Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Little Lion Dog (Löwchen) is one of Europe’s oldest decorative breeds, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Depictions of small dogs with the characteristic “lion cut” appear in paintings and engravings from the 14th–16th centuries. These elegant dogs graced the salons and chambers of French, Spanish, and Italian nobility, symbolizing wealth and refinement. They were admired for their loyalty, cheerful nature, and unique lion-like appearance. By the 19th century, the breed nearly vanished, but thanks to dedicated breeders in France and Germany, it was preserved. In the 20th century, the Little Lion Dog regained popularity and is now recognized as a rare yet precious companion breed that embodies centuries of European heritage.
General Appearance
The Little Lion Dog is a compact, elegant, small-sized dog with a strong build and a square body structure. It combines grace and vigor, balance and harmony. Its most distinctive feature is the traditional “lion cut”: the front part of the body and head are covered with long, thick hair forming a mane, while the hindquarters and legs are clipped, giving it the appearance of a miniature lion. The head is proportionate, with a lively, intelligent expression. Eyes are large and expressive, ears are pendant and fringed with long hair. The back is straight and firm, the chest deep, and the tail is set high and gracefully arched. The overall impression is one of elegance, liveliness, and joy.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Little Lion Dog must be perfectly balanced. The body is square—its length from shoulder to croup equals the height at the withers. The head is in proportion to the body, the skull moderately broad and slightly rounded, and the muzzle about one-third of the head’s length. The neck is of medium length and strong enough to carry the head proudly. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with moderately rounded ribs. The back is straight, the loin short and muscular. The tail is medium in length, high set, and elegantly curved. The limbs are straight, with solid bone and well-developed muscles. All lines should form a harmonious silhouette emphasizing the square format and breed balance.
Temperament and Character
The Little Lion Dog is cheerful, affectionate, and balanced in temperament. Intelligent, confident, and lively, it forms a close bond with its family. It is friendly and playful with children and gets along well with other pets. Although never aggressive, it remains alert and courageous toward strangers. Its intelligence and responsiveness make it easy to train, and it enjoys interacting with humans. Its joyful disposition and adaptability make it an ideal companion, equally at ease in an apartment or a country home.
Head
The head is of medium size, in proportion to the body, with a broad, slightly rounded skull. The stop is distinct but not abrupt. The forehead is moderately wide, covered with long hair that contributes to the breed’s characteristic expression. The muzzle is harmonious, neither coarse nor pointed, nor too short. The overall impression is expressive and lively, emphasizing the typical Löwchen look.
Muzzle
The muzzle is straight, strong, and about one-third the length of the head. The jaws are well developed, with a scissor or level bite. The lips are thin, tight, and fully pigmented. The nose is large, dark, with wide-open nostrils. The muzzle harmonizes with the skull, framed by abundant hair and beard, giving the dog its characteristic lion-like face.
Eyes
The eyes are large, round, and set straight, neither prominent nor sunken. The iris is dark, preferably deep brown. Eyelids fit tightly and are darkly pigmented. The whites of the eyes are not visible. The expression is intelligent, friendly, and lively, reflecting the cheerful temperament of the breed.
Ears
The ears are pendant, set slightly above eye level, of medium length, and lie close to the head. Narrow at the base, widening toward rounded tips, they are covered with long, flowing hair that forms decorative fringes. At rest, they hang naturally along the cheeks, enhancing the head’s gentle outline; in movement, they maintain their elegant position.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, strong yet graceful, blending smoothly into the shoulders. It is powerful enough to carry the head and thick mane without heaviness. Covered in abundant long hair, it adds to the breed’s elegance and balance.
Body
The body is square, compact, and strong. The back is straight and firm, the loin short and muscular. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with rounded but not barrel-shaped ribs. The belly is slightly tucked up. The top line is level and steady. The body conveys strength and harmony while retaining agility and elegance.
Tail
The tail is high set, of medium length, and covered with long, dense hair. When moving, it is carried arched over the back or to the side, forming a decorative plume. It should not hang low when at rest. The tail is an essential feature of the breed’s silhouette and completes the elegant appearance.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight and parallel, with solid bone and good musculature. Shoulders are long and well laid back, creating a correct angle. The elbows are close to the body. Pasterns are short, firm, and slightly sloping. Feet are small, round, compact, with tight toes and thick pads. Movement is free and balanced.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong and muscular, with well-defined angles. Thighs are broad and powerful, the hocks low and firm. The metatarsi are short, straight, and vertical. Feet are compact and rounded. Hind limbs provide a strong push and balance the movement.
Gait/Movement
The movement is light, free, and harmonious. The forelegs reach well forward, and the hind legs provide a firm, springy drive. The top line remains level, and the tail is carried proudly. The gait should appear lively, balanced, and elegant, reflecting the cheerful character of the breed.
Coat
The coat is long, dense, soft, and may be slightly wavy or curly, but not silky. The undercoat is moderate and evenly distributed. The traditional “lion clip” leaves the front half of the body and head with long hair forming a mane, while the hindquarters are trimmed. This style enhances the breed’s distinctive historical appearance.
Color
All colors are permitted in the Little Lion Dog, adding to its visual diversity. Common colors include white, black, fawn, gold, gray, brown, and blue. Solid or particolored coats are both acceptable. Markings should be symmetrical and harmonious. No color preference exists; all are equally valued.
Size
Both males and females measure about 25–32 cm at the withers and weigh between 4–8 kg, depending on sex and build. Males are slightly more compact and muscular, while females are finer and lighter. The body should always appear square and well balanced.
Faults
Faults include weak bone, loose constitution, imbalance of proportions, deviation from the square outline, narrow chest, weak back, or overly long or short loin. Poor angulation, cow-hocks, or soft pasterns are undesirable. Incomplete dentition, uneven pigmentation of the nose or eyelids, light eyes, and incorrect head proportions lower the evaluation. Coat faults include overly soft texture, insufficient density, poor quality, or lack of the traditional lion trim. Restricted or stiff movement is also considered a fault.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include aggression or extreme shyness, severe bite faults (overshot, undershot, jaw asymmetry, multiple missing teeth), blue eyes, total depigmentation of the nose or eyelids, short, coarse, or tightly curled hair, and lack of breed type. Physical deformities, paralysis, congenital malformations, deafness, blindness, cryptorchidism, amputations, or surgical alterations to disguise defects lead to disqualification. Any serious deviation from the ICCF standard is considered disqualifying.
Important Notes
In ICCF evaluation, particular emphasis is placed on the breed type, square body format, and coat quality. The traditional “lion cut” is a defining feature of the breed’s historical appearance. Minor deviations are judged by their impact on health and breed type. Males should appear more robust, females more refined. Alertness toward strangers is acceptable; aggression is not. Grooming should highlight natural beauty—dyeing or artificial alterations are prohibited. Dogs must be shown in well-groomed, natural condition.
Conclusion
The Little Lion Dog is a unique and noble decorative breed, preserving the elegance and charm of Europe’s aristocratic past. It combines intelligence, affection, and refined beauty. The ICCF standard sets strict requirements for conformation, proportions, and temperament. Only healthy dogs with official ICCF documentation proving pedigree and standard compliance may participate in breeding or exhibitions. The Little Lion Dog remains a symbol of grace, devotion, and heritage—an enduring companion of timeless charm.
