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Yes! The Lowchen make exceptional therapy dogs, and here’s why more people need to know about this best-kept secret.

While people may picture Golden Retrievers when they think therapy dogs, there’s a rare breed that may actually be superior for many therapy applications: the Löwchen. 

The Perfect Package: Size Meets Heart

At 10-15 pounds, Löwchen are large enough to provide meaningful comfort while being small enough to safely interact with vulnerable populations. They’re perfectly sized for:

• Hospital settings where space is limited and medical equipment can’t be bumped. 
• Nursing homes where elderly residents may have mobility challenges or frail bones. 
• Children’s therapy programs where a smaller dog feels less intimidating to nervous kids. 
• Psychiatric facilities where a calm, manageable presence is essential for therapeutic work.

Lowchen can comfortably curl up on a bed or lap while providing all the therapeutic benefits of animal interaction. They’re portable enough to travel in airline cabins, making them ideal for handlers who need to reach multiple locations.

Temperament: Built for the Job

The AKC breed standard describes Löwchen as “outgoing, confident, human-oriented, and stable” – characteristics that translate directly to exceptional therapy work. These dogs are naturally attuned to their humans, making them sensitive to emotional needs without being overly reactive.

Lowchen have the confidence enough to work in new environments without issues. Their stable temperament means they won’t become agitated by medical equipment, unexpected noises, or the emotional distress they may encounter in therapy settings.

Here’s the thing about Lowchen: they read people like emotional barometers. They sense when someone needs comfort and respond with appropriate comfort rather than overwhelming enthusiasm. This emotional intelligence allows them to provide therapeutic support precisely when and how it’s needed.

The Non-Shedding Advantage

Löwchen are non-shedding and low-dander, making them excellent for environments where allergies are a concern. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, the breed is exceptionally friendly for those with allergies. 

Intelligence: Problem Solvers with Heart

Löwchen are exceptional problem solvers with high emotional intelligence. They learn quickly, retain training well, and can distinguish between work and play time – crucial for therapy dogs who must be “on” during visits but relaxed at home. Great Lowchen therapy dogs their ability to read situations and respond appropriately without constant direction. 

Building the Foundation

Not every Löwchen is a therapy dog candidate, but the breed’s inherent characteristics provide an excellent foundation. Success depends on early socialization, selecting for temperament, and consistent training.

Look for breeders who:

– Utilize protocols like Puppy Culture and Early Neurological Stimulation

– Select breeding stock specifically for stable temperament

– Raise litters with enrichment programs designed to produce confident, emotionally regulated dogs

This foundation work in the first eight to twelve weeks significantly contributes to a puppy’s potential for therapy work success. The key is finding a breeder who understands that they’re not just producing pets – they’re developing the next generation of canine ambassadors for our breed.

Why This Matters for Our Breed

Every Lowhen working as a therapy dog becomes a breed ambassador. This visibility is crucial for a breed with only 9,000-10,000 individuals worldwide.

For therapy dog handlers seeking a partner who can provide years of reliable, effective service across diverse settings, the Little Lion Dog offers a compelling combination of traits that’s difficult to match. Our Lowchen aren’t just therapy dogs – they’re living proof of why rare breeds deserve recognition and preservation.

The future of Löwchen depends on people discovering their remarkable abilities. Therapy work showcases everything special about our Lions: their emotional intelligence, robust health, perfect size, and stable temperament.

We’re excited to announce that we are Breeder of Merit for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs now, and we are nearing Breeder of Merit Gold for Lowchen. Thank you to all the owners, co-breeders, and supporters for helping us get to this milestone.

On occasion, we have adult dogs or older puppies available to homes for a variety of reasons. Older puppies may be available because they did not turn out to be suitable for conformation, sport, service work, or breeding. Those activities have very specific requirements that have no impact on their ability to be a wonderful companion. Adult dogs may be available because they have finished their contribution to the sport and/or to future generations of the breed, and they would love to integrate into a home where their new job is to be a best friend. On occasion, we have companions available because their owners are no longer able to care for them. 

Sometimes these circumstances allow a loving companion to be available for homes who want to skip the puppy stage, have a pet with built in manners and training, and having known health and temperament information. 

Adults dogs are rarely posted on our website. Please inquire about older puppies and adults that may be soon available. 

GCH Adamant Roman Reign Domo Affogato Mr. Gelato

• Group Placing
• Owner Handled Group Winning
• #3 Lowchen Breed 2024 at just 11 months old

With the 2024 show year closing, there were so many fond memories and bittersweet ones. While we are celebrating our honors this year, I must give credit to Mary B Usery and Jessica M Kalupa for the incredible contributions in just a few short years.

Mary Beth’s eye for a dog was exceptional, deep dedication to building strong families of dogs was hard to match, and Rolodex of remedies for all challenges was most effective. We all miss you sorely, and I hope April Rose, Ruby, and I have made you proud.

Results from the AKC National Championship under Judge David R. Miller:

MBISS MOHBIS GCHS Suma’s Moonlight Broomride “Kiki” – Best of Breed piloted by Devon Kipp Levy. BBY: Mary Beth Usery and myself.

MBISS MOHBIS GCHG Musicbox Got Your Six at Roman Reign “Target” – Award of Merit – piloted by Ruby Kaufax. BBY: Jerry Davis and Donna Moore Jones.

Adamant Roman Reign Two Scoops Vanilla Bean Magick ”Pattern” – Winners Beep and Award of Merit at 9 months old – piloted by Lexie Rogers-Munson BBY: Jennifer Joseph, Katherine La Rue, Alison Greenwall Gray, Jay Josephs, John Knox, and myself.