The Lowchen’s origins are obscure, though probably European, and it is suggested that he has affinities with the Bichon. The breed’s home country is listed as France, although it has been established in Spain and Germany as well as France since the 1500s. The Lowchen was relatively rare until the 1960s, was first registered in the UK in 1971 and gained championship status just five years later.

He has an attractive, silky textured coat in a variety of colours, and the manner in which this is trimmed – with a lion-like mane of hair over the forequarters and the hair of the hindquarters clipped short – has given rise to his other name: Little Lion Dog. He is one of the sturdiest of the toy breeds, and one of the largest – he can be as tall as 33 centimetres (13 inches) – with a fairly broad head and large dark eyes, which give him an irresistible expression.

Beyond his attractive appearance, the Lowchen is blessed with an affectionate and intelligent nature, and some have been successful in obedience and agility competitions. Active and playful, but adapting also to urban living, he has many qualities that make him a very suitable and popular family pet.