MyDogBreeds
Lowchen is originated from Germany but Broholmer is originated from Denmark. Lowchen may grow 42 cm / 16 inches shorter than Broholmer. Lowchen may weigh 72 kg / 158 pounds lesser than Broholmer. Both Lowchen and Broholmer has almost same life span. Lowchen may have less litter size than Broholmer. Both Lowchen and Broholmer requires Moderate maintenance.
Known as the Little Lion Dog, the Lowchen is considered by some registries as a toy dog and by the American Kennel Club as a non-sporting dog.
Nobody seems too certain about the true origin of the dog but most records seem to suggest it originates from Germany, France or Holland.
He was bred to catch rats and mice and his history goes way back to 1442, with images of him being found in engravings and paintings. People think he may be related to the Bichon Frise.
His history shows that apart from being used to catch vermin he was also a companion dog to the wealthy. A breeding program for the dog was started in 1944 and they were later imported to Britain in the late 1960s. The dog was given Kennel Club recognition in the UK in 1971, also appearing in America in 1971 with The Lowchen Club of America being formed.
This giant dog, the Broholmer, comes from Denmark and falls into the general Molosser type of Mastiff dog. The breed was originally developed by crossing the local German dogs with the English Mastiffs to create what is also known as a Danish Mastiff. The breed is named after an 18th century game-keeper names Sehested of Broholm. This type of dog has been present however since the Middle Ages in Europe. It started out as a stag hunting dog but quickly evolved into a guard dog. They were greatly favored by the wealthy and nobility, including being featured in portraits with King Frederick VII and Countess Danner.
Like many European dogs, the Broholmer, did not fare well during the second World War. During this time there was little purebred breeding and their numbers decreased almost to the point of extinction. Brought back by a group called “The Society for the Reconstruction of the Broholmer Breed”. With the support of the Danish Kennel Club, they were successful in bring the breed back. They were recognized by both the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale and the Danish Kennel Club. By 2009 they were being imported to the United Kingdom, hoping to get them onto the import lists of the United Kingdom kennel club (UKC).
The Lowchen is a small dog but robustly built and stands at between 25 – 33 cm in height and weighs anything from 4 – 8 kg.
He has a long coat which is available in a number of colors - cream, white, grey, black, silver and bi-colored. The single coat isn’t like that of the Bichon Frise, thin and fluffy, but is much thicker, silky and wavy and sheds minimally. People love snipping the long coat cut so that the dog looks like a small lion, short over the body and with a mane, with some hair left around the ‘ankle’ parts of the legs.
The tail is also sheared and left with a pom-pom look. People look at him as an ideal pet as he doesn’t shed much and is looked upon as being a hypoallergenic dog.
He has a wide muzzle and broad, flat skull. The ears are floppy with fringing, the eyes dark, round and intelligent looking. The litter size of this dog is is usually between 3 and 6 puppies.
Intelligent, bright, outgoing and affectionate, you won’t find any aggression in this cute little dog unless the owners have treated him so badly that he wants to be aggressive.
He is such an amicable little pet that he won’t cause you any trouble – he just wants to be your friend. He is a social dog, but can be quite timid when introduced to new people.Socialization and training will do wonders for him and give him some confidence.
He just loves receiving attention and is also prepared to give a lot of attention too. Although he can adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside, he wouldn’t like his owners being at work all day and leaving him alone hour after hour. He is gentle with his human family and sees to it that he gets on well with children as well as pets in the home.
The Broholmer is a very large dog with Mastiff qualities. He is strong, rectangular and powerful in build. He has a massive head and neck with a deep and broad chest. The length of the nose is the same as the length of the skull. He is tall, well built and his thing and hindquarters are powerful. His stance and gait are powerful and intimidating as well. His appearance and size alone account for his guard dog status. However, he is a little smaller than most Mastiffs and he is athletic looking as well.
The Broholmer is a double coated breed with a short topcoat and a thick undercoat. The color of the Broholmer is yellow or a golden red. Some have white on the feet, tail tip or chest and some have a black mask. Most do not have any mask.
The Lowchen is sure to make anyone a splendid pet as he is friendly, playful, loving and loyal. He is such a good natured pet and will make a wonderful companion, being able to get on well with children and pets in the home.
He is energetic too and will love to be outside playing games or joining you on a walk. Those who have had the Lowchen as a pet haven’t been disappointed as they all agree that he makes the most amazing family companion.
The Broholmer is a calm, friendly dog. He is a large dog that thinks he is a lap dog. He wants to be close and snuggle with his people all the time. He is great with kids and other dogs. At the same time, he can be very watchful and protective. Because of this along with his size he needs a strong owner who is clearly the pack leader. He is wary and protective around strangers and can be stubborn if he thinks he is in charge.
The Lowchen is a healthy dog breed so you aren’t going to be spending too much money with him at the vet. Some health concerns with this particular dog breed are cataracts and patellar luxation.
It can be so sad witnessing your dog’s bright, alert eyes clouding over. Dogs have clear lens, but cataracts, while not painful, can impair vision and actually lead to complete vision loss. As the eye disease progresses, the lens can become completely opaque.
This occurs when the kneecap of the dog is dislocated from its normal position. You’ll see your dog holding up his hind leg every now and then. It can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles of the dog relax.
This is a common knee joint problem in dogs and it can lead to arthritis. He will need to get to the vet.
The Broholmer faces many of the same health issues as other large breeds, even though he is overall a very healthy breed. Some of the types of health issues the Broholmer might deal with include:
Bloat – caused by eating a large meal too quickly and drinking a lot of water or exercising too soon before or after the large meal.
Because your Lowchen is a bright, happy companion dog you want to ensure that you look after him well to ensure his ongoing wellbeing.
The single coat is long and you will need to brush him regularly to keep it looking good. If brushing becomes too hectic, you can have him sheared at a professional dog groomer.
Check him over for fleas and ticks while brushing him.
Feel all over his body for the emergence of new lumps.
Clip his nails to ensure they don’t grow long so that they hook on things and tear his flesh.
Check the inside of his ears to make sure there is no sign of redness and ear infection. This can drive your pet mad with the itching. The ears need to be kept clean, as do the teeth and both these can be done for you at professional dog groomers.
Every dog requires exercise and your Lowchen will need games and walks to keep him fit, to ward off obesity and to provide him with something to look forward to.
Make sure to feed your pet wholesome food as good quality food promotes good health and longevity. Give your Lowchen the best quality kibble there is and try and mix in some homemade cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and cooked or raw vegetables every now and then just to add some tasty variety to your pets diet. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.
Make sure your Lowchen has a warm, dry comfy spot to sleep, and ensue that when he’s outside he has shade to lie down in.
Don’t overfeed the Broholmer. Give her about three and three quarters to nine cups of a high quality dry food. Depending on the size of your dog, adjust the amount of food within the guidelines listed here. Feed at least twice a day. Use a large breed dog food.
Bloat – when the stomach is twisted and distended. This can cause death is not responded to by a vet immediately.
Eye Issues – Entropion turning inward of eyelids and irritating eye; Ectropium eyelids turn outward, Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) -genetic defects of the retina can cause blindness.
The Broholmer is not an overly active dog but he is big and athletic so has strong exercise needs. A large fenced in back yard is essential or be prepared for several long walks every day. You can play inside games like teaching new tricks or hide and seek but remember this is a big dog. He would love to swim, play frisbee or ball, go hiking or organized activities such as fly ball, agility, rally and obedience. Don’t let your Broholmer over exercise while it is young and still growing. He needs as much mental stimulation as physical exercise.