The Bolognese is a northern Italian breed that has been around since the 12th century. It is considered a companion dog and is one of the first European breeds of its kind. In the United States, they are not very common, but they are known for being intelligent, quick learners, and easily trainable. However, they can also be a bit stubborn at times. This breed has a thick, curly, white coat that requires daily grooming and occasional professional trimming. They are often referred to as Bolos and are generally known for their peaceful nature. Despite their intelligence, they are not high-energy dogs and can adapt well to apartment living. However, they do not like to be left alone as they were bred to be companions for humans. If left alone for long periods, they may experience separation anxiety, which can lead to behavior problems such as excessive barking, furniture chewing, and incontinence. Due to their small size and potential fragility, Bolos are not recommended for families with young children.
Ahead, we look at Bolognese dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Bolognese, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Bologneses!
| Dog Breed | Bolognese |
| Size | |
| Weight | 5-10 lbs (average) |
| Height | 10-12″ (average) |
| Location | Italy |
| Ancestry | Bichon Frise, Maltese |
| Date of Origin | 1200s |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Bolognese is a breed of dog named after the city of Bologna in Italy, where it is believed to have originated. It belongs to the Bichon group of dogs, which also includes the Maltese, Havanese, Bichon Frise, and the Coton de Tulear. During the Italian Renaissance, the breed was kept as a companion dog by the wealthy and was often given as a gift to nobility. They were depicted in tapestry work and artwork as loving pets of royalty and dignitaries. Even Aristotle mentioned the Bolognese in his writings. King Philip II of Spain received two Bolognese as gifts and thanked the sender by saying, “These two little dogs are the most royal gifts one can make to an emperor. ”
However, between the decline of nobility and the start of World War II, the Bolognese breed almost became extinct. Fortunately, a few European breeders dedicated themselves to rebuilding the breed’s population and popularity. The Bolognese has now become a favorite at dog shows around the world, and it made its debut in the famous Cruft’s ring in 2002.
🐕 Bolognese Appearance
Small and stocky in build, the Bolognese dog. Bright and bubbly, this breed has a square, muscular body that’s wrapped in a fluffy, all-white coat. The head is average in size. The Bolo are small in stature but have powerful jaws. The teeth are bright and properly spaced. Their black nose is perky. Their dark eyelid rims and large, wide eyes give them an air of curiosities. A thick coat can occasionally nearly completely obscure the eyes. The ears are pendulum-shaped and high-set. Curved over the back is the tail.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | White |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Bolognese
The Bolognese is an outgoing, sociable dog that likes spending time with its owner. They may be a lovely family pet or a charming friend for an aging person. Although the breed adores kids, interactions with them should always be under adult supervision. Sometimes kids will play a little too rough, which might injure the dog or make them bit. They will like meeting new people and canine companions if they have had the right socialization. Despite being a little breed, they don’t have the “yappy” bark of small dogs. Despite not being well-known for barking much, the Bolognese possesses a deeper voice. With any breed of dog, obedience training is always advised since early socialization and obedience to orders results in a happy dog and a happy family.
🤝 Are Bologneses Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 Bolognese Care & Maintenance
To prevent matting, the Bolognese’s long, fluffy coat has to be groomed every day. With an eye cleaning solution, the eyes should be cleansed often. Although there are medicines available via your veterinarian care provider that can help avoid the staining, the Bolognese can develop tear stains under their eyes. Allergies, teething, or ear infections can occasionally result in tear staining. Avoid feeding your dog foods that include common allergies including soy, wheat, corn, and food coloring. Numerous breeders advise giving hypoallergenic dry food to Bolos. It is advised to have a professional cut your nails, clean your ears, and bathe every month. This breed is perfect for persons with allergies since it rarely sheds. They won’t ask for too much from you because they are not high energy dogs, but they do love regular walks. They are delighted to sit with you on the couch after their stroll and return home. They adapt nicely to apartment life or having a yard to play in. The Bolognese pup is eager to please and responds well to instruction in obedience.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.75 – $1.00 daily, or roughly $20.00 – $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 7 miles per week, which equates to about 60 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:
❤️🩹 Bolognese Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Bolognese Dog Breed can be:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cataracts
- Hip Dysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
While minor concerns include:
- Otitis Externa
- Allergies
🤧 Important: Is Bolognese hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Bolognese.
⚡ Bolognese Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Bolognese a great choice for families with young children?
The Bolognese is a great choice for families with young children because they are happy, playful, and friendly. They love children and can make a good family pet. However, they should always be supervised when interacting with a child to ensure their safety.
Is the Bolognese breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Bolognese breed is considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They are not a high energy breed and can adapt well to living in small spaces.
How much exercise does a Bolognese require compared to other breeds?
The Bolognese breed does not require a lot of exercise compared to other breeds. They are not highly active and can be satisfied with daily walks and playtime.
Is the Bolognese breed known for being good with other pets?
The Bolognese breed is known for being good with other pets if they have been properly socialized. They can enjoy meeting new people and other dogs.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bolognese?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bolognese include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Maltese. These breeds also have minimal exercise needs and are good companions.
What are the common health issues that Bologneses are prone to?
The Bolognese breed is generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to certain health issues such as patellar luxation, dental problems, and eye diseases.
Are Bologneses known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Bologneses are known to be easy to train compared to some other breeds. They are smart, quick to learn, and easily trained. However, they can be a little stubborn at times.
Are Bologneses more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Bologneses are more prone to separation anxiety compared to some other breeds. Since they were bred to keep people company, they do not like being left alone and may exhibit behavioral issues if left lonely.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Bolognese that are suitable for people with allergies?
The Havanese is a dog breed similar to the Bolognese that is suitable for people with allergies. Both breeds are hypoallergenic and have hair instead of fur, which reduces the allergenic dander.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Bolognese are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Small-sized dogs similar to the Bolognese, such as the Maltese and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, are best for individuals or families with limited space.
Is the Bolognese breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Bolognese breed is known to be good with children, but their suitability for children with special needs depends on the specific needs of the child and the individual dog’s temperament and training.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Bolognese?
The grooming needs of the Bolognese are moderate. They have a thick, curly white coat that needs to be brushed daily and occasionally professionally groomed. They do not shed much compared to other breeds with fur.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Bolognese dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
