The Bolo-Tzu is a small and adorable dog breed that is a cross between the Bolognese and Shih Tzu. From the time they are puppies to when they grow into adults, Bolo-Tzus remain small in size and weight. These dogs were specifically bred to be companions, but there is not much known about this particular mix. Because of this lack of information, it can be difficult to predict the characteristics and traits that a Bolo-Tzu will have. As a result, many owners often turn to the parent breeds for more insight. It’s worth noting that the Bolognese breed is quite rare nowadays. Both parent breeds, however, are known to be loyal family dogs and make wonderful companions.
Below, we look at Bolo-Tzu dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Bolo-Tzu, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Bolo-Tzus!
| Dog Breed | Bolo-Tzu |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 9-15 lbs (average) |
| Height | 9-11″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | Bolognese, Shih Tzu |
| Date of Origin | 2000s |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 10-16 years |
| Price | $800 – $1200 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Bolo-Tzu is a hybrid breed that combines the Bolognese and Shih-Tzu. It is a modern designer dog that is primarily bred to be a companion. Unlike other breeds with long and well-known histories, the Bolo-Tzu’s history can be understood by looking at the history of its parent breeds.
The Bolognese is a toy companion breed that belongs to the Water Spaniel family. It was favored by French and Italian courtesans and nobility. The breed is also known as Bichon Bolognese and is closely related to the Bichon Frise. The name “Bolognese” refers to the Italian province of Bologna, where the breed is believed to have originated. The Bolognese has soft, frizzy white hair, and is a beloved toy breed.
On the other hand, the Shih-Tzu has a longer history and may have originated in Tibet during the Byzantine Empire. Its name means lion in Chinese, as it has a little lion-like appearance. The earliest record of the Shih-Tzu dates back to the year 625. This breed has a significant history in China, where it was gifted to the Chinese nobility by Tibetan Monks. The modern Shih-Tzu we know today was developed through secret breeding programs for the Chinese royalty. Tzu-Hsi, a royal concubine turned Empress of China in the 19th century, received a pair of Shih-Tzus from the Dali Lama. These dogs became the foundation for all future royal Shih-Tzus. The Shih-Tzu was eventually imported to England and the United States, and it was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1969.
Today, the Bolo-Tzu is considered a true companion dog and is recognized by various organizations such as the Designer Breed Registry, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the American Canine Hybrid Club.
🐕 Bolo-Tzu Appearance
Despite the Bolo-Tzu’s size, the hybrid is robust and small. The Bolo-Tzu coat color is often white with colored markings, however if your Bolo-Tzu leans toward its Shih-Tzu parent, the Shih-Tzu parent may bring more color diversity to the coat as well as length. This hybrid has little, straight feet. The feathery tail of the Bolo-Tzu curls over the back. A Bolo-Tzu has a spherical head and a short snout. A flat face might also have a tiny nose like the Shih-Tzu, which can make breathing challenging. The Bolo-Tzu has dark brown eyes that are huge and conspicuous.
| 👀 Eye Color | Varies |
| 🐽 Nose Color | N/A |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Ranges |
⚡ Fun Fact: Bolo-Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Bolo-Tzu
The Bolo-Tzu is a playful, outgoing dog that loves to cuddle with its family members. This hybrid is a hardy one, and while it may be kind and tolerant with kids, it dislikes rough play. The Bolo-Tzu, especially when young, should be played with on the floor and not taken up by kids to prevent falls, but if socialized early, they make ideal companions for older kids. Both parent breeds are completely voiceless, docile, and polite with strangers. The Bolo-Tzu is good with both dogs and cats, but you should consider their size when putting them with large dogs. Any type of rough play might harm these small pets. This hybrid has a lot of energy and needs to exercise every day, but because of its size and probable respiratory issues, it doesn’t need to engage in strenuous activities. The Bolo-Tzu is easy to train due to the intelligence of both breeds, however you may struggle with housebreaking this hybrid because to the difficulty of housebreaking both parent breeds.
🤝 Are Bolo-Tzus Friendly or Aggressive?
Bolo-Tzu dogs are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are comfortable with strangers and get along well with other dogs, making them a good choice for families looking to add more dogs or participate in dog meetups. Bolo-Tzus also tend to be very cat-friendly, which is a positive trait for households with feline companions. Additionally, they are generally friendly towards children and elderly people, making them a suitable choice for families of all ages.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Playful
- Happy
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Outgoing
- Loyal
- Devoted
- Lively
- Gentle
- Calm
- Faithful
- Easygoing
- Earnest
- Willing
- Serene
🐩 Bolo-Tzu Care & Maintenance
Due to the hypoallergenic nature of both parent breeds, the Bolo-Tzu is a hypoallergenic hybrid. This breed doesn’t shed much, but to keep its medium to long hair clear of mats and looking its best, it needs frequent brushing and combing. While it’s not necessary to brush every day, it’s recommended to do so many times every week. Clean your Bolo-Tzu’s ears with a veterinary-approved solution while you are brushing him to get rid of any dirt, wax, or debris. Avoid washing your Bolo-Tzu as a hypoallergenic mix and keep to routine brushing to spread natural oils, get rid of dead and loose hair, and clear the coat of debris and grime. Regular tooth brushing and cleaning are also advised to help lower the risk of periodontal disease.
Bolo-Tzu dogs are known for their minimal to no shedding. This means that if you have a puppy from this breed, you don’t have to worry about your furniture or car getting covered in dog hair. If you are someone who cannot tolerate dog hair, getting a Bolo-Tzu dog might be the perfect choice for you. Additionally, these dogs only need to be bathed every 4-6 weeks, making them relatively low maintenance in terms of grooming.
🍖 Food: We recommend few cups daily, costing you about $0.49 – $1.49 daily, or roughly $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Bolo-Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly few miles per week, which equates to about 15 – 35 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Bolo-Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
❤️🩹 Bolo-Tzu Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Bolo-Tzu Dog Breed can be:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
While minor concerns include:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
🤧 Important: Is Bolo-Tzu hypoallergenic? Yes.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Bolo-Tzu.
⚡ Bolo-Tzu Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Bolo-Tzu a great choice for families with young children?
The Bolo-Tzu is a great choice for families with young children because they are friendly, affectionate, and patient with their families. They are sturdy and can handle gentle play with children, but they do not enjoy rough play. They are also known to be excellent companions for older children when properly socialized.
Is the Bolo-Tzu breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Bolo-Tzu breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They are toy-sized and their small size and weight make them adaptable to smaller living spaces. However, they still require daily exercise to maintain their energy levels.
How much exercise does a Bolo-Tzu require compared to other breeds?
The Bolo-Tzu requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They have high energy levels but due to their size and potential for breathing problems, they don’t require high-intensity activities. Daily walks and playtime should be sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
Is the Bolo-Tzu breed known for being good with other pets?
The Bolo-Tzu breed is known to be good with other pets, including dogs and cats. However, their small size should be taken into consideration when pairing them with larger dogs, as rough play may cause injury to the Bolo-Tzu.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bolo-Tzu?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bolo-Tzu include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, and Pomeranian. These breeds also have small sizes and are known for their affectionate and companionable nature.
What are the common health issues that Bolo-Tzus are prone to?
Bolo-Tzus are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues. These can include respiratory problems due to their small size and potential for breathing difficulties. Additionally, they may also inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as eye problems, joint issues, and dental problems.
Are Bolo-Tzus known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Bolo-Tzus are known to be easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. However, house training may be a challenge as both parent breeds can be difficult to housebreak. Consistent and positive reinforcement training methods are recommended.
Are Bolo-Tzus more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Bolo-Tzus, like many small dog breeds, can be prone to separation anxiety. They form strong bonds with their families and may become anxious or distressed when left alone for long periods. Proper socialization and training can help mitigate separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Bolo-Tzu that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Bolo-Tzu that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and the Maltese. These breeds are known for their hypoallergenic coats and minimal shedding.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Bolo-Tzu are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Dogs similar in size to the Bolo-Tzu that are best for individuals or families with limited space include the Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and the Pomeranian. These breeds are small and adapt well to apartment living or smaller homes.
Is the Bolo-Tzu breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Bolo-Tzu breed is generally good with children, but their suitability for children with special needs may vary. It is important to assess the individual dog’s temperament and consult with a professional to determine if a Bolo-Tzu would be a good fit for a child with special needs.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Bolo-Tzu?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Bolo-Tzu are moderate compared to other breeds. They have a coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and should be groomed every few months. They are considered a low-shedding breed, but regular grooming is still necessary to maintain their coat.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Bolo-Tzu dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
