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Lowchen

His origins are obscure, probably European and it is suggested that he has affinities with the Bichon.He is often known as the little Lion Dog, because of the manner in which he is trimmed, with fully mane resembling a Lion. To the uninitiated he may look like a poodle, but there are very distinct differences first and foremost the head, which is short and wide with large round eyes. He also has a fine, long, silky coat. A friendly, happy little dog, very active and playful. He is most attractive and his coat comes in a variety of colours. He is very affectionate, good with children, and makes an excellent house pet.

General Appearance** A small, bright, and lively dog that originated as a companion breed in the pre renaissance Europe where ladies of the court groomed it in the likeness of a little Lion. Breed characteristics are a compact, balanced body, a relatively short, broad topskull and muzzle, and a proud, lively gait that accentuates the Lion cut with a long flowing mane. These quintessential features, combined with an outgoing and positive attitude, result ina dog ofgreat style.

Characteristics** Cay, very happy, lively little dog.

Temperament** Intelligent, affectionate, showing no sign of aggression.

Head ** The head is a hallmark breed characteristic. the expression is bright, alert, and lively. The eyes are set well into the skull, large,dark and round in shape, set well apart and foreward looking. Brown and champagne coated dogs may have shightly lighter eyes. full pigmentation is rqguired on the eye rims.The ears are pendant, moderate in length, well fringed, and set on slightly above the level of the eye. Skull well the blackskull is broad with a moderate stop. The muzzle is equal in length or slihgtly shorter than the blaclskull and is relatively broad with moderate depth of underjaw resulting in a slightly rounded finish to the muzzle. The nose is dark in colour. Complete pigmentation is required.Coloration of pigment is black or brown, dependent on the coat color. The lips are tight, with color the same as the nose. The bite is scissors and the teeth are rather large and well spaced with complete dentition.

Neck, and Topline, body *** The neck is of a good length, With a slight arch, fitting smoothly into the shoulders and topline. The head is carried high when the dog is moving. The topline is level from withers to tailset. The body is slightly off square when properly balanced. The lion is short and very strong. The ribs are very well sprung. The brisket is moderate in width and extends approximately to the elbows. The underline has a slight tuck up handle fashionand wel over the back when the dog is moving. A dropped tail while standing is not to be penalized.

Forequarters*** The shoulders are strong and well laid back with smooth musculature. The upper arm is of equal lenght to the shoulder blade and the two meet in a near 90 dergree angle. The elbows are held close to the body. Forearms are good of length and the distance from the withers to the elbow is slightly less than the distance from the elbow to the ground. From the front the legs are perfectly parallel from the elbow to the feet. The bone is more round then the oval and of medium size with only a slight decrease in size at the pasterns. The pasterns are short, parallel from the front and very slightly bent when viewed from the side.The dewclaws on the forelegs should be removed. The forefeet point straight ahead, and are well arched with deep pads and the two center does are slightly in advance of the two outer toes. The nails are relatively short. A tight foot is perferred, and a splayed foot to be penalized.

Hindquarters*** The pelvic bone projects beyond the set Of the tail and is at an approximate 45 degree angle from a perfectly horizontal line. The upper and lower thighs are well muscled and of approximately equal length withmedium bone. The stifles are well bent. The hocks are well let down and perpendicular to the ground from any angle. The rear dewclaws should be removed. The hindfeet are slightly smaller then the forefeet, and are well arched with deep pads.

Coat*** The untrimmed coat is very long, rather dense and moderately soft in texture. It has slight to moderate wavy appearance. Wiry, woolly, curly, and flad coat texture are not correct, and are to be penalized to the degree of severity. No scissoring or shaping of the untrimmed coat is permitted. Puppies typically have a softer coat. Trim - Trimmed in the lion Trim. the coat is clipped to obout 1/8"on the following parts of the body. From the last rib back to and including the hindquarters, leaving of ruff or mane which just covers the last rib. The hindquarters are clipped to the hockjoint. The front legs are clipped from the elbow to a point above the knee, whoch is equal to the same distance as from the ground to the hock joint leaving cuffs or hair on all four legs.The tail is clipped from the base to approximately onehalf way to the tip leaving a plume at the end of the tail. The feet are clipped to thr point where the dewclaws were removed. The unclipped areas must be completely naturel and untrimmed.On no account should the unclipped areas be smoothed, shortened, shaped or otherwise tidied with anyting other than a comb or brush. Any trim other than specified or any shaping or scissoring of the long coat are disqualifications.

Color*** All colors and color combinations are acceptable, with no preference given to any.

Gait*** Movement at the trot is effortless with good reach in front and full extension in the rear. From the front, the forelegs move in almost parallel lines, converging slightly as the speed increases. From the rear, the legs move in almost parallel lines and in the same line of motion as the forelegs, converging slightly as the speed increases. From side, movement is efficient and ground covering. The forelegs reach well out in front in a long, relatively low stride, and the rear legs come well under the body and extend behind to maximize propulsion. The body should remain nearly square in outline, and the topline is held firm and level, with the tail being carried cuved over the back and the head is held above the level of the back.

Temperament*** The Lowchen is alert, intelligent, and affectionate with the overall qualities of a loving companion dog. It has a lively, outgoing, and inquisitive personality.

Disqualifications*** Any trim other than specified. Shaping or scissoring of the long coat.

Note*** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully decended into the scrotum.