Lowchen dog hereditary health and genetic diversity

The Löwchen or Lowchen, often called the “little lion dog”, is a small toy dog breed once considered the rarest in the world. In the 1970s, fewer than 100 of these dogs existed. Although more common today, they remain quite uncommon in the UK, meaning prospective owners may need to travel or wait to find a Lowchen puppy.

Lowchens grow up to 14 inches tall at the withers and weigh up to 8kg, with females typically smaller than males. They have short, broad muzzles, wide skulls, and bright, lively eyes. Their coat can be any colour, is long, flowing down their bodies with a wavy texture that balances softness and thickness. This coat sheds very lightly, often making Lowchens a hypoallergenic choice for people prone to dog allergies.

If you have your heart set on a Lowchen, use the waiting time to learn about their hereditary health, wellness needs, and breeding background so you’re prepared for responsible ownership.

Lowchen Longevity and General Health

The average lifespan of a Lowchen is 12 to 14 years, which is quite healthy compared to other dogs of similar size. Despite a significant level of inbreeding historically, many Lowchens enjoy long, healthy lives with proper care.

Understanding Lowchen Genetic Diversity

The Lowchen’s coefficient of inbreeding (COI) is around 18.6%, which is considered high. This reflects the breed's small genetic pool, mainly in the UK, contributing to a greater risk of hereditary health problems and smaller litter sizes over time.

Responsible breeders aim to reduce this inbreeding level. For context, a COI of 6.25% or lower is acceptable to maintain healthy genetic diversity. Breeding strategies that prioritise genetic diversity help protect against inherited diseases common in breeds with restricted gene pools.

Recommended Health Testing Before Breeding

To address hereditary health risks, The Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association recommend specific health tests for Lowchens prior to breeding:

• Hip score testing: The breed’s mean hip score is 17, relatively high – aiming to breed dogs with as low a hip score as possible helps reduce the chance of hip dysplasia.
• Eye examination: Testing for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is advised to detect potential eye disorders early.
• BAER testing: Breed clubs recommend brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing for hereditary deafness.

Other Known Health Issues

Beyond the conditions screened for pre-breeding, Lowchens may be prone to several other health concerns, including:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: Progressive degeneration of the femoral head causing painful lameness in the hip joint.
• Patellar luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap due to ligament laxity, sometimes requiring surgery.
• Hereditary cataracts: Common in older dogs but generally treatable with surgery.
• Congenital deafness: May not be evident in very young puppies; BAER testing helps detect this.

Although the breed tends to have a few specific hereditary conditions, the number of health issues is relatively limited, and with conscientious breeding paired with regular vet care, Lowchens often have robust health.

Making Informed Decisions When Buying a Lowchen Puppy

When looking to purchase a Lowchen puppy, have an open conversation with the breeder about the health of the parents and grandparents. Asking about any history of the health conditions mentioned can help assess the likelihood of hereditary problems in the puppies.

Responsible breeders will share results of health tests and be transparent about any health issues found in the breeding lines. Selecting puppies from such ethical breeders supports the preservation of breed health and reduces the risk of future complications.

Use of Genetic Testing and Health Schemes

Modern genetic testing technologies, such as those offered by specialist services, can screen for hundreds of genetic health risks and provide valuable insight into the individual dog’s genetic diversity.

For Lowchens, genetic testing complements traditional health schemes to maintain breed viability. Maintaining diversity in breeding pairs reduces the adverse effects of inbreeding and promotes longer, healthier lives.

Routine health assessments, combined with genetic tools, represent the current best practice endorsed by The Kennel Club and veterinary bodies for responsible Lowchen breeding.

Conclusion

The Lowchen dog, with its charming appearance and lively nature, is a rare gem among toy breeds. While historically challenged by genetic bottlenecks, conscientious breeding focused on reducing inbreeding and prioritising health screening supports the breed’s ongoing wellness and longevity.

For prospective owners, investing time in understanding hereditary health and seeking reputable breeders who employ recommended testing will help ensure a happy and healthy Lowchen companion.