Löwchen Dog Coat Types, Colours & Grooming Guide

The Löwchen dog, also lovingly called the little lion dog, was once considered the rarest dog breed worldwide. Originating from Germany and France with a history dating back to the 15th century, Löwchens are playful, friendly, and generally healthy companion dogs. Their trademark feature is a long, flowing, silky coat which is often styled into the iconic lion cut but can also be kept natural and full-length for those who prefer a softer look.

The Löwchen coat is a single layer without an undercoat, combining fine and thicker hairs for a silky, moderately wavy texture that flows naturally without frizz. It is low-shedding and hypoallergenic for many, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers. However, this coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and maintain its softness and shine.

1. Understanding Löwchen Coat Colours

The Löwchen displays a remarkable diversity in coat colours due to four major pigmentation genes: black, red, black and tan bicolour, and tortoiseshell (agouti). Each colour comes with its unique variations.

• Black: The dominant but relatively rare colour, offering a striking, deep black coat.
• Red: Comes in shades ranging from champagne and fawn to rich gold tones.
• Black and Tan: Features a black base with red, tan, cream, or rust red points, often displaying brindle patterns.
• Tortoiseshell (Agouti): A two-tone pattern commonly beige or tan fur tipped in black running along the back, with puppies often showing a bluish tint before maturing to their full colour.

2. Varieties of Coat Patterns

Beyond colour, the distribution and patterning add to the Löwchen’s visual charm. Four additional alleles influence a range of coat patterns enhancing this breed’s diversity.

• Self-coloured coats: These coats show an almost uniform colour with minimal white. Commonly, there might be white on the toes or chest.
• Irish spotted: A primarily self-coloured coat with distinctive white trim such as a white chest, blaze, collar, and feet, plus a white tail tip.
• Parti-coloured (Piebald): Consists of colour patches on a white base, offering pleasing contrasts.
• Extreme white spotting: A rare double recessive trait leading to mostly white coats or defined white patches on areas like ears or tail.

3. The Natural Coat

When left unclipped, the Löwchen's coat grows long and thick, featuring a soft, wavy texture that flows beautifully. Its unique coat resists frizz, revealing a low-shedding nature. To keep the coat in prime condition, regular grooming sessions including brushing and occasional bathing are essential. This prevents matting and keeps the coat healthy.

4. The Lion Cut: Iconic and Traditional

The lion cut is the breed’s signature grooming style, especially popular for dog shows. It involves clipping the hair short on the back, front legs, haunches, and near the base of the tail while leaving a lush mane around the head and a plume on the tail, resembling a lion’s majestic look.

While visually distinctive and charming, dogs with a lion cut may require extra warmth in colder weather, so protective clothing such as coats and jumpers are recommended during winter months.

5. Grooming Tips for Löwchen Owners

1. Regular Brushing: To prevent tangling, brush the coat at least three times a week using a slicker brush and comb.
2. Bathing: Bathe monthly or as needed with a gentle dog shampoo to maintain coat softness.
3. Lion Cut Maintenance: If choosing the lion cut, regular visits to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks ensure the clipped spots remain neat.
4. Check for Matting: Pay special attention behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail where mats tend to form.
5. Winter Care: Since clipped areas offer less protection, use dog clothes to keep your Löwchen warm in cold seasons.

6. Responsible Löwchen Ownership and Finding a Puppy

When looking to find a Löwchen puppy, always seek reputable breeders who prioritise health, temperament, and ethical breeding practices. The Löwchen’s particular grooming and coat care needs mean owners must be prepared to invest time and attention in maintaining their dog's coat and overall wellbeing.

Regular vet check-ups and fostering a loving environment help keep your Löwchen happy and thriving. This breed’s friendly and lively nature makes it a treasured companion for families and individuals alike.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Löwchen Coat Colours

What causes the tortoiseshell coat in Löwchen dogs?

Quick Answer: The tortoiseshell pattern, also known as agouti, is due to a genetic combination causing a two-tone colour where lighter base fur is tipped with black hairs, producing a distinctive shaded effect.

The tortoiseshell coat arises from the agouti gene influencing pigment distribution. Puppies initially show a bluish tint that transforms into beige or tan with black tips as they mature. This unique pattern contributes to the breed’s colourful diversity and is one of several accepted coats.

Does the Löwchen lose much hair?

Quick Answer: Löwchen dogs are considered low-shedding because their single coat lacks an undercoat, making them a good option for many with allergies.

Though they shed less than many breeds, their long hair needs careful grooming to avoid mats. Regular brushing and bathing keep their coat healthy and shiny. This low-shedding characteristic can make them more comfortable companions for allergy sufferers, though no dog is fully hypoallergenic.