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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

General Appearance
Coat clipped in traditional lion clip, tail also clipped, topped with plume, giving appearance of a little lion. Strongly built, active, well balanced and alert.

Characteristics
Gay, happy, lively little dog.

Temperament
Intelligent, affectionate showing no sign of aggression.

Head and Skull
Short, fairly broad. Skull flat between the ears, head carried proud and high. Well defined stop; short, strong muzzle.

Eyes
Round, dark, relatively large and intelligent. Unbroken pigmentation of eye rims, pigment to be in accordance with coat colour.

Ears
Ears pendant, of moderate length with long fringing.

Mouth
Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Good length, proudly arched.

Forequarters
Forequarters Shoulders well laid. Forelegs straight with round bone, not too fine.

Body
Short, strong and well proportioned. Level topline. Ribs well sprung. Strong loin with moderate tuck-up.

Hindquarters
Hindlegs well muscled. Good turn of stifle without exaggeration; straight when viewed from the rear.

Feet

Small, round.

Tail
Medium length, clipped with tuft of hair to resemble a plume. Carried gaily on move.

Gait/Movement
Free, parallel movement fore and aft, no hackneyed action.

Coat
Fairly long, wavy, never curly. Single coat of silky texture.

Colour
Any colour or combination of colours permissible.

Size
Height at withers 25-33 cms (10-13 ins).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

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

Last Updated - October 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

LOWCHEN (LITTLE LION DOG) CLUB. Sec: Mrs J Turner. Tel No: 01246 240323 

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