The Löwchen is a small, compact but sturdy dog. The square body is well proportioned, and only slightly longer than it is tall, with short legs and a high-set medium length tail. The head is short and broad with a short and wide muzzle, round dark eyes, a dark nose, and pendulous feathered ears. The dense coat is soft and slightly wavy, and comes in many colors. These dogs are often called Little Lions because traditionally their coats are clipped close on the hindquarters and the lower half of the tail, the front legs are close-clipped and the mane is left long and natural.
We know that the Löwchen, which means “little lion” in German, dates back to the 15th century, but we don’t know where it came from. While many dog enthusiasts say they originated in Germany, others say they have a Mediterranean background. Popular lapdogs and companions for centuries, Löwchen have also appeared in many famous paintings through the ages.