The little lion dog is a very old breed that remains relatively unknown. Since the thirteenth century, representatives of the breed have indeed appeared in various works of art (sculptures, tapestries, paintings, etc.). This small-sized dog, with a versatile temperament, was particularly appreciated by the ladies of the court of Burgundy. Nevertheless, this breed has always been rather rare.

The little lion dog is a small dog, with a weight of around 6 kg for a height at the withers of around 30 cm. His body fits ideally in a square with a greyish profile (that is to say with a thorax much deeper than the abdomen). Its head is rather short, with hanging ears and a uniform black or dark brown nose. The tail is curved over the back. His hair is long, silky and wavy. It is rather dense, without undercoat. All colors are allowed in the breed standard. The typical grooming of the breed should mimic a lion aspect by shaving the entire rear of the dog. The rest of the coat should be kept natural.

The little lion dog is a lively and dynamic dog. He is intelligent and it shows by his attentive and curious gaze. In addition, he is a dog close to his master. His affectionate and obedient character, combined with his power of reflection, gives him very interesting learning capacities. In addition, it is a dog who knows how to remain calm and discreet when necessary.

Finally, most small lion dogs are not fearful or aggressive in nature: they are rather self-assured and confident. They are therefore good potential family dogs. Of course, these generalities about the breed are traits sought by selection. These cannot be considered as an absolute rule. The temperament of each dog strongly depends on its socialization, during growth, and its education. Individual variability also exists and makes each individual unique.

The little lion dog is a versatile dog that can thrive in different contexts. However, he enjoys the company of his masters. Its calm and discreet character makes living in an apartment possible. However, its dynamism requires regular physical activity. The practice of dog sports can therefore be interesting. His quick wit can also be used in training and disciplines such as canine obedience.

Health

Small lion dogs are rather hardy dogs. The only predisposition identified concerns a degenerative disease of the retina called vitreoretinopathy. Over the course of life, the substance inside the eye (the vitreous body) breaks down. This can ultimately promote retinal detachment and therefore blindness. 

At the same time, given its abundant coat, especially on the head, certain concerns can be anticipated in the little lion dog. So, like other breeds like the Shih Tzu, long facial hair can point towards the eyes and rub on the cornea. This is called trichiasis. This can cause lesions and in particular corneal ulcers. In addition, the friction caused stimulates the production of tears. We can therefore often observe epiphora, that is to say excessive tearing.

Hygiene

To prevent eye disorders caused by poorly implanted hairs, frequent head grooming may be performed. The hairs directed towards the eye can thus be cut. Another option is to tie the hairs obstructing the view in a ponytail or palm tree. In case of tearing, it is best to clean the eyes daily with a wet compress. Grooming is essential for dogs intended to compete in dog shows since the rear of the body must be shaved. For others, simple regular shampoos and frequent brushing are sufficient.

In conclusion, the little lion dog is a very endearing life companion. His small size, his intelligence and his gentleness make him a versatile dog, known to be easy to train. Its long and supple coat, with varied coats, contributes to its success with lovers of the breed.