Löwchen breed guide

With a history as a companion to royalty under constant threat, the Löwchen is a very alert fellow that reacts quickly to suspicious noise or activity. AKC says it should learn early that barking at every sound is neither necessary nor appreciated.

It lives to please. It is very intelligent and loves new challenges, making it a good candidate for obedience or agility.

The Löwchen lives 13 to 15 years. AKC says most are healthy little dogs and breeders screen for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

Your dog's breeder should provide copies of the parents' health-testing certifications.

Grooming needs are surprisingly few: a good brushing every few days followed by a bath every couple of weeks, plus regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. A visit to a professional groomer or the breeder every couple of months keeps up the lion clip.

The Löwchen loves to play in a fenced yard or go on long walks with its owner. It is not suited to long-distance runs, but it is a sturdy little dog that is happy with a few jaunts a day.

Löwchen origins have long been debated and historians cannot agree on the breeds's birthplace. The name is German, but since the Middle Ages Löwchen were popular among noblewomen in France, Italy, Holland, Spain and Russia as well as Germany.

They descend from the same ancient line as the Bichon Frise and Maltese and sightings in Renaissance art show that the look has not changed for at least 500 years.