Differences and Similarities between the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen.

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Canaan Dog Versus Lowchen: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Canaan Dog and for the Lowchen. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Canaan Dog or the Lowchen.

Canaan Dog versus Lowchen: Overview

A very important difference between the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Canaan Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Canaan Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Canaan Dog versus Lowchen: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Canaan Dog to the Lowchen based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen

Factor Canaan Dog Lowchen
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 15 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Weight 35 to 55 pounds 9 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $600 $2870
Price Range $600 – $600 $1642 – $4500
Temperament Score 62.5 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 176 163

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Canaan Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Lowchen. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Canaan Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lowchen is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is not better or worse than the Canaan Dog. So, you can get the Lowchen or the Canaan Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen

    Below is a list of where the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are most different:

  • Canaan Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Canaan Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen

    The Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are most similar:

  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are very playful.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Canaan Dog versus Lowchen

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen.

    Canaan Dogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Canaan Dogs are 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Canaan Dog versus Lowchen

    The lifespan of Canaan Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Canaan Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Canaan Dogs.

    Temperament of the Canaan Dog Versus the Lowchen

    The Lowchen has a better temperament than the Canaan Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 percent while the temperament score for the Canaan Dog is 62.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 62.5 percent, the Canaan Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 8 Canaan Dogs and 12 Lowchens.

    Price of Canaan Dog versus Price of Lowchen

    The average price of the Canaan Dog puppy is $600. The price of the Canaan Dog typically ranges from $600 – $600. However, the price of a Canaan Dog can be as low as $600 and as high as $600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Canaan Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Canaan Dog.

    Canaan Dog Lowchen
    Average Price $600 $2870
    Price Range $600 to $600 $1642 to $4500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Canaan Dog and Lowchen. For different price points, the charts show how many Canaan Dog puppies or how many Lowchen puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Canaan Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Canaan Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Canaan Dog puppy or the Lowchen puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Canaan Dog versus Popularity of Lowchen

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Lowchen is more popular with dog owners than the Canaan Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Canaan Dog is 176 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Canaan Dog

    Popularity of Canaan Dog

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Year Canaan Dog Popularity Rank Lowchen Popularity Rank
    2013 164 154
    2014 176 165
    2015 170 161
    2016 181 171
    2017 175 169
    2018 179 168
    2019 179 158
    2020 184 161

    Health Problems of Canaan Dog versus Health Problems of Lowchen

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Canaan Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Canaan Dog than for the Lowchen.

    5 health tests are recommended for Canaan Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Canaan Dogs and in Lowchens.

    Canaan Dog Health Problems

    Canaan Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Canaan Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Canaan Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Canaan Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Canaan Dogs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Canaan Dogs here.

    Lowchen Health Problems

    Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lowchens for:

  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Canaan Dogs and Lowchens

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Canaan Dog Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    This is because the Canaan Dog ranks 33 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 300 Canaan Dogs, 15 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Canaan Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Canaan Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 33 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 36 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 95 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 131 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 137 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 185 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 19 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 42 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 163 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Canaan Dog and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen:

    Disease Canaan Dog Rank Lowchen Rank
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 33 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 36 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 95 out of 145 dog breeds 19 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 131 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 137 out of 182 dog breeds 42 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 185 out of 198 dog breeds 163 out of 198 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Canaan Dog versus Lowchen

    Canaan Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Do Canaan Dogs shed more than Lowchens?

    Canaan Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Lowchens shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Canaan Dog or the Lowchen

    Canaan Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Canaan Dog or the Lowchen?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Canaan Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?

    Canaan Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Lowchens have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Canaan Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?

    Canaan Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Canaan Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Canaan Dog vs. Lowchen

    Canaan Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Canaan Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Canaan Dog or the Lowchen?

    Canaan Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Canaan Dogs good family dogs? What about Lowchens?

    Canaan Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Canaan Dogs and Lowchens?

    Canaan Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Canaan Dog Easier to Train than the Lowchen?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to train.

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Is the Canaan Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?

    Canaan Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Canaan Dog or the Lowchen?

    Canaan Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Canaan Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Canaan Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Canaan Dog:

  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Canaan Dog). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Lowchen:

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Canaan Dog and how the Lowchen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Canaan Dog and of the Lowchen to other breeds:

    Canaan Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Canaan Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Frenchton     Canaan Dog versus Sloughi     Canaan Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Canaan Dog versus Japanese Chin     Canaan Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Canaan Dog versus Shihpoo     Canaan Dog versus French Spaniel     Canaan Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Canaan Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Canaan Dog versus Norwich Terrier     Canaan Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Canaan Dog versus Saluki     Canaan Dog versus Beagle     Canaan Dog versus Great Pyrenees     Canaan Dog versus Chinook     Canaan Dog versus Bearded Collie     Canaan Dog versus Standard Poodle     Canaan Dog versus Maltipoo     Canaan Dog versus Biewer Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Canaan Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Canaan Dog versus Pomeranian     

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Shetland Sheepdog     Lowchen versus Norfolk Terrier     Lowchen versus Sealyham Terrier     Lowchen versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Lowchen versus Japanese Chin     Lowchen versus German Longhaired Pointer     Lowchen versus Miniature Schnauzer     Lowchen versus Toy Fox Terrier     Lowchen versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Lowchen versus Australian Shepherd     Lowchen versus Field Spaniel     Lowchen versus Akita Chow     Lowchen versus Mal Shi     Lowchen versus Kishu Ken     Lowchen versus Australian Cattle Dog     Lowchen versus Samoyed     Lowchen versus Cocker Spaniel     Lowchen versus Akita     Lowchen versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lowchen versus Bullmastiff     Lowchen versus Australian Shepherd     Lowchen versus Puli     Lowchen versus Great Pyrenees     Lowchen versus Aussiedoodle     Lowchen versus Boerboel     

    Conclusion: Canaan Dog versus Lowchen. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Canaan Dog and the Lowchen better suits you and your family.