Maltese vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Maltese vs Lowchen - Breed ComparisonLowchen is originated from Germany but Maltese is originated from Italy. Lowchen may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Maltese. Both Lowchen and Maltese are having almost same weight. Both Lowchen and Maltese has almost same life span. Lowchen may have more litter size than Maltese. Both Lowchen and Maltese requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
undefined
Germany
Italy
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Height Female:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
1 - 5 kg
2 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
1 - 5 kg
2 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
1 - 3
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Little Lion Dog
Melita, Maltese Lion Dog
Colors Available:
cream, grey, black, silver - bi-colored, All colors - white
White
Coat:
Long and wavy
Long and silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

lowchenKnown 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.

malteseThe Maltese dog hardly needs any introduction as this is an ancient breed which is still as popular as ever. Some people refer to it as the "Maltese Lion Dog," or "Melita" which was Malta’s previous name.

It was in the 19th century, that the Kennel Club settled on the name of Maltese for the dog breed. The dog has been selectively bred to keep its small size. The exact origin of the dog is unknown and there are various stories surrounding where its origins are, thought to be Italy.

It is believed that dogs such as spaniels and poodles have been used to bring about the Maltese. The American Kennel Club, a registry for pure bred dogs, recognized the breed in 1888.

Description

lowchen puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Temperament:

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.

maltese puppy - descriptionThe Maltese is looked upon as a toy dog. Both male and female stand roughly between 20-25cm in height and weigh between 1 and 4kg.

He is as cute as a button with a rounded skull, a pitch black nose, brown eyes and medium length floppy ears. The tail is feathery and is curled. He has a long, silky coat without an undercoat.

The color of his coat is pure white, and because he doesn’t shed he is looked upon as being hypoallergenic. Most people who own a Maltese like having the coat short to one length all round.

Temperament:

These little dogs have been bred to be companion dogs. They may be little, but it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized as they are inclined to be a bit snappy, especially with children.

He is intelligent, so training him won’t be difficult. Brought up the right way though, he can be good with children as well as pets in the home. They love their human families and want to be constantly with them. He is an energetic little dog too, and will just love ball games both inside and outside.

His very temperament and smallness make it that he fits perfectly into life in the city or the countryside. He is sweet and gentle but he makes a good watchdog, alerting you with his barking to strangers coming close by. Don’t leave him for long period of time as he hates being on his own and then he may start barking from sheer boredom and frustration.

Characteristics

lowchen dog - characteristicsThe 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.

maltese dog - characteristicsThe Maltese is a popular dog no doubt, and his smallness is a draw-card as he adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside.

He is loving, loyal, intelligent and responsive, making him a good family dog and being an excellent playmate for children. Teach your children how to respect animals because raucous, disrespectful kids might produce a nip from an agitated Maltese.

Being a light shedder is another draw-card, with him being looked upon as a hypoallergenic breed. He has got so many good things going for him that he is guaranteed to make you an ideal pet.

Health Problems

lowchen puppies - health problemsThe 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.

Cataracts:

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.

Patellar Luxation:

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.

maltese puppies - health problemsYour Maltese is a feisty little thing who, with good care, can live for a good few years – up to 15 or even longer. As with any other dog, he can become ill. One or two illnesses to look out for include -

Skin Problems:

Sebaceous adenitis is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands and is an uncommon skin disease found in some breeds of dog.

There are two types - one for long coated breeds and one for short coated breeds. For long or double-coated dogs, you’ll notice a white/silvery kind of dandruff on the coat as well as hair loss. There can also be skin lesions along the back and ears. It can make your pet miserable and he will need to see a vet.

Thyroid Problems:

A common hormonal problem is canine hypothyroidism, brought on by inadequate levels of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include hair loss, weight gain, coldness and a weakened immune system.

Caring The Pet

lowchen dogs - caringBecause 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.

Diet:

maltese dogs - caringYour Maltese is going to require quality food, water, exercise and shelter to enjoy a good life. The type of food you feed any dog has a direct impact on his health.

You need to provide him with quality food, and if its commercially manufactured food, you need to read the labels carefully so that the food is appropriate to your Maltese. For instance, you can’t mistakenly pull a ‘large-breed’ packet of food off the shelves and expect your Maltese to be able to stomach it.

If you do buy him this kibble, make sure the ingredients are wholesome. To break the monotony of eating kibble every day, give him some boiled chicken, brown rice and some raw or cooked vegetables chopped up finely into his kibble. He will love you for this as it makes a tasty meal for him and will keep him healthy.

Try to keep his diet nice and simple to avoid digestive problems.

Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Make sure your Maltese dog has a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Get him to the vet if you notice that he is ill.

Brush his hair twice a week and take him to have it professionally cut if you prefer.

Clip his nails when they become too long and check around his eyes and inside his ears for any kind of infection.

These little dogs are prone to dental problems and he will need to have his teeth brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Maltese vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Maltese vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Maltese vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Maltese vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Maltese vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Maltese vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Maltese vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Maltese vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Maltese vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Maltese vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Maltese vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Maltese vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Maltese vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Maltese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Maltese vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Maltese vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Maltese vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Maltese vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Maltese vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Maltese vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Maltese vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Maltese vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Lowchen vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Lowchen vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Lowchen vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Lowchen vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Lowchen vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Lowchen vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Lowchen vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Lowchen vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Lowchen vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Lowchen vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Lowchen vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Lowchen vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Lowchen vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Lowchen vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Lowchen vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Lowchen vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Lowchen vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Lowchen vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Lowchen vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Lowchen vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Lowchen vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Lowchen vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Lowchen vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Lowchen vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Lowchen vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison