History Of The Lowchen

Lowchen are a member of the family of Bichons. The Bichon group also includes the Bichon Frise, the Maltese, the Havanese, the Bolognese, and the Coton de Tulear.

The exact origins of the Lowchen remain uncertain. Although recognized by FCI as a French breed, it is believed by many that the Lowchen may have been developed somewhere in Eastern Europe between Russia and the Mediterranean. Germany is also considered to be a possible origin, and, in fact, the name, "Lowchen" means "little lion" in German.

Regardless of origin, the Lowchen has been a distinct breed for more than 400 years. It has been established in Spain, France, and Germany since the 1500s. Dating back to that century, Lowchen have been depicted in old tapestries, oil paintings and woodcarvings. Goya included a Lowchen in his portrait painting of the Duchess of Alba in the 18th century.

The Lowchen were favorites of the Florentine nobility of the 15th century. As pampered lap dogs, the ladies of the court groomed them into the likeness of small lions. This clipping style also facilitated their use as cuddly hot water bottles.

During the 1900s, Lowchen were bred far less and almost disappeared. The few that remained wound up in the streets to fend for themselves during the stress and uncertainty of the War years. Facing extinction, the breed was brought back from obscurity by the post-war efforts of a dedicated fancier in Brussels, Madame M. Bennert. Determined to insure a resurgence of the breed, she searched the streets of Belgium for the little lion dogs. Eventually she allowed Dr. Hans Rickert of Germany to have some of her Lowchen, He carried on her work of restoring the breed after her death in 1972. His Von Dren Drei Lowchen supplied the basic foundation Lowchen stock for both Great Britain and the United States.

In 1960 the Guinness Book of World Records titled the Lowchen as the rarest breed. Even as late as 1969, the Lowchen still retained this record. Since then, their popularity has grown and numerous organizations have recognized them. These include CKC (Continental Kennel Club), FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale), KCGB (Kennel Club of Great Britain), ANKC (Australian National Kennel Club, NKC (National Kennel Club), NZKC (New Zealand Kennel Club), UKC (United Kennel Club), and AKC (American Kennel Club).

The Lowchen Club of America was formed in 1972. The Lowchen became the 143rd breed to be recognized by AKC, entering the Miscellaneous Class in April, 1996. They were approved as eligible to compete in the Non-Sporting Group at all events as of January 1, 1999.