Cavachons, Mini Bernedoodles, Cavapoos, and small Doodle mixes are everywhere right now. Instagram feeds are filled with teddy-bear puppies, and breeders market them heavily with promises of hypoallergenic coats, predictable temperaments, and family-friendly personalities.
If you’re drawn to these qualities—small size, non-shedding coat, friendly temperament—there’s another option worth considering. The Lowchen checks all these boxes with one significant difference: centuries of intention and consistency when breeding.
What You’re Actually Looking For
Most people considering designer mixes want:
- A small, manageable dog (under 20 lbs)
- Non-shedding or low-shedding coat
- Good for people with allergies
- Friendly, adaptable temperament
- Good with kids and other pets
- Trainable and intelligent
- Cute appearance
The Lowchen delivers on all of these. Let’s talk about why.
The Reality of Mixed Breeds
Here’s the thing about crossing two different breeds: genetics is a lottery. Even within the same litter, puppies can vary significantly in coat type, size, temperament, and health predispositions.
A Cavachon might have a wavy, low-shedding coat like a Bichon—or a silkier coat that sheds like a Cavalier. A Bernedoodle’s personality might lean calm like a Bernese or high-energy like a Poodle. You won’t know until the puppy grows up.
Mixed breeds may vary widely in health, coat type, temperament, and size which makes it difficult to compare. First-generation crosses (F1) are particularly unpredictable.
The “Hypoallergenic” Myth
Let’s address this directly: no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs produce allergens through saliva and dander. Some breeds are better for allergy sufferers than others, but it’s never a guarantee.
The Lowchen is considered non-shedding and low dander, making them excellent for those with allergies to dogs. The difference? This trait has been consistent across the breed for generations.
What Makes the Lowchen Different
The Lowchen has been bred for one purpose since the 1400s: companionship. They were the lap dogs of European nobility, appearing in Renaissance paintings and traveling to court with ladies of the day. That singular focus created a remarkably consistent dog who worked as the castle clown.
Predictable Size
The Lowchen standard is 12–14 inches tall, which typically means 12–18 pounds. It is uncommon for dogs to fall outside of that range. The breed standard is clear, and accountable breeders aim for producing puppies that are close to the standard. Most show males are 14–15 lbs as adults. They’re small enough to travel in-cabin on planes as adults.
Reliably Non-Shedding
The Lowchen doesn’t shed like a typical double-coated breed. The hair will come out with some brushing, but it won’t shed like a Bernese Mountain Dog or Malamute. The single coat has a mix of thinner undercoat hairs and thicker guard hairs, giving it a dual texture that’s silky with waves. Both types of hair texture are non-shedding.
Ideal Temperament
The Lowchen standard describes an outgoing, confident, human-oriented, and stable dog. These characteristics have been refined and documented over centuries:
- Affectionate and devoted
- Friendly toward children and other pets
- Brave for their size (heart of a lion, remember)
- Adaptable to apartments or houses
- Intelligent problem solvers—sometimes too intelligent
- Moderate energy (happy to play or lounge)
They’re smart. Really smart. They can be smarter than most people. They’re highly attuned to their owners and quick to pick up new skills. If there’s a gene for comedy, it’s stamped well into the breed.
Health Profile
The robust breed often sees many years of healthy lives until the golden years. It’s uncommon for young Lowchen to exhibit health issues.
Lifespan: 15–18 years is very typical. Some have lived to twenty years old.
The most common issue outside of injury or accident is patella luxation. Most instances are asymptomatic and require no intervention. More serious cases may need crate rest, physical therapy, or surgery, but with proper treatment, dogs typically live happy and full lives.
There are a few instances of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), though there’s currently little understanding of it at a genetic level in Lowchen.
With an established breed, health issues are documented, tested for by reputable breeders, and transparent. You know the risks going in.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Lowchen | Designer Mixed Breeds |
| Size Predictability | 12–14 inches, 12–18 lbs consistently | Varies significantly, even in same litter |
| Coat Consistency | Reliably non-shedding single coat | Depends on genetic combination |
| Allergy-Friendly | Low dander, consistent across breed | Variable—no guarantees |
| Temperament | Intentionally selected over centuries | Combination of two breeds’ traits, also little documentation of epigenetic impacts |
| Health Screening | Established protocols, documented history | Varies by breed and breeder breeder; less historical data, lack of health information over generations |
| Lifespan | 15–18 years typical | Varies by mix |
| AKC Recognition | Yes (since 1996) | No |
Why Predictability Matters
When you choose a Lowchen puppy from a reputable breeder, you can:
- Meet the parents and multiple generations
- See health tests over and across generations
- Know what your dog will look like as an adult
- Understand the temperament you’re getting
- Feel confident in adult size
- Have transparency about potential health risks
The Breeder Accountability Factor
Lowchens are an AKC-recognized breed, which means reputable breeders operate within an established framework:
- American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit standard breeding practices and achievements for breeders who participate
- Defined CHIC health testing (hip conformation, eye exams, patella testing)
- Transparent pedigrees with documentation
- Puppies eligible for AKC events
- Parent Club breeder guidelines require that breeders will take back puppies if ever needed.
Common Questions
How does the Lowchen compare to mixed breeds like mini goldendoodles, cavapoos, cavachons, and cockapoos?
Mixed breeds may vary widely in health, coat type, temperament, and size which makes it difficult to compare. However, owners who are looking for small, non-shedding, confident, and joyful dogs will find the Lowchen an excellent fit.
Aren’t mixed breeds healthier than purebreds?
This is an oversimplification. While “hybrid vigor” sounds good in theory, mixed breeds can inherit health problems from both parent breeds. The key difference: with Lowchens, health issues are known, documented, and screened for. You have transparency.
Are Lowchens expensive?
Not as much as the internet says. Typical prices in the US are $2,000–$4,000. Prices may vary based on additional training, vaccines, transportation, and veterinary expenses.
Compare this to designer mixes at $2,500–$5,000+. Some of the mixes are being listed as much as $8,000, though the actual sales price might be different.
Where can I find a Lowchen?
The breed is rare. You won’t find them at pet stores or general breeders, but they are available.
Accountable breeders do have websites you can find, and wait times are typically less than a few months for a companion puppy. Often shorter if luck is on your side. We are always happy to recommend trusted breeders who follow our standard practices who might have a perfect puppy for you.
What about grooming for companion dogs?
The coat requires regular brushing and monthly trimming. Many owners keep their Lowchens in a “puppy cut” rather than the traditional lion cut for easier maintenance.
Grooming every 6–8 weeks with ears and nails done in between for very short cuts. Longer styles might need professional grooming every 4–5 weeks with brushing at home.
Making Your Decision
Both purebred and mixed breed can be wonderful companions. Designer mixes can make loving, devoted companions, and thousands of families are happy with their choice.
If you value predictability and consistency from historical records, the Lowchen offers compelling advantages. You get all the attractive qualities such as small size, non-shedding coat, friendly personality, cute appearance with confidence.
The Lowchen has been one of the best-kept secrets for centuries. With many desirable traits packaged in a compact size, you might think the breed was a mythical unicorn. With so many great qualities, it would be a great loss to people seeking companions, trainers and handlers seeking their next great team member, and people with disabilities needing a portable service dog. Consider bringing a lowchen into your life. Your only regret is that you didn’t do it sooner!
