Apartment fit
The Lowchen is a strong apartment candidate with daily play, walks, and quiet-cue training.
CompanionSmall
France
FranceLittle Lion
Weight
10-18 lb
Height
10.2-12.6 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Single Long
The Little Lion Dog, or Lowchen, is a small European companion breed with a long wavy coat, lively temperament, and traditional lion trim.
Small companion breed also known as the LowchenTraditional lion trim gives the breed its nameLow shedding but regular grooming neededUsually lively, affectionate, and social
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
LowchenPetit Chien LionLittle Lion Dog
AffectionateLivelyAttentivePlayfulBrightSociable
Weight
10-18 lb
Height
10.2-12.6 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Single Long
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Low
Grooming
4/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Little Lion Dog, commonly called the Lowchen, is a small companion breed associated with France and wider continental Europe. FCI describes it as affectionate, obedient, lively, and attentive, with a long wavy coat traditionally clipped into a lion trim. The trim gives the breed its name, but pet dogs can be kept in easier clips.
This is not a generic double-coated non-sporting dog. The Lowchen has a long, silky-to-wavy companion coat that sheds lightly but needs brushing and trimming. It is social, playful, and alert enough to bark if bored or over-aroused, but it is generally easier to fit into small homes than most working breeds.
The Little Lion Dog suits owners who want a small, bright, people-focused companion and can keep up with grooming. Responsible breeders should discuss patellas, eyes, dental care, heart health, and stable companion temperament.
Temperament & Personality
AffectionateLivelyAttentivePlayfulBrightSociable
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a affectionate, lively, attentive companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, moderate barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Single
Coat length
Long
Shedding
Low
Colors
Any color, Any color combination
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly5/5
Exercise Needs3/5
Grooming Needs4/5
Trainability4/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- A home-friendly apartment match
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 3/5 exercise needs
- low shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- apartment homes
- owners wanting a cheerful small companion
- families prepared for coat care
- prepared first-time owners
Not ideal for
- owners wanting no grooming
- homes that leave a social dog alone all day
- people who dislike alert barking
- rough play with very small children
Common challenges
- coat maintenance
- alert barking
- dental care
- separation frustration
- small-dog weight gain
Barking & behavior
The breed is attentive and may bark at visitors or sounds. Calm routines and companionship help.
Training style
Use cheerful reward-based sessions. Teach handling and grooming cooperation early.
Grooming & shedding
Low shedding comes with coat responsibility: brush, comb, and trim regularly.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Little Lion Dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of daily walks, play, and training. They are companions, but they still enjoy active games and learning.
Grooming
Brush the long coat several times weekly and keep a regular trimming schedule. The traditional lion clip is optional for pets but coat maintenance is not.
Training
Use reward-based training for manners, recall, handling, quiet cues, and alone-time comfort. The breed is usually eager and responsive.
Nutrition
Feed measured small-dog meals and keep body condition lean to protect knees and teeth.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Patellar luxationEye diseaseDental diseaseHeart diseaseObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Lion the same as Lowchen?
Yes. The Little Lion Dog is commonly called the Lowchen.
Does the Little Lion Dog shed?
It sheds lightly, but the long coat needs brushing and trimming.
Does a Lowchen need a lion trim?
The lion trim is traditional for show dogs, but pet owners can choose easier trims as long as coat care is maintained.
Is the Little Lion Dog good for apartments?
Yes, it is usually well suited to apartments when it gets daily walks, play, and barking management.
What colors can a Lowchen be?
FCI allows all colors and color combinations.
Is the Little Lion Dog good for first-time owners?
Yes, it can be a good first dog for owners ready for grooming and training.
What health issues should owners ask about?
Ask about patellas, eyes, dental health, heart health, weight, and family temperament.
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