

Even though this dog is a relative to the Bichon Frise, its history still remains obscure. This little creature, also known as the “lion dog” is seen in quite a lot of art pieces that feature dogs’ right since as early as the 1500s. But it is still not clear if these featured dogs are Lowchens or just Bichon Frises trimmed into a lion cut. This breed dates way back into the history. However, the modern sources of this breed come from the country of France, Germany and Belgium. They are said to have originally originated from the country of Russia.

These dogs are quite small in size, lively and bright. They have a well balanced body which is very compact. They have a relatively short but yet a broad top skull and a similar muzzle. They have a long flowing mane. These dogs have great style due to their positive outgoing attitude combined with their quintessential features. They ideally grow up to the height f 12 to 14 inches at the withers, any dog or a bitch that is lower than these measurements are considered to be faulted. Their body when properly balanced is just off the square. Their length is a little larger when compared to their height. They are strong and sturdy but rarely coarse. Their main characteristic feature is their head. They have a bright expression which is also alert and lively.

They have eyes that are quite well set into their skull. They are quite large, round in shape and somewhat dark colored that are set wide apart and are forward looking. They have pigmented eye rims. Their ears are pendant and moderate in length. They are set slightly above the eyes and fringed. They have a broad back skull which has a moderate stop. They have a muzzle that is of equal length to their back skull and is relatively broad. Their nose is dark and is completely pigmented. This pigment may be of black or brown color.

They have tight lips with the same color as that of the nose. They have well spaced, large set of teeth. They have a good length neck which is slightly arched and fits smoothly into their top line and shoulders. They carry their head high while walking. They have strong and short loin. Their ribs are well sprung. They have a high set tail which is carried in a cup handle like fashion over their backs when they are moving. Their shoulders are strong and laid back.

When left untrimmed, they have a long coat, quite dense and rather soft in texture. They may have a wavy appearance. The puppies have a comparatively softer coat. Their forefeet are usually clipped from the point above their knee to their elbows. They have clipped tail as well. Their feet are clipped to an extent that even the dewclaws are removed. Their ears are not clipped and are left untrimmed and natural. They do not have any specific color as such. Any color or any color combination is accepted.