Issue No12 - Polo De'Marco Magazine Issue No12 Polo De'Marco Magazine | Page 12
4. Lowchen ($3,000 and up)
!
The Lowchen (which means “little lion” in German)
are not particularly odd looking dogs. In fact, they
look similar to Maltese and other popular toy breeds,
although they grow slightly larger – up to 14 inches
tall and 18 lbs. weight in the case of males.
!
Despite their not-so-unusual appearance, purebred
Lowchen are difficult to find, with only a few
hundred new puppies being registered at official
kennel clubs around the world every year. Originally
a companion to royalty in medieval France and
Germany, Lowchen are playful, friendly dogs who
love the company of people. They are companion
dogs rather than work-oriented dogs, and they are
their happiest around their humans, including
children.
!
Lowchen’s officially accepted grooming style is
known as a “lion cut.” Simply put, it consists of
shaving the back section of the body, including the
legs, part of the tail, and the hips. The rest of the
body retains the full length of the hair.
5. Akita (approximately $4,500)
!
Of all the dog breeds in this list, the Akita is probably the best
known — mainly thanks to Hollywood and movies like Hachiko:
A Dog’s Tale. Originally from northern Japan, the Akita breed is
actually split into two strains: the Japanese Akita (or Akita Inu)
and the American Akita (also known as simply Akita). Both strains
can reach high prices for a puppy, but purebred Japanese Akitas
often sell for higher amounts, especially outside of Japan.
!
Akita’s have a look, coat, and temperament similar to other Spitz
breeds (which include the Siberian Husky). They are heavy dogs
well adapted to cold temperatures, with a massive head and thick
double coats. The Japanese Akita is slightly smaller than the
American strain, but both share similar temperamental
characteristics, including being highly territorial, reserved with
strangers, and very protective of its human family.
!
Akitas are almost feline-like in their behavior, cleaning themselves
fastidiously after eating. They often clean up their mates too –
and you, if you happen to be in the way and in need of some
grooming