Lowchen Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Lowchen colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Lowchen Colors Overview

Lowchen coat colors are governed by a complex interplay of genetics. One of the few breeds where all colors and combinations are accepted in the show ring. Color does not affect temperament or health, giving breeders wide latitude..

Understanding which colors are standard versus non-standard helps buyers make informed decisions. Color should never be the primary selection criterion—health and temperament come first.

Recognized Colors

Black Standard

Chocolate Standard

Blue Standard

Black and Tan Standard

Gold Standard

Red Standard

Silver Standard

White Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($2000–$3500)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$1050–$1750)

Coat Genetics

Lowchen coat color is controlled by several genes that determine pigment production and distribution. The primary genes include the E (extension) locus, A (agouti) locus, K (dominant black) locus, and B (brown) locus.

DNA color testing is available and can help breeders predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive genes. One of the few breeds where all colors and combinations are accepted in the show ring. Color does not affect temperament or health, giving breeders wide latitude..

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among Lowchens, the standard colors (Black, Chocolate, Blue, Black and Tan, Gold, Red, Silver, White) are most common. With 8 recognized colors, variety exists even within the standard palette. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

One of the few breeds where all colors and combinations are accepted in the show ring. Color does not affect temperament or health, giving breeders wide latitude..

Do Lowchen Colors Change with Age?

Color evolution is normal in Lowchen puppies. As a non-sporting breed originally from France, the transition from puppy to adult coat occurs between 4–12 months and can bring noticeable changes in shade, pattern intensity, and marking definition. Standard colors like Black, Chocolate, Blue, Black and Tan, Gold, Red, Silver, Wh are generally established by maturity.

Controversial Colors

Some Lowchen colors marketed as 'rare' or 'exotic' may not be recognized by the breed standard. The standard palette includes Black, Chocolate, Blue, Black and Tan, Gold, Red, Silver, Wh. Be wary of breeders who charge premiums well above $3500 for unusual colors, as this may indicate they prioritize appearance over health testing for Patellar Luxation and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lowchen comes in Black, Chocolate, Blue, Black and Tan and other colors. One of the few breeds where all colors and combinations are accepted in the show ring. Color does not affect temperament or health, giving breeders wide latitude..

Among Lowchen colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. One of the few breeds where all colors and combinations are accepted in the show ring. Color does not affect temperament or health, giving breeders wide latitude..

As a Lowchen puppy matures from puppyhood to adulthood (4–12 months), coat color can shift. One of the few breeds where all colors and combinations are accepted in the show ring. Color does not affect temperament or health, giving breeders wide latitude.. Since the Lowchen comes in 8 recognized color varieties, the extent of change depends on the specific color genetics involved.

In most cases, coat color does not affect health. However, certain color genes (such as merle or extreme white) can carry health implications in some breeds. One of the few breeds where all colors and combinations are accepted in the show ring. Color does not affect temperament or health, giving breeders wide latitude..

Among Lowchens, the most commonly seen colors are Black, Chocolate, Blue, Black and Tan. As the breed standard recognizes 8 color variations, there is good variety to choose from. One of the few breeds where all colors and combinations are accepted in the show ring. Color does not affect temperament or health, giving breeders wide latitude..