The Kromfohrlander is a rare breed, originally bred to be a loyal companion and nothing else. In Germany, breed experts evaluate all potential breeding dogs in order to give the “ok” that the dog can be bred. Because there are few breeders even in its home country, the Kromfohrlander remains rare and with a limited gene pool. There is often a wait list to get a puppy. There are two coat varieties in the breed – rough coated and smooth coated (a deceiving name, as most smooths have longer plumes of hair on their ears and tail), and the smooths are far harder to come across. As of this moment, there are only roughs being bred in America (and only 4 American breeders total).

Kromfohrlanders are easy to train for most owners because these dogs tend to develop very deep bonds – they enjoy being with and training with “their people”. They are intelligent and have long attention spans, as well as possessing strong abilities to work around distractions. They make good candidates for trick training. This said, unlike breeds developed to work, they don’t always have the highest work drives. An owner may need to put in extra effort if they want their Kromi to do more difficult jobs – especially considering that many are not particularly food-driven either.

The Kromi’s coat is easy to care for, although rough coated dogs will need regular hand stripping. The breed doesn’t tend to smell even when wet, and dirt often falls off the coat when it dries meaning that the breed doesn’t need to be washed often. A good thing, considering all members of the breed have copious amounts of white fur! The breed does shed… but does so minimally. Finally, the small size of the dog means that he is quick to brush and bathe when he needs a grooming session. Don’t forget to regularly trim the nails!

Kromfohrlanders adore being with their owners as much as possible and wouldn’t be good candidates for being outside or in kennels all day. As companion dogs, they tend to follow their owners like shadows. If there is more than one owner, the dog will choose his favorite and spend the most time with them! The breed is docile and even-tempered at all times, reserved with strangers but loving and perceptive toward his owner. Fairly adaptable, he can live in any number of different situations as long as he can spend it with his person. He is lively, but not excessively so. The breed also gets along well with children and other pets, even small ones as he doesn’t have much of a prey drive.

Kromis have a clownish nature and are experts at brightening their owner’s day! Often greeting their loved ones with a smile and a characteristic sneeze, they think nothing of scaling the couch to give a better greeting or jumping into one’s arms for an enthusiastic hello. Many members of the breed are extremely long-lived (17-18 is not uncommon), so expect this greeting for years to come if you decide to own one! Do keep in mind however… a small gene pool means that Kromis are more likely than other dogs to get certain health conditions – namely epilepsy, keratosis (AKA “corny feet”), and cystinuria (too much amino acids in urine).

Kromfohrlanders tend to stick close to their owners and aren’t prone to running away. In fact, many would be content just to lay on a lap for most of the day, however exercise is still important and owners must make sure to provide them with it regularly. Walks and ball playing are two good options for activities. It should be noted that dog parks are not generally recommended as it can take Kromis awhile to warm up to new dogs.

Photo By Ellarie

The Biewer Terrier came about from the Yorkshire Terrier, and therefore they share many of the same traits (such as a light-hearted but mischievous nature). There is speculation as to whether or not the breed came about from a mutation or if there were other breeds involved in the making of these tiny dogs, but either way, Biewers are officially now a purebred dog and have wormed their way into the hearts of many! These German tri-colored toy dogs are still a rare breed so prospective owners should be prepared to wait to get a puppy.

The Biewer tends to be a long-lived breed (up to 15 years is fairly average) and doesn’t usually have too many health problems. When issues do arise, the most common problems are hypoglycemia, patellar luxation and collapsing tracheas. Make sure to buy only from a breeder that health-tests all breeding dogs. Because this is a rare breed, thankfully they don’t show up in puppy mills (and therefore pet stores) – but it is still highly recommended to question each breeder about their practices. Take note – there are a number of different registries for Biewers and not all of them share the same views on breeding practices. Do your research!

The long, flowing coat of the Biewer is the hallmark of the breed as well as being easy to groom… as long as the owner sets aside dedicated time to work with it regularly! To clarify, it is easy, however can be time-consuming. To start with, the single coat (compared to a thicker double coat in other breeds) should be washed and fully rinsed on a regular basis. Not only do baths need to be frequent but the coat should be brushed daily! There is minimal trimming involved, however it is recommended to trim the top third of the ears to keep the hair from weighing them down and ruining the prick eared appearance. As with all tiny dogs, special attention to tooth brushing is also important. When kept clean and groomed, the coat of the Biewer is truly a sight to behold – as well as being hypoallergenic and non-shedding!

Biewer Terriers are very playful dogs that enjoy romping with other dogs and children alike. While they are not extremely delicate, common sense should always be used when introducing these tiny dogs to overly large or boisterous dogs (or kids). Because many have no fear, they could easily put themselves in a dangerous position. This is an affectionate breed that is always up for fun but equally content with cuddles on the couch. They are not “one man only” dogs and will share their sweet, happy personalities with everyone in the family. They are loyal and devoted just as much as they are entertaining!

Biewers can make themselves at home in small apartments just as well as large ranch homes. They do not require very much exercise (in fact, they’re fairly mellow in the house) but do enjoy going out on walks and other excursions – especially if it means they might meet a new friend! These social dogs also enjoy stretching their muscles on hikes and walks, so don’t be afraid to take them out and let them explore the world with you!

Unlike some toy breeds, the Biewer Terrier should never be overly yappy although they will alert when someone comes to the door. Despite the “terrier” in their name, this breed does not have the scrappy terrier-type personality seen in some other toy terrier dogs. Although there is terrier in their background, the Biewer is a companion dog and was never expected to hunt down vermin. This is not to say that they are not able to, only that it was not a trait that was bred for and therefore they are “milder” in temperament than other toy terriers.

The Biewer Terrier is intelligent and can sometimes be seen in the agility ring. Although these little toys can take extra long to housebreak, they are easy to train in many other venues, most likely because they love being the center of attention! They don’t do well with overly harsh techniques and may shut down, but learn very quickly with plenty of fun and positive reinforcement!

Photo By Detlef Breiting

The Russian Toy is one of the smallest breeds in the world – the standard states they should never weigh over six pounds. But what these dogs lack in size they make up for in personality! These cheerful lap dogs have a definite sense of humor and enjoy making people laugh. While they aren’t likely to make a good guard dog (for obvious reasons) they still make fine watchdogs and will let their owners know when someone has arrived. This was actually one of their original jobs, along with ridding the property of rats. Like many other tiny breeds, they are often described as a big dog in a small body”.

The Russian Toy comes in two coat types – long and smooth, and neither one is considered high maintenance. For each variety, a quick bath every week or two takes very little time to do, and each coat is considered to be low-shed. The long coat does require a little more brushing, in particular special attention to the long ear fringes, but it is a relatively easy job. When it comes to temperament, of the two coat varieties the smooth tends to have more of a terrier-like personality.

While the uneducated may feel that a dog of this size doesn’t have talents beyond their cute looks, nothing could be further from the truth! The Russian Toy can make an exceptional therapy dog, competitor in dog sports such as trick dog, coursing, rally or agility, or even a service dog if given the right training. They definitely have a will to please, and these intelligent dogs often learn very easily. This said, their terrier background means that they can tend toward stubbornness, as well as a domineering nature if not given rules. Obedience is necessary! Take advantage of the fact that they love attention – use it to your advantage when training!

Russian Toys are a people-breed that thrive when they are around their owners. Exceptionally playful, they particularly enjoy games when their owner participates. This said, while they are lively, it is not a “bouncing-off-the-walls energy level” and they are quite content to sleep for extended periods when their owners are nearby. They do not make good pets for those who work for long hours. These affectionate dogs are considered to be very loyal little companions who need to be nearby their people. With strangers, they may be a little aloof until they get to know the person better.

Although they know how to nap when things get quiet, these dogs do need regular exercise. Without a physical outlet, they will have excess energy in the house. Even though this is a tiny breed, do not neglect a daily walk (or at least a good romp in the yard)! Exercise is important, not only for the physical necessity, but also because this breed should have early and continued socialization. Doing so will ensure that he will develop the correct temperament for the breed – with no shyness or aggressiveness. While Russian Toys are fairly adaptable and can live in apartments if necessary, be aware that some can be fairly vocal.

The Russian Toy’s tiny size means that he generally gets along well with cats, however the flip-side of his size means he may be a bad match for families with small children or large, rough dogs. His tiny body means he can easily get hurt. Another consideration for a dog of this size… if an owner lives in a home near hawks or other birds of prey, he really shouldn’t be left outside by himself. He could easily get picked up by an airborne predator, or even a coyote or other land-predator in an un-fenced area! He can live with other dogs of similar size, but he may try to take on the position of alpha (which may or may not be an issue).

The average age of the Russian Toy is 12-14 years, with many living well beyond that. This rare breed doesn’t have too many health problems, although a prospective owner should make sure that a future puppy’s parents have been screened for patellar luxation, had an eye exam, and have had a periodontal disease evaluation. Owners may be surprised to learn that both coat varieties are often bred together, and this is not a red flag but normal breeding practice.

The Japanese Chin is a tiny toy dog, originally bred for companionship in both the Japanese and Chinese courts. This is a sensitive breed that tends to take on the emotions of the people whom he is around. His overall personality can also depend upon the traits and behaviors of his owner (for example, outgoing owners will often bring out an outgoing nature in the dog). Overall, however, the Chin tends to keep a dignified and almost aristocratic nature about him.

The Chin often possesses a number of cat-like traits. First is their uncanny ability to climb! They love to perch up high and will figure out how to reach elevated places such as the backs of tall couches. Secondly, many groom themselves similarly to cats – licking their paws and then using their paws to clean their faces. This means that the breed can even get hairballs! Finally, Chin are relatively quiet dogs and don’t tend to be yappy like other toys.

Because of their flat faces, Japanese Chin are more sensitive to heat and humidity. Owners should make sure to never leave them outside unattended on hot days, and to provide plenty of water and shade when the dog is out and about (they generally prefer to be inside anyway). Beyond the heat sensitivity, their smushed faces also make them more likely to snort and/or breathe loudly. This said, noisier breathing doesn’t mean they are unhealthy – Chins often live 11-12 years (with some living to 15)and don’t have too many health problems as a breed. Luxating patellas, epilepsy and cataracts are the most common health issues and responsible breeders are doing their best to reduce the incidences of these issues.

The Chin is fairly easy to groom as long as the owner keeps up with coat care on a regular basis (a short brushing twice a week and semi-regular baths should do it). The medium-long, silky hair is a single coat (no undercoat) and isn’t prone to matting unless the owner neglects it altogether. With regular combing and a good dog conditioner, there should be very few tangles to deal with. The breed does shed and may need a bit of extra brushing during this time. The nails must also be clipped back regularly and it is recommended to trim the hair on the bottoms of the feet in order to keep the dog tidy.

The Japanese Chin is a fairly active dog, although still able to live in an apartment since his tiny size means he can exercise himself in small living spaces. He is also able to get a lot of exercise from a fenced backyard, if living in a house. Either way, a short daily walk on a leash is a great way for dog and owner to bond, and is always recommended as the gold standard of exercise!

Chins can be aloof and reserved around those they don’t know, but it’s not normal for them to be outright scared unless they were under-socialized as puppies. Early socialization is crucial for this breed to make sure that they don’t become fearful. They are more likely than other breeds to feel overwhelmed in new settings and situations – which is even more reason to expose them to lots of novel things while young.

The Japanese Chin can be stubborn and prone to “selective deafness” and is not always the easiest breed to train off-leash. It may take a novice trainer a little while to figure out how to train a Chin – these dogs are easier to work with when they think training was their own idea! Some people liken training a Chin as to training a cat… if it’s not fun than the animal rarely sees the point in doing it. They also will shut down completely if the training is too harsh. This is not to say that one cannot use corrections, only that it must be done with skill and tact, and never be harsh. When done correctly, the Chin is able to learn all manner of commands and even tricks!

The Papillon is a tiny toy spaniel-type dog, the breed having appeared in art since the 1300’s. These little dogs make great pets – their diminutive size means they are easy to manage and transport, and their silky single coats shed very little. This coat (which is also low-odor) is also a breeze to take care of. They are able to live in apartments if need be, but also are quite capable of living on larger properties as well – and many are quite skilled mousers! They don’t require a lot of exercise but can adapt to the lifestyles of outdoors-y owners – many love to explore and accompany their people on adventures. This isn’t a couch ornament. This is an active dog who is ready and willing to do it all!

The Papillon generally has a great desire to please. This trait, combined with their intelligence, makes them adept students for obedience training! In fact, while not all toy breeds are thrilled about training, the Pap actually flourishes when given work to do! They are one of the winning-est breeds in obedience and dog sports. Bored and under-stimulated Paps, on the other hand, can become super stubborn and bossy. In order to avoid “small dog syndrome” (a condition in which the owner spoils the dog to the point of it becoming bossy), training is definitely recommended. It is worth noting that many Paps are prone to excessive barking as well as to slowness to housebreak. A good obedience schedule will help get the dog on track but be aware that these behavioral traits are common, and extra work may be necessary.

Paps are confident and happy dogs who love to meet new people. Affectionate both with strangers and friends alike, they tend to be big kissers. They also get along well with children as well as other pets, including cats. When other dogs are around, some Paps tend toward bossiness or possessiveness of their toys, food or owners. It is up to the owner to make sure they don’t start a fight or get in over their heads with a larger dog. Like many toy breeds, they don’t always recognize their size! As well as being supervised around other dogs, an owner should also make sure that they are supervised with kids to make sure they aren’t in any risk of being dropped accidentally. Their size does make them more susceptable to injury, which makes them a better match for families whose children are already grown.

Because of their tiny size, Paps are able to squeeze between (or under) fencing much more easily than larger breeds. New owners should always take note of the security of their yard and fencing before allowing their dog to explore. These tiny dogs are also able to hurt themselves while leaping from furniture or racing too heartily down the stairs. And then of course, they can get accidentally stepped on or hurt from falling objects. Having a tiny breed means that an owner must be vigilant at all times!

Papillons are often very healthy dogs that live long lifespans and stay active even until their later years. One of the reasons for the healthy gene pool is that most Paps have not been subjected to the types of bad breeding practices of other, more popular breeds. This is unquestionably a good thing, however also presents a double-edged sword… it may be harder to find a Papillon as a pet and a potential owner may need to be patient! Resist the urge to buy a Pap from a pet shop (unfortunately pet shop/puppy mill Paps do exist) as all bets are off when it comes to poorly bred animals. The Papillon is not a rare breed, but neither is it seen on every street corner. Buying from a responsible breeder will ensure that the dog will have the correct temperament and great health the breed is known for.

Having been bred as a companion dog, it should be no surprise that the Pap doesn’t cope well when left alone for long periods of time. Separation anxiety is common. These dogs love their people so much, in fact, that they tend to follow their owners around from room to room. When you aren’t moving, you can usually find your Pap sitting in your lap! Although they usually love strangers (provided they have been given proper socialization), most will still bark to alert when someone has come to the door. Once the person has been welcomed into the house, the Papillon is usually excited to meet this new friend.

The Shih Tzu is a lively dog bred solely for companionship. These intelligent little dogs come in a vast array of colors, which together with their naturally long flowy coat gives them a whimsical appearance. Their temperament is confident, happy and bold, with a touch of mischief. They are also generally long-lived (14-18 is common) and healthy. Don’t be fooled, however. Shih Tzus are “big dogs in small packages” and think of themselves as much larger than they actually are!

Shih Tzu are masters at manipulation and experts when it comes to making their owners spoil them! This can result in a dog which is a pain to live with. Untrained Shih Tzu who have been given no boundaries or rules are often not completely housebroken, bossy and (on the rare occasion) even aggressive. Obedience training is a must with this breed! Despite the fact that the breed can be stubborn, when the right tactics are used they can also become eager to please. Many Shih Tzu particularly love working for toys.

Most Shih Tzu are incredibly friendly dogs, getting along with strangers, children and other dogs. Howver, despite their sturdy builds they are still tiny dogs that can easily be hurt by either a rough child or an exuberant larger dog. Their extra-large eyes and the shape of their face means that eye injuries are a bigger danger than with other breeds. Supervision is required in both circumstances. They should also be supervised when out in the sun, as their squished-in faces make them more prone to heat stroke. Finally, there should always be a person around when they are around a pool or other body of water. Although some Shih Tzu can swim… it is not the norm.

The long coat of the Shih Tzu must be brushed on a daily basis to keep knots and tangles from forming. In particular, the coat on the face should be given the most attention as mats in that area will be the most uncomfortable to the dog. Some owners go a step further and give the dog water bottles to drink from rather than regular dog bowls, as keeping their face dry can also help the area stay clean and tangle-free. Bathing the whole dog on a regular basis will also help keep the long coat in great shape, as long as the dog is brushed out right before each bath (water will make mats even worse), and then the whole dog is dried completely afterward. It is a lot of work to keep a Shih Tzu in full coat, although most owners feel it is worth it!

Shih Tzu have hair rather than fur, which means that they lose a little of their coat everyday (like people), rather than dumping a ton of coat all at one time. They have less dander and shed much less. For this reason, sometimes the breed gets lumped into the “hypo-allergenic” category. It’s true that some people with allergies are able to live with a Shih Tzu, although a prospective owner should do their research and test themselves around many Shih Tzus before committing to buy one. Many people are actually allergic to pet saliva and/or urine and therefore a low-shedding animal won’t actually solve their problem.

When it comes to exercise, the Shih Tzu is pretty easy. One short walk a day is usually all that is needed, and some do just fine sprinting through the house or backyard a few times a day. This also makes them easier to keep in apartments. Because of their playful nature, they love it when their owner makes a point to play a fun game with them, which can also serve as exercise! When playtime is over, they are quite content to sit on the couch and watch tv.

One of the most beloved qualities of the Shih Tzu is their extreme devotion to their owners. The “Tzu” is happiest when he is around those he loves, and is an extremely loyal companion. This can translate to separation anxiety in dogs that are left alone all day, every day. This is not a symptom of fear, but rather a symptom of loneliness. In fact, the breed doesn’t tend to be fearful or skittish in general. They will march right up to an aggressive dog 100 pounds larger than them, or will try to cross the street despite cars whizzing by. But they cannot bear to be apart from their owners for long stretches of time.

The Coton de Tulear is a cotton-coated toy breed from the Bichon family. These intelligent, tiny dogs have laid-back personalities and make wonderful pets. Bred strictly for companionship they are affectionate, loving and gentle animals that adore being around their families. Mature dogs are not prone to being hyper and instead exude a natural calmness. This isn’t a placid breed – they are alert, boisterous and playful – however they have an “off switch”. They tend to get along with other pets (including cats) as well as children of all ages. With strangers, they might be reserved at first although outright aggressiveness is rare. As with all dogs, it is important to socialize from a young age in order to avoid fearfulness.

Cotons have many qualities which make them such great companions. For example, unlike many toy breeds, they are generally easy to housebreak.   They are great travelers in the car and often well-accepted in locations that allow dogs due to their odorless coats. Finally, the breed is very healthy as a whole with very few genetic health problems and tend to live long lives (16 years on average, with the record being 19!).

The Coton’s coat, though long, has a cottony texture and is easier to care for than the coats other long coated breeds. The unique texture means that they don’t form mats as quickly (although they will definitely mat without care). A good brushing 2-4 times a week, as well as regular baths, will keep the coat in good condition. After bathing the coat tends to dry quickly. Because they shed very little they are often considered hypoallergenic (although an allergic person should double-check before buying). Interestingly enough, although adult Cotons are solid white, many are born with colored patches which later fade as they get older because of a color dilution gene.

The Coton de Tulear is usually quiet, although may sound the alarm when someone is at the door as he can be territorial. He may also be more inclined to bark around suppertime as he has an excellent sense of time! While Cotons bark only infrequently, many are enthusiastic “talkers” and will mumble and grunt throughout the day. The more they are having fun, and the more that you talk to them, the more likely they are to talk back!

Cotons love making their people laugh and many will demonstrate a number of tricks in order to do so – whether taught or invented themselves! Their natural desire to please combined with their intelligence makes them easy to train. Many will illustrate their characteristic head tilt multiple times while they are taught a new command. Don’t let their cute appearance fool you – these aren’t “dumb little lapdogs”, they are hardy little athletes who love learning and working! Along with obedience training, many Cotons love competing in agility.

Cotons de Tulear are adaptable to a myriad of living conditions including city, rural and in-between. They are also adaptable to all sorts of weather and can be kept just as easily in parts of the country that have very cold temperatures as well as very hot. Their coat protects them from temperature extremes, so don’t be surprised to see a Coton romping through the snow in relative comfort! This said, they are not outside-only dogs and absolutely must live indoors with the family. They are happiest when their owners accompany them on outdoor adventures, and then bring them home to snuggle on a lap.

Cotons have a velcro-like attachment to their owners and tend to follow them around wherever they go, even the bathroom! Owners of this breed note that they are so devoted and bonded, they seem to develop an almost psychic-like awareness of their owner. This is most likely because Cotons are so attuned and sensitive to their environments. This also makes them great therapy dogs – visiting hospitals and retirement communities.

The Coton de Tulear does need regular exercise although his tiny size means that a little bit can go a long way. A lively game of fetch might be enough to wear him out for the afternoon. This said, structured walks are the gold standard when it comes to giving the dog physical, mental and emotional exercise. Without any exercise, there is a risk that the Coton could become bored and eventually destructive.

Photo By Uschi Goess (eingestellt von Caronna)

The Affenpinscher has been referred to as both “monkey terrier” and “a big dog in a small body”. This toy terrier breed is tenacious and stubborn – traits that one might not expect from a dog of such small stature. Combined with their propensity to be difficult to housebreak, this breed is not for everybody. That said, these litte German dogs are cute, curious and intelligent. They love making people laugh, playing games and going on adventures. Life with an Affen is never boring!

Affens are usually quiet dogs, although they may howl when excited or bark when people come to the door. Although they are more of a watchdog vs. a guard dog because of their size, that doesn’t mean they don’t try to be guard dogs! This tiny breed is always ready to defend their owner or home to a potential threat. These little guardians can be at home in a small apartment but might need to be trained to stay quiet in places where strangers are constantly walking within view of the window.

Affenpinschers don’t always make the best match for people with very small children. Despite the fact that they are sturdy in comparison to other toy breeds, their tiny frames can still get hurt by rough kids. They can even injure themselves in play – such as jumping off the top of a couch. They therefore need older kids or adults who can supervise them. Although they are energetic dogs, their activity level combined with their tiny size make them easy targets for injury. This said, when their energy is channeled into appropriate venues they can be very successful – many Affens make great agility dogs!

Affens learn very quickly and often use their intelligence to manipulate their owners! Many are also naturally more dominant than other breeds. When given obedience training, however, they are willing to please although may be a bit stubborn. Their stubbornness comes from the fact that they are quite independent and also tend to become bored when training gets too repetitive. Make sure that training is fun and positive, but that you are able to be firm yet fair when needed.

Affenpinschers have been known to start fights with dogs much bigger than themselves, so an owner needs to make sure they aren’t putting themselves in harms’ way. This said, they can get along just fine with polite, submissive dogs. The breed is outgoing with people when out in public as long as they have been socialized well. Socialization is truly key to making sure the Affen remains a well-mannered dog. Because they were originally bred to hunt rats and mice, they probably won’t get along with the family pet rodent.

Affens are adaptable to change, and as such make great traveling companions. Their hypoallergenic wiry coat is easy to groom, and they generally keep themselves fairly clean, making them welcomed guests at many establishments. Many an Affen has “earned his keep” as a guest in someone’s house by showing off his performance skills. These dogs love to dance on their hind legs, juggle their toys in the air and generally clown around, often with no special training required!

The Affenpinscher is both playful and moderately active, although are adaptable to almost any amount of exercise the owner is able to give. These diminutive little dogs can handle outdoor hikes if need be, or alternatively can be stowed in a doggie backpack and taken sightseeing. If nothing else, they should at least be given regular play and games indoors. Ideally they are also given an outside walk at least once a day.

Photo By Ingunn Axelsen

The Lowchen was bred to be a loving companion, and he takes this job pretty seriously! Lowchen sport a unique cut that leaves their hind ends practically bare – a trait which has enabled them to keep royalty warm for hundreds of years. The hot skin would serve as a “hot water bottle”, so when they slept in the royal beds they would warm their masters. Oftentimes, the dogs would sleep with only their hind ends in the bed – the coated front half would serve to keep fleas out of the bed!

This happy breed loves everyone he meets which means he’s not the best guard dog. He will bark when someone first arrives… and then proceed to make friends, whether they’re a guest or an intruder! He also adores other dogs – whether it be a housemate or a friendly strange dog – and get along great with children. He loves his owners the most, however, and will never turn down a cuddle or a welcoming lap.

Lowchen are very trainable, intelligent dogs who love a good challenge. Most love to please their owners, which makes them great candidates for obedience work as well as other dog sports such as agility and frisbee. These aren’t just “poofy little foo-foo dogs”. Lowchen are muscular, agile and sturdy – physical traits that enable them to compete with the best of the big dogs! In addition, they have great memories and can retain a lot of information. When it comes training, the breed shuts down with a lot of physical force and should instead be given lots of motivation and praise. Many have exceptional play drives and are easily motivated. Lowchen also don’t bore easily (as long as the training remains fun), although they may try to throw their own spin on commands just to make you laugh!

Although this is a tiny breed, the Lowchen appreciates long walks and will gladly accompany his owners (as long as he has been conditioned to walk long distances). The breed enjoys going out to parks and other “sightseeing” opportunities, but is able to exercise in a yard as well. They are quite adaptable to many different living and exercising situations, although their  size prevents them being jogging partners.

The Lowchen’s silky coat is hypoallergenic and low-shedding, although an allergic prospective owner should spend time with the breed to make sure they don’t have issues. The coat is easier to care for than some of the other longhaired companion breeds, particularly if kept partially shaved in the typical lion cut, although an owner must make sure to take care of it on a regular basis. A neglected coat will matt, so the dog must be combed and brushed (to the skin) once a week. Baths can be given either weekly or monthly, although the more often the dog is bathed the easier the coat will be to care for. Many pet owners who prefer the lion cut visit the groomer every two months, although show dogs are shaved more often. This is a skill that can be learned by the owner as well – which will save money in the long run!

Lowchen are typically very healthy and aren’t plagued by a large number of health problems. Many live long lives, often staying happy and energetic even into their teen years (13-15 is average). Responsible breeders will do health screens on the parents to diminish the chances of medical problems. Health tests commonly done for Lowchen include hips, patellas and eyes. At one time, the breed was considered to be the rarest in the world although their numbers have grown slightly since then. Although no longer in danger of becoming extinct, breeders are still few and far in between. A prospective owner may need to wait awhile for the Lowchen puppy of their dreams.

Despite their tiny stature, Lowchen are not a timid or nervous breed. They are quite courageous and sure of themselves, which means an owner must make sure they don’t get themselves into trouble! For example, they are known to voice their opinions toward a much larger dog who is coming toward them. They do this because they are quite vocal in general – a trait that may require some early behavior modification.

Photo By Jappitoo