Bolognese Dog

ATTRIBUTES: Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Calm

BARKING LEVEL: Infrequent

COAT TYPE: Wavy

COAT LENGTH: Long

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: XSmall

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

CHARACTERISTIC: Smartest Breeds of Dog, Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Hypoallergenic Dogs

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Bichon Frise, Maltese

Origin Icon
Origin

Italy

Registration Icon
Registration

1999

Ancestry Icon
Size

10 - 12 Inches

Origin Icon
Weight

6 - 10 Pounds

Registration Icon
Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The degree of fondness a particular breed tends to exhibit towards their family members or familiar individuals. Certain breeds may display aloofness towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds treat all the people they are acquainted with as their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The extent of a breed's ability to tolerate and remain patient with children's behavior, as well as their overall disposition towards families. It is crucial to always supervise dogs around young children, or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs. While supervision is essential, certain breeds tend to possess a natural affinity for children and exhibit a family-friendly nature.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The level of sociability that a breed typically demonstrates towards other dogs. It is important to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to each other, regardless of their breed. However, certain breeds may possess a natural inclination to be more compatible with other dogs both in household settings and in public situations.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur or hair that a breed typically sheds. Breeds that are prone to high shedding will require more frequent brushing to manage the loose hair and they may also increase the likelihood of triggering allergies in some individuals. Additionally, these breeds may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness in the environment.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance required by a breed. It is important to consider your available time, patience, and budget for such grooming tasks when choosing a breed. Additionally, all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming to maintain their overall well-being.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool. For individuals who prioritize cleanliness, breeds that have a propensity to produce ropes of slobber on your arm or leave large wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wavy
COAT SPECTRUM
Long
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of receptiveness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers. Certain breeds may show reserve or caution around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more welcoming and enjoy meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed typically displays towards play even beyond their puppyhood. Some breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. They enjoy active play and may seek out playtime frequently. On the other hand, some breeds are more inclined to relax on the couch and may not show as much interest in prolonged play sessions, preferring to spend their time in a more relaxed manner with their owners.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The inclination of a breed to alert their owners to the presence of strangers. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat including the arrival of the mailman or the sight of a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are often vigilant and will notify their owners of any perceived intruders. However, it is important to note that these breeds can also become friendly towards strangers once they have been accepted by the family living in the house.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle various changes in their environment and daily life. This includes adjustments to living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, and variations in the daily schedule. Some breeds are naturally more flexible and can adapt well to changes, while others may struggle or become stressed in the face of disruptions to their routine or environment. Consider a breed's ability to handle change when assessing their suitability for your lifestyle.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training and the willingness of a breed to learn new things. Certain breeds are inherently more eager to please their owners and are generally easy to train. They actively seek opportunities to make their owners proud and are cooperative in learning new commands and skills. However, some breeds may exhibit a more independent nature and prioritize their own desires over following commands. Training such breeds may require more patience, consistency, and creative approaches to keep them engaged and motivated.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed. High-energy breeds have a strong need for physical activity and mental engagement. They thrive on regular exercise, such as running, jumping, and playing, and require ample opportunities to burn off their energy throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds have a more relaxed disposition and are content with a moderate exercise routine. They are often happy to relax, lounge around, and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. It is crucial to match your dog's exercise and mental stimulation needs with your own activity level and lifestyle.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Infrequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The level of mental stimulation required by a breed to maintain their overall happiness and well-being. Certain purpose-bred dogs have inherent traits that necessitate mental engagement, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may become bored and find their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with the owner's preferences. Providing appropriate mental exercises and challenges for these breeds is essential to prevent behavioral issues and keep them mentally content.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

White

199

PATTERNS

.

About The Breed

The Bolognese, a member of the Bichon family is a small and enchanting companion dog. It has a compact and sturdy square body covered with a long and fluffy pure-white coat. While the Bolognese is not a high-energy breed, it possesses intelligence and wit. 

Originating in Italy, the Bolognese is known for its calm and faithful nature. It thrives on human companionship being very playful and easy-going. The breed is generally fond of people and forms strong bonds with its owners. However, Bolognese dogs can be initially shy towards strangers though they warm up quickly with proper socialization.

It is important to note that the Bolognese is prone to separation anxiety and does not tolerate being left alone for extended periods. This breed would not be suitable for individuals with a traditional 9-5 workday as they require frequent human interaction and companionship. 

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A BOLOGNESE

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Bolognese Dog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Indeed, the majority of Bolognese dogs are generally healthy. Responsible breeders are committed to maintaining and improving the breed's health by conducting health screenings and genetic testing on their breeding stock. This helps identify and reduce the risk of potential health conditions such as luxating patella’s (commonly known as a "trick knee") and eye anomalies.

By utilizing these health screening measures, breeders can make informed decisions and select breeding pairs that are less likely to pass on genetic diseases to their offspring. Responsible breeding practices including health screening and genetic testing play a crucial role in promoting the overall health and well-being of the Bolognese breed's future generations.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • CERF

  • Caer Eye Examination

Health

Grooming

+
The Bolognese is known for its all-white coat, which has a soft and fluffy texture akin to cotton. This breed is considered "non-shedding," making it a potentially suitable choice for individuals with low to mild allergies. The Bolognese coat does not require shaping or trimming, except for the area around the eyes, which may be done for sanitary reasons. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain the coat's health and appearance particularly if the Bolognese is kept in its full coat length. Many owners find it more manageable to keep the coat shorter, around one inch, while leaving the untrimmed "mop head" around the face for that characteristic look. In addition to grooming, occasional baths are needed to keep the Bolognese clean and well-groomed. Trimming the nails is important to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Regular ear checks are necessary to avoid the buildup of wax and debris, which can lead to infections. Finally, it is recommended to brush the dog's teeth regularly to ensure good oral hygiene. Overall, proper grooming and routine care are essential to maintain the health, cleanliness, and appearance of the Bolognese breed.
Health

Exercise

+
Bolognese dogs are indeed well-suited for apartment living given that they receive a moderate exercise schedule. Their calm and easygoing nature makes them great companions for retirees and seniors who may prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. Exercise options for the Bolognese can include playtime in a fenced backyard, if available or going for walks in the neighborhood. While they don't require excessive exercise, it is important to provide them with regular opportunities for physical activity to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. Indoor entertainment is also beneficial for the low-energy yet playful Bolognese. Activities such as hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks can provide mental stimulation and help maintain their playful nature.With their adaptable nature and ability to engage in low-key activities, the Bolognese can be wonderful apartment dogs and make excellent companions for those seeking a calm and loving canine companion.
Health

Training

+
Owners of small dog breeds like the Bolognese should be aware of the potential development of "small dog syndrome." This condition arises from human influence, where the dog assumes the role of the "pack leader" towards humans often resulting in separation anxiety and shyness. Prospective Bolognese owners can acquire the necessary information to prevent or rectify this behavior.
Health

Nutrition

+
To ensure the well-being of your adorable Bolognese, it is essential to provide them with high-quality dog food. Whether you opt for a commercially manufactured one or choose to prepare it at home under your veterinarian's careful guidance, the key is to ensure its quality. It is crucial to consider the age of your furry friend—whether they are a playful puppy, a mature adult, or a wise senior—when selecting an appropriate diet. Since Bolognese dogs have a tendency to gain weight, it is important to keep a close eye on their calorie intake and monitor their weight. Treats can be a useful tool for training but it's crucial not to go overboard, as excessive indulgence can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with safe human foods for dogs and those that should be avoided ensuring you stay informed about what's appropriate to share with your four-legged companion. If you have any concerns regarding your Bolognese's weight or diet, it's always best to consult your veterinarian, who can provide guidance tailored to your pet.Lastly, remember to keep a fresh and clean water supply available for your beloved Bolognese at all times. Providing access to water ensures they stay hydrated and promotes their overall well-being.

Historiography

The Bolognese breed has a rich history that dates back to the Eleventh and Twelfth centuries in Bologna, Italy. Even during the Renaissance, their beauty, grace, and charm made them highly sought-after by the nobility. Princess Jose of Belgium received a lovely Bolognese as a birthday gift from King Umberto of Italy. Additionally, in 1668, Cosimo de Medici sent eight Bolognese as gifts to influential families in Brussels, Belgium, through his friend Colonel Alamanni.

Unfortunately, as time went on and the nobility waned, the Bolognese breed nearly disappeared. However, thanks to the dedication of a few breeders in Europe, particularly Gian Franco Giannelli in Italy, the breed regained its popularity. In 1990, Liz Stannard introduced the Bolognese to England and they made their debut at dog shows that same year in Imported Register classes. By 2001, the breed had its own classes at all shows, and in 2002, they participated in the prestigious Crufts dog show for the first time.

Blog Spotlight