Is the Lowchen Better than the Spinone Italiano as a Pet? Answer…

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Lowchen Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano? 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 Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano 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 Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano 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 Lowchen and for the Spinone Italiano. 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 Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano.

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

Lowchen versus Spinone Italiano: Overview

A very important difference between the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Lowchen versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lowchen to the Spinone Italiano 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 Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano

FactorLowchenSpinone Italiano
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/52/5
Height12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder22 to 28 inches
Life Span13 to 15 years10 to 14 years
Easygoing3/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/53/5
Easy To Groom3/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/54/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/55/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
NOT Rambunctious2/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
General Health5/53/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Weight9 to 18 pounds61 to 86 pounds
Average Lifespan14.0 years12.0 years
Average Price$2870$1180
Price Range$1642 – $4500$1000 – $1000
Temperament Score75.0 percent50.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds163112

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spinone Italiano is a better pet than the Lowchen. So, you should get the Spinone Italiano!

    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 Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano

    Below is a list of where the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano are most different:

  • Lowchens do not have the tendency to drool. However, Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Spinone Italianos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano

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

  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano are very easy to train.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Spinone Italiano

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano.

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

    On the other hand, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Lowchen versus Spinone Italiano

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

    The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Spinone Italianos.

    Temperament of the Spinone Italiano Versus the Lowchen

    The Lowchen has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.

    This is because the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 12 Lowchens and 6 Spinone Italianos.

    Price of Lowchen versus Price of Spinone Italiano

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

    The average price of the Spinone Italiano puppy is $1180. The price of the Spinone Italiano typically ranges from $1000 – $1000. However, the price of the Spinone Italiano can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 30 Spinone Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Spinone Italiano.

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    Lowchen Spinone Italiano
    Average Price $2870 $1180
    Price Range $1642 to $4500 $1000 to $1000

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Spinone Italianos

    A breakdown of the prices of Spinone Italianos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lowchen puppy or the Spinone Italiano 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 Lowchen versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano

    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 Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Spinone Italiano is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Spinone Italiano is 112 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Spinone Italiano

    Popularity of Spinone Italiano

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    Year Lowchen Popularity Rank Spinone Italiano Popularity Rank
    2013 154 117
    2014 165 118
    2015 161 112
    2016 171 105
    2017 169 111
    2018 168 109
    2019 158 116
    2020 161 110

    Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano

    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 Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Spinone Italiano than for the Lowchen.

    3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 5 tests are recommended for the Spinone Italiano.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lowchens and in Spinone Italianos.

    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.

    Spinone Italiano Health Problems

    Spinone Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italianos for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Spinone Italianos here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Lowchens and Spinone Italianos

    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
  • 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 Spinone Italiano Breed is Shoulder problems.

    This is because the Spinone Italiano ranks 5 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Spinone Italianos, 2 of them had Shoulder problems.

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

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 5 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 16 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 20 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 61 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 77 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 164 out of 182 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Lowchen and in Spinone Italiano and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano:

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    Disease Lowchen Rank Spinone Italiano Rank
    Patella problems 19 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 42 out of 182 dog breeds 164 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 163 out of 198 dog breeds 77 out of 198 dog breeds
    Shoulder problems Not Common 5 out of 22 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 16 out of 115 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 20 out of 159 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 61 out of 144 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: Lowchen versus Spinone Italiano

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lowchens shed more than Spinone Italianos?

    Lowchens shed moderately.

    Spinone Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Spinone Italiano

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Spinone Italiano?

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

    Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?

    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.

    Spinone Italianos 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 Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Spinone Italiano

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

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

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Spinone Italianos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.

    Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Spinone Italianos are very good for new dog owners.

    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 Spinone Italiano vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Spinone Italiano vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano:

  • Collie (75 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Collie.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Pointer     Lowchen versus Redbone Coonhound     Lowchen versus Maremma Sheepdog     Lowchen versus Toy Poodle     Lowchen versus Shetland Sheepdog     Lowchen versus Airedale Terrier     Lowchen versus Manchester Terrier     Lowchen versus Rottweiler     Lowchen versus West Highland White Terrier     Lowchen versus Irish Water Spaniel     Lowchen versus Bluetick Coonhound     Lowchen versus Norwegian Buhund     Lowchen versus Sealyham Terrier     Lowchen versus Manchester Terrier     Lowchen versus Goldendoodle     Lowchen versus Bulldog     Lowchen versus Irish Setter     Lowchen versus Briard     Lowchen versus Mal Shi     Lowchen versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lowchen versus Coton de Tulear     Lowchen versus Irish Water Spaniel     Lowchen versus Silky Terrier     Lowchen versus Irish Wolfhound     Lowchen versus Alaskan Malamute     

    Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spinone Italiano versus Keeshond     Spinone Italiano versus Keeshond     Spinone Italiano versus Bearded Collie     Spinone Italiano versus Saluki     Spinone Italiano versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Bedlington Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Korean Jindo Dog     Spinone Italiano versus Sealyham Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Dutch Shepherd     Spinone Italiano versus Shichon     Spinone Italiano versus Bouvier des Flandres     Spinone Italiano versus Schnoodle     Spinone Italiano versus Cockalier     Spinone Italiano versus Berger Picard     Spinone Italiano versus English Setter     Spinone Italiano versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Spinone Italiano versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Spinone Italiano versus Afador     Spinone Italiano versus Sheepadoodle     Spinone Italiano versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Spinone Italiano versus Sloughi     Spinone Italiano versus Cane Corso     Spinone Italiano versus American Water Spaniel     Spinone Italiano versus Yorkshire Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Lowchen versus Spinone Italiano. 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 Lowchen and the Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.