Ryukyu Inu vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Ryukyu Inu vs Lowchen - Breed ComparisonRyukyu Inu is originated from Japan but Lowchen is originated from Germany. Ryukyu Inu may grow 17 cm / 7 inches higher than Lowchen. Ryukyu Inu may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Lowchen. Both Ryukyu Inu and Lowchen has almost same life span. Both Ryukyu Inu and Lowchen has almost same litter size. Ryukyu Inu requires Low maintenance. But Lowchen requires Moderate maintenance

History

ryukyu inu - historyThe Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

lowchen - historyKnown 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Japan
Germany
Height Male:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Okinawa Native Dog, Ryukyu Dog
Little Lion Dog
Colors Available:
liver or black - stripes like a Tiger, Brindle, red, white
cream, grey, black, silver - bi-colored, All colors - white
Coat:
Shortish - single- and double-coated varieties
Long and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

ryukyu inu puppy - descriptionJapanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

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.

Characteristics

ryukyu inu dog - characteristicsThis dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

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.

Health Problems

ryukyu inu puppies - health problemsThese Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.

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.

Caring The Pet

ryukyu inu dogs - caringThe coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Ryukyu Inu - Breed Comparison
  2. Ryukyu Inu vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  3. Ryukyu Inu vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  4. Ryukyu Inu vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Ryukyu Inu vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Ryukyu Inu vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Ryukyu Inu vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Ryukyu Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  9. Ryukyu Inu vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  10. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. Ryukyu Inu vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. Ryukyu Inu vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Ryukyu Inu vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Ryukyu Inu vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  15. Ryukyu Inu vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  16. Ryukyu Inu vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Ryukyu Inu vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Ryukyu Inu vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  20. Ryukyu Inu vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  21. Ryukyu Inu vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  22. Ryukyu Inu vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Ryukyu Inu vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Ryukyu Inu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Pomeranian vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison
  30. Papillon vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison
  31. Miniature English Bulldog vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature Pinscher vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison
  33. Lowchen vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Lowchen vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  35. Lowchen vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  36. Lowchen vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  37. Lowchen vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  38. Lowchen vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  39. Lowchen vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Lowchen vs Jug - Breed Comparison
  41. Lowchen vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Lowchen vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  43. Lowchen vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  44. Lowchen vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  45. Lowchen vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  46. Lowchen vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  47. Lowchen vs Doxiepoo - Breed Comparison
  48. Lowchen vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  49. Lowchen vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  50. Lowchen vs Damchi - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds