Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

ATTRIBUTES: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive

GROUP: Miscellaneous Class

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Infrequent

COAT TYPE: Wavy

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: XSmall

TRAINABILITY: Agreeable

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

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Bichon

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Origin

Russia

Registration Icon
Registration

2015

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Size

11 Inches

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Weight

6 - 9 Pounds

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Expected Life

14 - 20 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 level of affection a breed is likely to display towards family members or individuals they are familiar with can vary. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved behavior towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds tend to treat everyone they know as their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
When it comes to a breed's tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature, it's important to consider certain factors. It is recommended that dogs be supervised when around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The level of general friendliness a breed exhibits towards other dogs varies among different breeds. While it is essential to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, certain breeds are naturally more inclined to get along with other dogs be it in the home environment or in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair that a breed tends to shed is an important consideration. Breeds with high shedding will require more frequent brushing, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies and may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
When considering a breed, it is crucial to evaluate the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance requirements. This assessment should take into account the time, patience and budget you have available for such grooming efforts. It's important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency for a breed to drool is an important consideration particularly for individuals who are neat freaks. If you prefer to keep your arm free from ropes of slobber or your clothes free from big wet spots, it may be wise to avoid breeds that are known for excessive drooling.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wavy
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The degree of welcoming behavior a breed exhibits towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds are generally joyful and open to meeting new individuals whenever they come across them.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed shows towards play, even beyond puppyhood is an important factor to consider. Certain breeds maintain a strong desire to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, some breeds are content with relaxing on the couch with you for the majority of the time. Understanding a breed's playfulness can help align your expectations with their preferred activity levels.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
A breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important characteristic to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are known to be vigilant and are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house when they are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed in handling changes, whether it be changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules or other day-to-day variations is truly remarkable.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
When it comes to training your dog and their willingness to learn new things, the ease and willingness can vary greatly among different breeds. Some breeds are naturally inclined to strive and make their owners proud through training, while others have a preference for independence and doing things on their terms, wherever and whenever they please.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The exercise and mental stimulation need of different breeds vary greatly. For high-energy breeds, their eager nature drives them to engage in running, jumping and playful activities throughout the day always ready for the next exciting adventure. Conversely, low-energy breeds are more akin to relaxed couch potatoes content with simply lounging around and enjoying a peaceful snooze.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Infrequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
Understanding the level of mental stimulation necessary to ensure a breed's happiness and overall well-being is of utmost importance. Purpose-bred dogs designed for specific tasks that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive abilities, require adequate brain exercise. Without fulfilling their mental needs, these intelligent breeds may seek out their own activities to keep their minds occupied and these activities may not align with your preferences or desires.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Red Sable

155

Golden

093

Sable

164

Black & Tan

018

Red, Black Overlay

422

Brown, Black Overlay

421

Grizzle

109

Black Brindle

279

Black

007

Brown

061

Red

140

Gray

100

Wolfgray

227

Fawn

082

Blue

037

Cream

076

Silver

176

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Black Mask

004

Tan Points

029

Tan Markings

012

Silver Markings

034

Fawn Markings

008

Saddle Pattern

131

Brindle

051

About The Breed

The breed known as Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka which translates to "Russian Colored Lapdog," was specifically developed to become the perfect companion for apartment dwelling. This sweet, affectionate, intelligent and eager to please dog is known for its friendly disposition towards everyone showing no signs of aggression.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, affectionately called Bolonka is a member of the Bichon family. After nearly facing extinction during the Cold War era, it has made a remarkable comeback. This small hypoallergenic dog provides excellent company and its sense of humor is beyond words. Furthermore, its loyalty towards its human family is truly unwavering. Some Bolonki possess the extraordinary ability to mimic, while others assume the responsibility of being the vigilant gatekeeper monitoring those who enter and exit. Despite their spirited nature, they remain easy-going and sociable making them great companions for children. With proper early training, they won't constantly bark but will effectively alert their owners when necessary. Though they possess a certain level of independence for a toy breed, Bolonki still benefit greatly from early socialization with humans. Additionally, they exhibit compatibility with other dogs and animals. Evidently intelligent and clever, they excel in formal training such as obedience, rally, tracking and agility, given the presence of a firm yet gentle hand.

 What to Expect When Caring for A RUSSIAN TSVETNAYA BOLONKA

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka: 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

+

Regular health evaluations should encompass examinations of the eyes, patella and heart. To prevent patella injuries, it is advisable to refrain from encouraging young dogs to engage in jumping activities until they reach adulthood. Additionally, keeping the topknots tied up plays a crucial role in averting corneal abrasions to the eyes. While not commonly found in Bolonki breed responsible breeders also conduct health screenings for ailments like liver shunt, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and PRA.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • PRA Optigen DNA Test

  • Cardiac Exam

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

+
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka necessitates consistent grooming and regular attention to various aspects, including the eyes, ears, teeth, and nails. It is crucial to brush or comb the coat with a wide-tooth comb several times a week to prevent the formation of mats. Dogs with a full coat may require daily washing of the face, mustache, and beard. For show purposes, only the feet should be trimmed and the coat on the back should naturally fall without deliberate parting. It is important to frequently inspect the eyes and ears for any foreign matter, injuries or irritation. Maintaining cleanliness of the eyes is vital to prevent infections. Hair obstructing the eyes can lead to irritation, potentially resulting in painful corneal scratches and ulcers. Drop ears are particularly prone to infection, especially after bathing or swimming, so keeping the ears clean and dry is essential.
Health

Exercise

+
Being classic lapdogs, Bolonki derive enjoyment from leisurely walks and playtime, with no excessive exercise requirements. While they may possess high energy levels and a strong inclination towards play, it is advisable to provide them with a satisfying romp at least twice a week. Aside from walks, engaging them in indoor activities such as hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks can also contribute to their exercise needs.
Health

Training

+
Bolonki, unlike typical toy breeds, exhibit a relatively greater level of independence, thereby necessitating early socialization with people. Nevertheless, they possess a friendly demeanor towards children and other animals, although it is prudent to exercise supervision. Additionally, Bolonki may have a tendency to alert their owners to their surroundings making it important to train them in discerning appropriate times for vocalizations. This breed displays remarkable intelligence and adaptability, excelling in obedience, rally, tracking and agility activities when trained with a firm, yet gentle approach.
Health

Nutrition

+
For the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, it is recommended to provide a high-quality dog food, either commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. The chosen diet should align with the dog's specific life stage, whether it be a puppy, adult or senior. It's important to be mindful of the dog's calorie intake and weight level, as some individuals may have a tendency to gain excess weight. While treats can be valuable for training purposes overindulgence can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with safe human foods for dogs and be aware of those that are not recommended. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult with your vet for guidance. Lastly, ensure that clean and fresh water is readily available to your pet at all times.

Historiography

During the years of Soviet rule in Leningrad, most exhibitions prominently featured dogs of decorative breeds albeit with varying numbers and quality. However, the initial exhibitions following the post-war period in 1946 and 1947 only showcased a meager two and one decorative dogs respectively consisting of Lapdogs and Toy Terriers. These figures highlight the challenging circumstances under which enthusiasts in Leningrad embarked on their dog breeding endeavors.

The inception of the Russian Colored Lapdog can be traced back to the 1950s particularly in 1951, when a group of dog enthusiasts from Leningrad successfully bred a black Lapdog named Tin-Tin from the mating of two coffee and white dogs. During this time, there were very few dwarf dogs that met the desired phenotype. To address this, a white-colored dog named Trifon was brought from Hungary, while a circus visiting Leningrad at that time provided Zhuzhu, a coffee-colored dog. Additionally, certain foreign dwarf breeds such as Maltese, Bolognese, Shih Tzu and others were also utilized in the breeding program. Through meticulous and rigorous selection based mainly on phenotype and later focusing on the quality of offspring, a relatively homogeneous population was achieved by the end of the 1950s, ultimately earning the breed group its official recognition.

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