Loulou
Breed Description

The Loulou is known by several names around the world, reflecting its rich history and widespread appeal. Most commonly, this breed is recognized as the Pomeranian in official kennel club registrations. In Germany, where the breed's ancestors originated, they are sometimes called Zwergspitz, meaning "dwarf spitz." French speakers often refer to them as Spitz Nain or simply Loulou, a term of endearment that has become synonymous with small, fluffy companion dogs. In some European countries, they may also be called Deutsche Spitze (German Spitz) in their smallest variety. Historical references sometimes include Pom, Pompom, or even the more formal Pomeranian Toy Spitz. The name Loulou itself carries a charm that perfectly captures the breed's endearing personality and has been embraced by enthusiasts who appreciate this diminutive spitz breed's remarkable character packed into such a tiny frame.

The Loulou represents the epitome of small dog magnificence, combining the robust spirit of their larger spitz ancestors with an irresistibly compact package. These remarkable little dogs possess a distinctive fox-like appearance that immediately captures attention, featuring a wedge-shaped head, bright dark eyes that sparkle with intelligence, and small erect ears that stand alertly atop their head. Their most striking feature is undoubtedly their luxurious double coat, which stands away from their body in a stunning display of natural beauty. This coat creates an almost spherical silhouette that gives them their characteristic "powder puff" appearance.

Standing confidently despite their diminutive stature, Loulou dogs move with surprising grace and purpose. Their compact, sturdy build belies their tiny size, with a well-balanced body structure that reflects their working dog heritage. The breed's tail is another defining characteristic, carried high over their back in a magnificent plume that adds to their dignified bearing. Their confident gait and alert expression convey a sense of self-importance that is both endearing and amusing to observe.

What truly sets the Loulou apart is not just their physical beauty, but their remarkable personality that seems far too large for their small bodies. These dogs possess an abundance of confidence, often seeming unaware of their size limitations when faced with much larger dogs or challenging situations. Their intelligence shines through in their quick learning ability and their capacity to read human emotions with uncanny accuracy.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard describes the Loulou as a compact, short-backed, active toy dog with a soft, dense undercoat and a long, coarse, glistening outer coat. The ideal weight is 3 to 7 pounds, with 4 to 6 pounds preferred. The head should be wedge-shaped and fox-like with a short, fine muzzle that is free from lippiness. Eyes are bright, dark, and medium-sized, almond-shaped and not set too wide apart or too close together. Ears are small, set high, and carried erect. The body is short and cobby with a level topline. The tail is characteristic of the breed, set high and carried flat over the back. The gait is smooth, free, and balanced with good reach in front and drive behind. All colors and patterns are acceptable, though certain colors may be preferred in the show ring.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Under FCI standards, the Loulou falls under the German Spitz classification, specifically the Kleinspitz (Small Spitz) variety. The standard emphasizes the breed's spitz characteristics including the typical spitz expression with fox-like head, small pointed ears set close together and carried erect, and the characteristic tail curled over the back. Height ranges from 23-29 cm at the withers. The coat is described as long, straight, and stand-off with a thick, fluffy undercoat. Movement should be straight going and coming with good drive from behind. The FCI recognizes various color varieties including white, black, brown, orange, wolf-grey, and other colors. The breed should exhibit a confident, alert temperament with strong bonding to their family.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard for the Loulou describes a well-balanced, compact toy dog that is sound and active. The ideal size is 3 to 7 pounds with a preference for 4 to 6 pounds. The head is wedge-shaped when viewed from above and fox-like in profile. The muzzle is rather short, straight, and fine but not weak. Dark, bright, almond-shaped eyes give an intelligent, fox-like expression. Small, triangular ears are set high and carried erect. The neck is rather short and well set into the shoulders. The body is short and compact with a level topline. The tail is a distinguishing characteristic, set high and carried over the back. The double coat consists of a short, thick undercoat and a long, straight, harsh outer coat that stands away from the body. All colors are acceptable. The gait should be free and balanced with good reach and drive.

Other Organizations

The Canadian Kennel Club follows a standard very similar to the AKC, emphasizing the toy dog characteristics and fox-like appearance. The Kennel Club (UK) describes the breed as a compact, short-coupled dog with an intelligent expression. They specify weight ranges of 1.8-2.5 kg (4-5.5 pounds) for dogs and 2.0-2.5 kg (4.5-5.5 pounds) for bitches. Australian National Kennel Council standards align closely with UK guidelines. Various international kennel clubs recognize the breed under similar standards, all emphasizing the characteristic spitz features, compact toy size, and distinctive coat quality. Most organizations stress the importance of soundness despite the toy size and the breed's alert, confident temperament.

The fascinating history of the Loulou traces back several centuries to the ancient spitz dogs of the Arctic region. These early ancestors were considerably larger than today's toy-sized companions, originally serving as working dogs for various purposes including herding, guarding, and sled pulling in the harsh northern climates. The breed's development took a significant turn in the historical region of Pomerania, which encompassed parts of modern-day Germany and Poland along the Baltic Sea coast.

During the 18th century, these spitz-type dogs began to capture the attention of European nobility. The transformation from working dog to companion animal accelerated when Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England, brought her beloved spitz dogs from Germany to the British court around 1767. However, it was Queen Victoria who truly popularized the breed and initiated the selective breeding program that would eventually create the diminutive size we recognize today.

Queen Victoria's passion for these dogs began during a visit to Italy in 1888, where she encountered a particularly small spitz dog named Marco who weighed only 12 pounds. This meeting sparked a lifelong devotion to the breed that would fundamentally change its development. Upon returning to England, Queen Victoria established an extensive breeding program at her Windsor Castle kennels, focusing on reducing the size while maintaining the breed's distinctive characteristics.

The Victorian era breeding program was remarkably successful in creating smaller dogs while preserving the essential spitz features. Through careful selection and breeding practices, the weight of these dogs was reduced from approximately 30 pounds to the 3-7 pound range we see today. This dramatic size reduction was achieved over several generations of dedicated breeding, with particular attention paid to maintaining the breed's robust health and spirited temperament.

The breed's popularity spread rapidly throughout Europe and eventually reached North America in the late 19th century. Early American fanciers embraced these charming little dogs, and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1888. The early American dogs were slightly larger than today's standard, but continued selective breeding refined the size and type to match current standards.

Throughout the 20th century, the Loulou continued to evolve and gain popularity as a companion animal. The two World Wars presented challenges for breeding programs across Europe, but dedicated breeders worked to preserve the breed's characteristics and genetic diversity. Post-war recovery saw renewed interest in the breed, with particular attention paid to coat quality and color variety.

The modern Loulou represents the culmination of over 200 years of careful breeding and selection. Today's dogs maintain the essential spitz characteristics while embodying the ideal companion animal size and temperament. The breed has found particular favor in urban environments where their small size and adaptable nature make them ideal pets for apartment living.

Contemporary breeding focuses on maintaining the breed's health, temperament, and distinctive appearance while addressing some of the challenges that can arise in toy breeds. Modern genetic testing and health screening have helped responsible breeders make informed decisions about breeding pairs, contributing to the overall health and longevity of the breed.

The modern Loulou serves primarily as a companion animal, but their functional capabilities extend far beyond simple lap dog duties. These remarkable little dogs excel in multiple roles that showcase their intelligence, alertness, and strong desire to please their human families. Their primary function today centers around providing emotional support and companionship, a role they fulfill with extraordinary dedication and success.

As companion dogs, Loulou excel at reading human emotions and responding appropriately to their owner's needs. Their small size makes them ideal for people living in apartments or smaller homes, while their moderate exercise requirements suit various lifestyles. They form incredibly strong bonds with their families and often serve as emotional support animals for people dealing with stress, anxiety, or loneliness.

Their alert nature and keen hearing make them exceptional watchdogs despite their tiny stature. Loulou dogs possess an innate ability to distinguish between normal household sounds and potential threats, alerting their families to visitors or unusual activities. While they cannot provide physical protection due to their size, their vocal alarm system is remarkably effective at deterring unwanted intrusions and alerting neighbors to potential problems.

In therapeutic settings, Loulou dogs have found success as therapy animals in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities. Their small size allows them to safely interact with patients who may have limited mobility, while their gentle, affectionate nature provides comfort to people facing health challenges. Their intelligence and trainability make them well-suited for the specialized training required for therapy work.

The breed has also found success in various dog sports and competitions. Despite their toy classification, many Loulou dogs participate in agility competitions, obedience trials, and rally events. Their quick learning ability and eagerness to please make them capable competitors in these mentally stimulating activities. Some individuals excel in trick training and have appeared in entertainment venues, showcasing the breed's intelligence and adaptability.

As traveling companions, Loulou dogs adapt well to various transportation methods and temporary living situations. Their small size allows them to accompany their owners on flights as cabin pets, and they typically adjust quickly to new environments. This portability has made them popular with people who travel frequently for business or pleasure.

In educational settings, well-trained Loulou dogs sometimes serve as reading companions for children, providing a non-judgmental audience that encourages young readers to practice their skills. Their calm demeanor and patient nature make them suitable for this type of educational support role.

The Loulou exhibits a complex and fascinating behavioral profile that combines confidence, intelligence, and devotion in a remarkably balanced package. These dogs possess what many owners describe as a "big dog personality in a small dog body," displaying levels of confidence and self-assurance that often seem disproportionate to their tiny size. This characteristic confidence manifests in various ways, from their bold approach to new situations to their willingness to challenge much larger dogs when they perceive a threat to their territory or family.

Intelligence ranks among the breed's most notable behavioral traits. Loulou dogs demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and can quickly learn complex commands and routines. They excel at reading human body language and vocal cues, often anticipating their owner's needs before they are verbally expressed. This intelligence, however, comes with a strong independent streak that requires consistent, patient training approaches.

Social behavior in Loulou dogs varies significantly based on early socialization experiences. Well-socialized individuals typically display friendly, outgoing personalities with both humans and other animals. However, those lacking proper early exposure may develop overly protective or reactive tendencies. They naturally form strong hierarchical bonds within their family unit, often selecting one person as their primary attachment figure while remaining affectionate with other family members.

The breed's vocal tendencies represent both an asset and a potential challenge for owners. Loulou dogs are naturally communicative, using various barks, whines, and other vocalizations to express their needs and observations. While this makes them excellent alert dogs, it can become problematic in noise-sensitive environments without proper training. They can learn to moderate their vocalizations through consistent training but will always retain their natural tendency to "talk" to their families.

Energy levels in Loulou dogs tend to be moderate but with bursts of high activity. They enjoy interactive play sessions and can be quite spirited during these periods, but they also appreciate quiet time for rest and relaxation. Their energy needs can typically be met through indoor play and short outdoor walks, making them suitable for various living situations.

Territorial behavior is strongly developed in this breed, with many individuals viewing their home environment as their personal domain to protect. This can manifest as protective behavior toward family members and property, though proper training helps channel this instinct appropriately. They often patrol their territory regularly and maintain awareness of any changes in their environment.

Learning behavior in Loulou dogs is characterized by quick comprehension but potential stubbornness when they disagree with requests. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and can become shutdown or rebellious with harsh correction techniques. Their food motivation and desire to please generally make training sessions enjoyable for both dog and owner when approached correctly.

Stress responses in the breed can include excessive barking, destructive behavior, or withdrawal from social interaction. They are sensitive to household tension and may reflect their owner's emotional state in their own behavior. Maintaining a calm, consistent environment helps these dogs feel secure and display their best behavioral traits.

Within the family unit, Loulou dogs establish themselves as integral members who actively participate in household routines and family activities. Their integration into family life is typically seamless, as they possess an innate ability to adapt their behavior to match the family's lifestyle and energy levels. These dogs thrive on routine and often become the unofficial timekeeper of the household, alerting family members to meal times, walk schedules, and other regular activities.

The relationship between Loulou dogs and children requires careful consideration and management. While these dogs can form wonderful bonds with children, their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from rough play or handling. They typically do best with children over the age of 8 who understand the need for gentle interaction. When properly introduced and supervised, Loulou dogs often become devoted playmates and protectors of their young family members, though they may need to learn not to be overly protective of "their" children around other kids.

Multi-pet households can work well for Loulou dogs when proper introductions and hierarchy establishment occur. They often do best with other small to medium-sized dogs but can adapt to living with larger dogs if the bigger animals are gentle and non-aggressive. Their spitz heritage gives them strong pack instincts, and they typically establish their place in the household hierarchy quickly. With cats, relationships vary depending on individual personalities, but many Loulou dogs learn to coexist peacefully or even form friendships with feline housemates.

The breed's role as a family guardian extends beyond simple alerting behavior. Many Loulou dogs develop sophisticated understanding of family dynamics and may position themselves strategically to monitor household activities. They often serve as emotional barometers for the family, sensing tension or stress and responding with comforting behavior or by seeking out family members who may need extra attention.

Daily family routines become important structure points for Loulou dogs. They typically establish favorite spots in the home where they can observe family activities while feeling secure. Many develop specific rituals around meal times, bedtime, and departure/arrival routines. Their presence often becomes so integral to family life that their absence is immediately noticed by all family members.

The breed's need for social interaction means they generally do not thrive when left alone for extended periods. Families with demanding work schedules may need to arrange for midday visits, doggy daycare, or consider acquiring a second pet for companionship. Loulou dogs are happiest when they can participate in family activities and may develop separation anxiety if consistently excluded from household life.

Training within the family context requires consistency from all members. Loulou dogs quickly learn to exploit inconsistencies in rules between different family members, so establishing clear household rules and ensuring everyone enforces them equally is crucial for success. They respond well to family training sessions where multiple members participate in teaching commands and tricks.

The breed's protective instincts can sometimes create challenges in family dynamics, particularly if they become overly possessive of one family member or attempt to guard resources like food bowls or favorite sleeping spots. Early training and socialization help prevent these issues from becoming problematic, but families need to be aware of these tendencies and address them promptly when they arise.

The health profile of Loulou dogs reflects both the advantages and challenges inherent in toy breed development. While generally robust for their size, these dogs can be predisposed to certain health conditions that potential owners should understand and monitor throughout their pet's life. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary care play crucial roles in maintaining the breed's health and longevity.

Cardiovascular health represents one of the most important considerations for this breed. Their small hearts work harder relative to their body size, and proper monitoring throughout their lives helps detect any developing issues early. Regular cardiac examinations, particularly as dogs age, help ensure prompt treatment of any heart-related conditions that may develop.

Musculoskeletal health requires special attention due to the breed's tiny stature and bone structure. Their delicate bones can be vulnerable to fractures from seemingly minor accidents, making injury prevention an important aspect of care. Joint health, particularly in the knees and shoulders, should be monitored regularly as these areas can develop problems over time.

Respiratory considerations include monitoring for any breathing difficulties, particularly in hot weather or during exercise. Their small airways can be sensitive to environmental factors, and owners should be aware of signs of respiratory distress. Maintaining appropriate weight helps reduce stress on the respiratory system.

Dental health requires diligent attention in toy breeds like the Loulou. Their small mouths can be prone to overcrowding of teeth, leading to increased plaque buildup and potential periodontal disease. Regular dental care, including professional cleanings and home dental hygiene, helps maintain oral health throughout their lives.

Neurological health monitoring includes watching for any signs of seizures or other neurological symptoms. While not extremely common, some neurological conditions can affect toy breeds, and early detection allows for better management of these conditions.

Eye health examinations should be conducted regularly to check for any developing conditions that might affect vision. Their prominent eyes can be vulnerable to injury and certain hereditary conditions, making routine eye care an important aspect of their health maintenance.

Reproductive health considerations include understanding the challenges that can arise during breeding and whelping in toy breeds. The small size can create complications during delivery, and breeding should only be undertaken by experienced breeders with veterinary support.

If you're looking to adopt a Loulou, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Loulou waiting for their forever homes.

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.