THE LÖWCHEN
by
Gini Denninger
While it is one of the newest breeds to the AKC, the Löwchen
has a rich old history. The breed traces its roots to the renaissance period of
Today we are lucky to find many examples of Löwchen
from the past thanks to surviving artworks. A trip to any museum that includes
renaissance art usually yields examples of Löwchen.
Students of the breed have a wonderful array of opportunities to glimpse its
past. We are, of course, interested with the here and now. Of importance in the
Judging this breed appears easier than it is. This is a breed of moderate
qualities with no extremes. Correct movement of the dogs is efficient and
ground covering. This is a breed identified, at first, by its trim. But, here
is the crux of the matter; this breed relies on "type" for
definition. The trim stands out to the casual observer, who is often inclined
to remark: "without the haircut this dog would be a mutt." This would
be true if there were not definite traits, which define the breed. Here is
where judges can get into trouble, as well as newcomers to the breed. Judges
can choose a dog that is moderate in every way, moves efficiently and looks
like a Löwchen since it is cut so, but still pick a dog
that has no type what so ever making the dog chosen, a poor example of the
breed.
The Head
This breed is not a "head-breed", but the
head plays an important part in identifying the breed. If topped with a head
conforming to the prescribed classic type, then a Löwchen
is certainly identifiable out of a crowd of dogs of undetermined breeds. Very
few mixed breeds possess all the elements that put together a beautifully
classic Löwchen head. Mixed breeds may have some of the
characteristics called for, but rarely if ever, all of them at once.
Approaching the Löwchen from the front, a judge first sees the
profuse coat crowning the head. Moving closer, the eyes stand out, presenting
the dogs character, happy and friendly. Only upon closer examination will the
examiner be able to determine if the dog is blessed with the correct head,
which defines a Löwchen. Those judging the Löwchen
should make all effort to study the head. Be aware of that which defines the
head and when laying hands on one, be able to immediately grasp if the bone
structure is laid out as needed. Know if the head is well-boned sturdy to the
hand. Additionally, one should be able to determine correctness of skull
proportion by asking themselves several questions: If one prefers the
internationally recognized classic Lowchen head: "Is the muzzle shorter
than the back skull?" If American, does one prefer the newer American
style head? This type of head has a muzzle length equal to the length of back
skull. Which ever type the judge prefers, the following questions are
relevant to both types: "Is there enough width to the back skull or enough
stop? Is the muzzle broad, nose prominent, the eyes round?" After having
asked these questions, judges should know if the dog holds the right qualities
to be able to answer yes to all questions asked.
The ideal Löwchen head is well boned, possessing correct
proportions. The back skull should be broad, never narrow. Additionally, the
top of the skull is relatively flat. It should not round like a
There should be a slight stop, which is defined on the correct Löwchen
head. If the stop sloops too gently, usually the head will be too long.
Worldwide, the accepted Lowchen head has a shorter muzzle compared to the
length of the back skull. Adapted in the latest American standard is the head
of equal proportions, but if you judge dogs internationally, know that the first
is preferred in all other countries. How this break with European
interpretation came about is unknown but theories exist. For many years in the
In Europe, where breeders and judges had more exposure to those trained by
Madame Bennert and Dr. Rickert the original preservers of the Löwchen,
the idea of equal proportions is foreign and considered very incorrect. This
would be supported by the fact that all Lowchen standards, including the
current American, call for short heads. Commonly understood is that a dog with
a muzzle equal to back skull in length has a medium length head. This is an
issue that may never be resolved, but in the meantime since the American
standard allows for two distinct head types, judges judging in the
The Löwchen
muzzle should never be longer than the back skull. That creates too oblong a
head, resembling a Poodle to the untrained eye. Equally as important is that
the muzzle not be too short. The Löwchen
head should never resemble a Lhasa Apso head, whose nose is approximately 1/3
the length of the back skull. The Löwchens
ideal head proportion is 2/3rd of muzzle to back skull. Anything slightly over
or under that proportion is certainly acceptable.
The muzzle must have depth and width. It should never be snipey. A
broad muzzle is able to accommodate a full compliment of teeth, which the Löwchen
should have. The muzzle should be topped off with a subtly large nose. This
nose is described in the FCI standard as calling for good length across the top
of the nose. It is meant to be broad, like the muzzle. The pigment of the nose
and lips should be dark, but this is also dependent on coat. The lighter dogs,
especially crèmes, are allowed by the American standard, to sport lighter
pigment. But when all things are equal including coat color, the dog with
darker pigment is preferred.
The Löwchen
bite should be scissors. It is preferred that the dentition be complete, but
often there are missing teeth. The number of teeth missing determines how
seriously a judge should penalize a dog. A common problem in the breed is
undershot bites. Less common is an overshot bite. Another problem is crooked
teeth, suggesting the need for braces, were the dog human. The teeth themselves
are surprisingly large and strong for such a small breed.
Lastly, concerning the muzzle, the skin should fit snugly on the bone. There
should be no dewlaps or loose skin extending under the muzzle to the neck.
One of the most defining traits of the Löwchen
is the round eye. Since the appearance of the first known Lowchen in artworks,
they have had round eyes. A Löwchen must have round eyes. This cannot be over
emphasized. The ideal eye is described as round, large and dark in color. If a
judge is faced with two dogs being equal in all regards except shape of eyes,
the dog with the round eye must prevail, even if the round-eyed dog has a light
eye. A Löwchen with a dark almond shaped eye is not
preferred, since the round eye is one of the defining traits of this breed and
always has been. A light round eye is preferred over a dark almond shaped eye
in every case. On the scale of importance, a round eye precedes the importance
of eye pigmentation. This is since the round eye is genetically easily lost. It
is vitally important that judges understand the importance of the round eye and
select for it. Hopefully, over time, the light eye will disappear, but more
important is that the round eye does not disappear.
Along with the round dark eye, every standard now being used calls for the
large eye. This is certainly a desirable trait. But when looking for the large
eye, do not select for a dog with a pop eyed appearance since this ruins the
elegant smart look the Lowchen possesses. The pop eye is a result of our modern
preferences; putting more emphasize on large eyes. Of late, there are some that
feel the Lowchen eye must protrude slightly. This is absolutely not so.
Historically, a protruding eye has always been considered a fault.
The eye must be rimmed by unbroken pigment according to the American standard.
This pigment should extend around the entire eye. While calling for full pigmentation,
the Löwchen
does not have to possess the halo around the eye, as the Bichon does.
The ears should be set slightly above the level of the eye. Placed incorrectly
the entire expression can be changed. Sometimes, coat will cover incorrect
placement of ear. If this fault is not too intruding on the overall appearance,
consider it to be one of the lesser faults. If incorrectly set, the degree of
pronouncement determines the degree of fault. All Löwchen
breed standards call for a pendant ear. The ear should hang close to the head
and be well fringed.
A Löwchen
that has all the right qualities that define a great head should, lastly,
possess a wonderful coat of hair on the head. This coat will soften all the
angles and give the dog its pleasing appearance. When describing the head, this
is often ignored since it is so obvious. There are varying degrees of coat.
Some Löwchen
have unwieldy amounts and others are less blessed. One thing all show specimens
must have is enough coat to create the look of a mane about the head and neck.
There are some Löwchen that possess what is termed an open-face.
This is obvious even when the dog is a puppy. Its muzzle will have a shorter
coat of hair, which gradually blends into the longer coat about the ear and
topknot. But as this dog matures, the hair continues to grow and eventually
achieves some length on the muzzle. The thin coat on the face will never be as
rich as a full coated sibling, and allows the eyes to seen unobstructed. The
appearance is of a dog that is trimmed to open up the face. The open-faced Löwchen
are somewhat rare, especially now with the greater emphasis on coat. This is
not to be penalized. An open-faced dog still possesses the required mane about
the head and neck; it is only sparse in the face.
Lastly, the judge must determine if the entire head is proportionate to the
body. Sometimes a head will be too small or large to properly match the body it
is set on. This is usually a subtle fault, but important to catch. To sum it
all up, the Löwchen has several traits that define it as a
breed, in regards to the head. It should possess a wide backskull, shorter
muzzle than length of backskull or may possess equal planes, large round eyes,
large nose, and a mane of hair crowning all these unique traits.
The
Coat
There is nothing like experiencing the sight of an
outstanding Löwchen proudly parading around a show ring, its
lovely coat flowing with each stride. Sometimes the sight can be so
breathtaking. What is it about those beautiful dogs that captivate us so?
Besides the correct type and movement, they have gorgeous coat.
The Löwchen
show coats do not require the effort of say a Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frise or
Poodle. Keeping a Löwchen in show coat is comparatively easy. If...
you have the correct coat type. What is the correct coat? According to Madame
Bennert's instruction to Frau Ostertag, the Lowchen coat historically, should
be a wavy, long coat. All four breed standards currently in use the world over,
reflect her instruction. The American standard takes coat definition further in
calling for a coat to be rather dense with a moderately soft texture. The Löwchen
coat should be healthy and shiny in appearance. A dry, brittle or broken off
coat should be severely penalized. A coat that is hard and terrier-like or
poodley should be penalized. Likewise soft, curly, frizzy, or limp coats are
also incorrect. None of these coats flow properly when the dog moves. Watching
the Löwchen,
one should see a dog with a lush, shiny and slightly waved coat that flows when
moving. Incorrect coats do no flow smoothly, generally staying in place as the
dog moves. The exception to the rule is a dog with too soft or curly a coat,
which if scrupulously maintained can flow nicely too.
When examining the Löwchen take a strand of hair from on top of the
withers and lay it across one finger. Spread the strand, fanning it out, so
that you can compare individual hairs. You should find that the hairs vary in
width. There will be thick hairs interspersed with thin hairs. The ideal mix is
a fifty/fifty equation. If there is an imbalance the coat will be too hard or
too soft. Dogs with visually incorrect coats (i.e. too wavy, limp, brittle,
broken or frizzy) often do not have the proper balance between thick and thin
hairs. The thick hairs provide the coats strength, the thin ones it's volume.
Because of the mixture of hairs and wave, the Löwchen
coat is voluminous, not limp or straight. One problem sometimes encountered in
the show ring is a coat that is too puffy. This too, is incorrect.
Assuming the dog has the proper texture, the next consideration is presentation
of coat. A Löwchen Coat should never be trimmed in the
unclipped area; but this depends on where the dog is exhibited. There are no
exceptions to the rule in the
Another potential and foreseeable problem is a Löwchen
with too much coat length. This breed is meant to be an athletic dog. If given
the proper amount of exercise, the coat will break off where it should
naturally, leaving an uneven appearance to the coat along the bottom fringes. A
dog that is confined or has a wrapped coat, to artificially promote long coat
growth, will not have the breakage needed to put the coat in the lion outline.
A coat completely covering the front bracelets or reaching the floor is as
incorrect as a trimmed coat. This breed is not like the Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso,
which must currently have coat to the ground to win. The Löwchen
must have a lion profile!
As far as grooming aids for the breed, the Löwchen
coat must not be chalked, hair sprayed or dyed. Properly examining and
determining the coat texture of a dog so altered is difficult at best. These
aids make it almost impossible to determine if a dog possesses correct coat
texture. They may in fact, hide a correct coat! The coat must flow and feel
soft to the touch, not stiff, gritty or altered in any way. A judge's hand
should be able to glide through the coat. As for dyeing the dogs, this is
totally unnecessary since any color is allowed in the breed except in countries
judging by FCI standard. The FCI standard calls for browns to be disqualified.
When judging the breed overseas under FCI rules remember this disqualification.
American judges should not have a coat color preference.
A lesser-recognized no-no is the complete straightening of the coat, usually
with the use of a blow dryer. The standard calls for a wavy coat. By that definition,
if the coat is blown out straight it is incorrect! There must be some wave to
the coat. This is not an Afghan Hound or Maltese with long straight strands of
hair. Allowing dogs with completely or mostly straight coats to win may open
the door for dogs that have had their coats blown out to disguise an incorrect
coat texture, such as a dog with too wavy or kinky hair. Often coats are of
enough length that they naturally fall into a part along the topline. Never
should an exhibitor part the coat. It must fall naturally especially on the
head where even a natural part is to be strongly discouraged. A Löwchen
with a parted topknot resembles a Tibetan terrier, especially Löwchen
whose muzzle is equal in length to their back skull. Traditionally the coat is
brushed up and away from the face.
There are some that claim coat texture is color related. This is incorrect. At
times it may seem so, especially when the number of Löwchen
seen by an individual is limited. The reality is that correct coat texture can
be found in any color the breed comes in. Blame for incorrect texture should
not be placed on the color of the dog. Likewise, color should not be an excuse
for incorrect coat texture.
A little known fact is that Löwchen
occasionally come smooth coated (click here to view smooth coated Löwchen).
These dogs are detectable as young puppies but when their coat begins to grow
they do not produce the full lush coats that the average Löwchen
puppy has. By eight weeks you can begin to identify these puppies. The smooth
coats can range from sleek short hairs, a spaniel type coat, or a double coat
consisting of the smooth layer interspersed with long guard hairs. Sometimes a
breeder could be fooled into thinking a puppy is smooth coated, especially with
the double coated puppy, only to find its adult coat did come in at a later
date. In these cases, the dog cannot be considered a true smooth coat.
Obviously, smooth coats are not desirable. Whether to use for breeding is the
breeders choice, there are old time breeders that do claim to have used smooth
coated Löwchen in their breeding programs. They believed
the offspring from these dogs actually produced the most luxurious coats. Never
did one of these smooth coats produce another generation of smooth coated dogs.
Another problem sometimes found in Löwchen
is short coats. Some Löwchen, no matter how much coat care and
preservation is practiced, cannot grow much length to their coat. Their coats
grow anywhere from one to three inches and then it stops or breaks off. The
cause of this is not known, but it must be stressed this is very undesirable.
If a coat is frizzy, broken or short, it should be heavily penalized.
The rest of the dog!
Neck: While head and coat are the first qualities a judge will notice,
there is more to the dog. A Lowchen with a wonderful head must have the proper
length of neck to carry it. While the neck needs some length to carry the head
through the coat, care must be taken not to cultivate too long a neck.
Currently some seem to equate the degree of elegance on how much neck a dog
carries. The more neck, the more elegant a dog is perceived to be. Because Löwchen
can carry large amounts of coat, too short a neck will give the dog an
appearance of having its head stuck on to the shoulder. Currently this is more
common in the breed than too long a neck. The amount of neck a Löwchen
carries must be balanced with the rest of the dog's proportions. As with all
other traits of the Löwchen, there should be no exaggeration. When
evaluating length of neck, keep in mind that a full or incorrectly styled coat
can hide adequate neck. It is vital, therefore, that judges feel for length of
neck. Length of neck, in Lowchen, is correct when the head is carried above the
shoulders with the neck being discernible but not much more. Remember
moderation is the key here. If one notices the length of neck before the rest
of the body or the neck looks out of balance then chances are it is too long.
The Löwchen
must never become a giraffe! The neck, according to the Löwchen
Club of
Substance: Structurally the
Löwchen
is a cobby, small and athletic dog. There should be no hint of reedy structure
since the Löwchen must be a solid built dog even while
possessing some elegance. There is a fine line that must be understood. Some Löwchen
can be built too heavily. A course dog is not pleasing to the eye and generally
lacks elegance or beauty. As with many other small companion dogs the Löwchen
depended on being pleasing to the eye for survival. There should be no
exaggerations making a dog too petite or too coarse.
Topline: Löwchen should possess level toplines, without
exception. The Löwchen topline should be level from the withers
to the tail set. A ruler can run from withers to the base of the tail, at
level. This trait is crucial since the rest of the body hangs off the spine.
Any deviations from a straight topline will most likely lead to other problems
such as a low tail set and or improper movement. Dogs with roached toplines
often sport low tail sets. One of the most common topline faults found in this
breed is the roached back. On some dogs it is very pronounced, others very mild
and felt only when the judge runs their hand down the back. Note here though,
that coat can lead to an appearance of poor topline, if the coat is not lying
properly. This is so particularly, if the coat is thin about the shoulders and
bushy in the midsection. Also, if a dog is too thin it may seem to roach. When
evaluating a topline you should have the dog set up properly on a table.
Ribcage: Ribs should be well sprung. There should be room in the ribcage for
the lungs of this athletic small dog. Since the Löwchen has never been noted as
being a working dog but rather as a companion, this would seem to be an odd
requirement. Keep in mind, while being a small companion, the Löwchen
has always been somewhat of an active dog. They needed to be fit in order to
follow their master, in the days before cars. This sometimes required a lot of
running or walking which developed the small athletic Löwchen of today. The
brisket should be moderate in width. The Löwchen,
while needing room for their lungs, should not be round barreled and wide, or
slab sided and narrow in the width of the chest. Approaching a Löwchen
from the front, one is surprised by the amount of chest the small dog has.
Besides bone construction, muscles give the chest its solid appearance.
Shoulders: The American standard describes the shoulder construction of the
breed well. It calls for a moderately long and well-laid back shoulder. The
brisket extends to the elbow. The upper arm is of equal length to the shoulder
blade, the two meeting at a ninety-degree angle. The front legs descend out of
the chest in straight parallel planes. They too, are well muscled. The forearms
are described as having good length, with the distance from the ground to the
elbow slightly greater than the distance from the elbow to the top of the
withers.
Tuck-up: Ideally, Löwchen
have a moderate tuck-up. There should be a gradual raise in the line from the
chest to loin. It should not be pronounced or extreme. This does not mean that
the chest can be short when viewed from the side. It should extend to the
elbows. The Löwchen, if correct, will appear a little thick
waisted. The tuck-up of the early Löwchen
was not as pronounced as they are becoming today. Exaggerated tuck-up could be
a future problem. Judges should avoid exaggerated Löwchen
tuck-ups. If you have never seen a Löwchen
with moderate tuck-up it is difficult to imagine this dog being elegant. But
elegance is certainly possible despite a thick waist. Oh, if only so for humans
too!
Tail sets: Tail sets can be a problem. Incorrect tail sets are set too low off
the back. This is often accompanied with a stiff or wide movement in the rear
when the dog is gaited. Dogs with roached toplines often have low tail sets,
exaggerating their poor topline even more. The tail should come off the back
with no break in the level line until the point where the tail lifts off the
back. A correctly set tail with the right amount of curve, will look like a tea
cup handle. The tail should curve up over the back, with the tip falling to one
side of the back. The tail should never be held tightly to the back, where it
lies across the topline, much like a Pekingese tail does. Nor should it stand
straight up with only a slight curve at the tip. This is considered a flag tail
and is more common than one might imagine in this breed. A minor problem is the
short tail. As long as the tail is set right and has the right amount of curve
to it, it's long hair at the end if the tail will compensate for lack of
length. The preferable tail is longer rather than shorter. The tail should be
carried over the back when moving, but judges should not penalize a Löwchen
for dropping its tail when standing still. A well set and carried tail strongly
contributes to the unique profile of the Lowchen.
The
Hindquarters: For years the breed has been admired for its strong rear. A correctly
built rear propels the dog forward efficiently. The rear should be well muscled
and slightly rounded. The rounded rear, when viewed from behind, is wide rather
than narrow. A rear not rounded, will appear narrow, which not desirable. The
rear legs should be parallel and straight when viewed from the rear. They
should not hock in or out. Sometimes rear bracelets give the appearance of
problems such as moving close in the rear, so a breeder and judge must be able
to look through the coat.
Viewed from the side the dog should have moderate angulation. For some reason
this is a problem for many new to the breed. It is true a dog with much
angulation looks elegant and showy from the side. But if one studies pictures
of the early dogs, the first thing that stands out is their moderate
angulation. The angles of the rear leg are subdued. This does not mean there
should be no angulation, only that the Löwchen
should not stand out as an well-angulated breed. An well-angulated Lowchen goes
against historic type and veers away from being moderate.
Size: The mode average of breed standards around the world is 25-32cm,
which translates into 9.9-12.6 inches. Alternatively, the Löwchen
Club of American standard calls for a size range of 12-14 inches. Some American
Löwchen
fanciers justify this different size range for the American Löwchen,
since the AKC has (at the Löwchen Club of Americans' request) placed them in
the Non-Sporting Group instead of in the Toy or Companion Group. The idea is
that the breed needs to be larger to win placement in the Group. Others believe
that movement is better when the dogs are larger. In actuality, when the
standard was revised to its current version, many American owned Löwchen
were on the large side when compared to their European counterparts. The size
change in the American Löwchen standard compensated for this difference.
Measuring: The internationally recognized way to measure the Löwchen
is from the wither to the tail set and from wither to ground. The ideal
proportion is ten parts tall to eleven parts long. If one measures from the
brisket to tail and withers to ground, as called for in the American standard,
the working proportion is 13 or 14 parts long to ten parts tall, dependant on
the prominence of the brisket.
Personality: The Löwchen has some of the fire of a terrier and the
intelligence of those mysterious eastern breeds. It is the tomboy of the small
companion dogs. Most Löwchen enjoy being in the show ring, and are
there just for the joy of doing something different. A shy Löwchen
should be penalized since one of their personality traits is a cheerful
demeanor. Lowchen are naturally confidant dogs who like being the center of
attention. A truly great Löwchen is one that has all the right qualities,
physically and mentally. When one finds one of the "greats" in the
show ring it is unlikely to be missed, since this dogs personality and physical
attributes will scream out to be noticed.
Those judging the breed owe it to themselves, and the breed, to
understand what makes a quality Löwchen.
It is not so easy to sort through the many types being shown today, unless you
fully understand what makes the breed a breed. Judges will play an important
part in the direction that the breed will take. As in every breed, there are
those breeders who are not confident in their own knowledge of the breed and
they will place greater importance on how a dog does in the show ring than what
its actual qualities are. It is up to the judges to weed through what is
brought to them to find those dogs truly worth breeding. This is a heavy
burden, but with the right amount of study, it can be carried. More
importantly, breeders must understand in minute detail what a quality Löwchen
is and ruthlessly weed through their dogs to keep it.
Am. Ch. Elguarda's Capt.
Star Lite, bred by Glenise & Andy Field of Australia, imported by Gini
Denninger and co-owned with his handler Richard Lawless. Captain has multiple
BIS in Australia (editor’s note: pending
verification from the author), the most Group placements for Löwchen in the
USA, and won the 2000 Canadian National Specialty.
|
Gini Denninger, Ashford Lowchen, |
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|
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Ms. Denninger of New York State, USA, has exported and imported
Löwchen worldwide. Since AKC
recognition, Ashford Löwchen have been consistently in the top 10 breed
rankings. She has the added
distinction of having won numerous rare-breed Best In Shows. Gini has also
bred three of the four Award of Merits at the 2000 National Speciality, as
well as breeding and owning the first Award of Merit at Westminster Kennel
Club (Ch. Ashford’s Lazim Lesse).
Co-chairing the First Löwchen World Congress along with Felizitas
Dylla of |
|
To find out more about Gini's
book, you can email her.
Copyright 2001 Gini
Denninger, Ashford Kennels. All rights reserved.
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