Is the Lowchen Better than the Xoloitzcuintli as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Lowchen Versus Xoloitzcuintli: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli. 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 Xoloitzcuintli.

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 Xoloitzcuintli.

Lowchen versus Xoloitzcuintli: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli are Companion Dogs. This means both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli 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.

Lowchen versus Xoloitzcuintli: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lowchen to the Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli

Factor Lowchen Xoloitzcuintli
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Life Span 13 to 15 years 14 to 20 years
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 9 to 18 pounds 10 to 50 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 17.0 years
Average Price $2870 $1890
Price Range $1642 – $4500 $1000 – $2500
Temperament Score 75.0 percent 87.5 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
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Opthalmologist
  • OFA Hip Evaluation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 163 138

    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 Xoloitzcuintli. 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 Xoloitzcuintli is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Xoloitzcuintli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli

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

  • Lowchens are good for new dog owners. However, Xoloitzcuintlis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Lowchens are very friendly towards strangers. However, Xoloitzcuintlis are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli

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

  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Xoloitzcuintli

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

    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, Xoloitzcuintlis weigh 10 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Xoloitzcuintlis are 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Lowchen versus Xoloitzcuintli

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

    The lifespan of Xoloitzcuintlis is between 14 to 20 years. The average lifespan of Xoloitzcuintlis is 17.0 years.

    Xoloitzcuintlis live longer than Lowchens.

    Temperament of the Xoloitzcuintli Versus the Lowchen

    The Xoloitzcuintli has a better temperament than the Lowchen.

    This is because the temperament score for the Xoloitzcuintli is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 87.5 percent, the Xoloitzcuintli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli by measuring the temperaments of 12 Lowchens and 8 Xoloitzcuintlis.

    Price of Lowchen versus Price of Xoloitzcuintli

    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 Xoloitzcuintli puppy is $1890. The price of the Xoloitzcuintli typically ranges from $1000 – $2500. However, the price of the Xoloitzcuintli can be as low as $500 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 33 Xoloitzcuintli puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Xoloitzcuintli.

    Lowchen Xoloitzcuintli
    Average Price $2870 $1890
    Price Range $1642 to $4500 $1000 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Lowchen and Xoloitzcuintli. For different price points, the charts show how many Lowchen puppies or how many Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintlis

    A breakdown of the prices of Xoloitzcuintlis

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lowchen puppy or the Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli

    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 Xoloitzcuintli over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Xoloitzcuintli is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Xoloitzcuintli is 138 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 Xoloitzcuintli

    Popularity of Xoloitzcuintli

    Year Lowchen Popularity Rank Xoloitzcuintli Popularity Rank
    2013 154 139
    2014 165 142
    2015 161 135
    2016 171 139
    2017 169 143
    2018 168 140
    2019 158 137
    2020 161 131

    Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Xoloitzcuintli

    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 Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 4 tests are recommended for the Xoloitzcuintli.

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

    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.

    Xoloitzcuintli Health Problems

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

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Opthalmologist
  • OFA Hip Evaluation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Xoloitzcuintlis here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Lowchens and Xoloitzcuintlis

    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 Xoloitzcuintli Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Xoloitzcuintli ranks 55 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Xoloitzcuintlis, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

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

  • Eyes problems: Rank 55 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Lowchen and in Xoloitzcuintli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Xoloitzcuintli:

    Disease Lowchen Rank Xoloitzcuintli Rank
    Patella problems 19 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 42 out of 182 dog breeds 55 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 163 out of 198 dog breeds Not Common

    *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 Xoloitzcuintli

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Xoloitzcuintlis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lowchens shed more than Xoloitzcuintlis?

    Lowchens shed moderately.

    Xoloitzcuintlis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Xoloitzcuintli

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Xoloitzcuintlis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Xoloitzcuintli?

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

    Xoloitzcuintlis are very easy to groom.

    Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Xoloitzcuintli?

    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.

    Xoloitzcuintlis 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 Xoloitzcuintlis?

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

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

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Xoloitzcuintlis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Xoloitzcuintlis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Xoloitzcuintli

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

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

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Xoloitzcuintlis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Xoloitzcuintlis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Xoloitzcuintlis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Xoloitzcuintlis?

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

    Xoloitzcuintlis get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Xoloitzcuintli?

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Xoloitzcuintlis are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Xoloitzcuintli?

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Xoloitzcuintlis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Xoloitzcuintlis are not the best dogs 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 Xoloitzcuintli vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Xoloitzcuintli vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Xoloitzcuintli

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

  • Glen of Imaal Terrier (70 percent match with Xoloitzcuintli). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Glen of Imaal Terrier.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (70 percent match with Xoloitzcuintli). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Lhasapoo (71 percent match with Xoloitzcuintli). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Lhasapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Finnish Spitz     Lowchen versus Goldendoodle     Lowchen versus Italian Greyhound     Lowchen versus Peek A Poo     Lowchen versus Skye Terrier     Lowchen versus Dachshund     Lowchen versus Canaan Dog     Lowchen versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Lowchen versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lowchen versus Mastiff     Lowchen versus Saluki     Lowchen versus Schnoodle     Lowchen versus Goldador     Lowchen versus Barbet     Lowchen versus Chinook     Lowchen versus Harrier     Lowchen versus Black Mouth Cur     Lowchen versus Korean Jindo Dog     Lowchen versus Black Mouth Cur     Lowchen versus Border Terrier     Lowchen versus Shichon     Lowchen versus Chinook     Lowchen versus Weimaraner     Lowchen versus Dalmatian     Lowchen versus Cockapoo     

    Xoloitzcuintli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Xoloitzcuintli versus Brittany     Xoloitzcuintli versus Bordoodle     Xoloitzcuintli versus Australian Cattle Dog     Xoloitzcuintli versus Welsh Terrier     Xoloitzcuintli versus Portuguese Pointer     Xoloitzcuintli versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Xoloitzcuintli versus Bichon Frise     Xoloitzcuintli versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Xoloitzcuintli versus Greyhound     Xoloitzcuintli versus Dogo Argentino     Xoloitzcuintli versus German Pinscher     Xoloitzcuintli versus Bluetick Coonhound     Xoloitzcuintli versus Shiloh Shepherd     Xoloitzcuintli versus Tibetan Spaniel     Xoloitzcuintli versus Manchester Terrier     Xoloitzcuintli versus Lakeland Terrier     Xoloitzcuintli versus American Eskimo Dog     Xoloitzcuintli versus Saint Berdoodle     Xoloitzcuintli versus Miniature Pinscher     Xoloitzcuintli versus Scottish Terrier     Xoloitzcuintli versus Great Pyrenees     Xoloitzcuintli versus Pomchi     Xoloitzcuintli versus Lowchen     Xoloitzcuintli versus Kooikerhondje     Xoloitzcuintli versus Biewer Terrier     

    Conclusion: Lowchen versus Xoloitzcuintli. 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 Xoloitzcuintli better suits you and your family.