Russiese Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a national dog breed recognized by the German Kennel Club (VDH). The “FCI”, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, is not yet cooperative with regard to recognition as an independent breed. Breeding of the funny multicolored bichon began in Russia in 1951. The “Russian Cynological Federation”, RKF, assigns the dog breed to group 9, the society and companion dogs. The VDH represents Germany in the FCI, the RKF does this for Russia. Except in Germany and of course in Russia, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is recognized and highly valued as a national breed in several other countries.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Dog Breed

Grootte: tot 26 cm
Gewig: 3-4kg
FCI-groep: 9: Metgesel- en metgeselhonde
Section: 1.1: Bichons and related breeds, Bichons
Land van herkoms: Rusland
Colors: All colors except white and piebald
Lewensverwagting: 15 jaar
Geskik as: gesin en geselskapshond
Sport: behendigheid, hondedans
Personality: Lively, Cheerful, Playful, Curious, Eager to learn
Oefeningsvereistes: taamlik hoog
Lae kwylpotensiaal
Die dikte van die hare laag
Onderhoudspoging: hoog
Coat structure: long, silky, shiny, dense
Kindervriendelik: ja
Familie hond: ja
Sosiaal: ja

Oorsprong en rasgeskiedenis

The French have the Bichon Frisé, the Tibetans have the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso, the Chinese have the Pekingese and so the Russians also wanted a miniature dog. He should have different coat colors and be similar to the Bichons. Irresistible as a piece of cotton candy is the sign of the little ones, touchingly pretty with soft hair and a loyal companion, all combined in one dog! This was started in 1951 and in fact, the Russians succeeded perfectly. The genetic basis was the French Bichon, the Bichon frisé, with a “shot of Lhasa Apso” and “a few drops of Shih Tzu”. Due to the close connection between the Russian and French nobility at that time, the love affairs of the Bichons with their different nationalities also thrived. Who knows what else might be in the blood of this intelligent, cheerful little dwarf, in any case, the Bolonka is more popular than ever today.

In 1966 the first official standard for the breed was presented. To date, however, there are Bolonkas of different colors and in this respect, it is not possible to specify a specific type and it makes little sense. Every single Bolonka is unique and yet all Bolonki kept in Germany can be traced back to three ancestors that Mrs. Carmen Kurzo brought to East Germany in the 1980s, the two females “Fifa” and “Mailsha” and the male “Fil-Dan”.

Essence & Temperament of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a lively little dog who, with its friendly nature, accepts cats and children, even if some are too moody and others too loud. If the colorful encounters are conspecific, it usually shows itself to be cooperative. Due to the strong fixation on his family or on his loved one, the Bolonka is also suitable for beginners, because he basically always wants to please his caregiver.

He learns very quickly, but still needs strong leadership, otherwise, he likes to make decisions for himself. The list that follows is long. Many heart desires can come true for the little four-legged friend. First, he will then decide to cuddle forever and never have to be alone for a single second again. Even if the first directive can still be fulfilled by the loved one, поэтому being alone is sometimes inevitable.

The dog owner of a Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka practices early on with the Russian “quick-change artist” what needs to be and what can perhaps be discussed. One of the unchangeable duties is the hairdresser appointment, which usually takes place at home and is done by the person you love. The vaccination appointment at the vet is also a must. As a reward, a long walk with varied intermezzo lures. Dog sports such as “agility for small dogs” can be easily integrated into the dog playground. This does not mean, however, that every walk has to become a “conditioning exercise”. The Bolonka is also happy with small tours when the elderly can no longer walk as far. He defies almost any weather and is content with the smallest apartment, but is also happy with a house and a garden. The proximity of the caregiver is the main thing.

The Appearance of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is usually 25-30 centimeters tall, weighs three to four kilograms, and has soft large curls all over the body. The chin beard and mustache stay with the Bolonka until old age and always make him look a bit mischievous and precocious. The hanging ears and the two round black eyes give him an irresistible charm, which unfortunately sometimes allows the colorful one to break all the rules and even get away with it. The Russian comes in all colors except white and is protected from the cold by its dense undercoat. The tail curls slightly over the back come to rest there but swing energetically when the Bolonka starts moving.

The fur of the little bichon absolutely needs a brush that regularly removes tangles from the undercoat and long locks. He is a light Bichon, which is also suitable for allergy sufferers because he does not go through the usual change of fur. The Bolonka is a family dog ​​that is easy to handle with a little extra care for the ears, claws, and teeth.

What Colors are There in the Bolonki?

There are one-color and two-color. The palette ranges from cream to apricot to fox red, black, grey, brown, red gold sable, and a number of nuances of the colors mentioned.

Upbringing & Husbandry of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka – This is Important to Note

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is fully grown at the age of 15 months, depending on the individual disposition. Puppy age is a good time to start raising the little Russian. What happens instinctively with conspecifics and alien creatures in terms of ranking and dominance, humans have to work hard for with the little brightly colored ones. If the coexistence should be problem-free and harmonious in later years, the dog owner starts early with the “training”. Couch, bed, table, the owner decides which place is taboo at what time and how interactions should look like. Trainers and dog schools are happy to help, even when it comes to puppies. A “hard hand” is not required with this breed, but consistency is nevertheless required. Positive reinforcement parenting is particularly good for learning the rules quickly. The intelligence of this breed is extremely helpful.

The Bolonka is a companion dog in the truest sense of the word. Staying alone is not his forte and has to be practiced in small steps through trust. However, the owner must reckon with the fact that it can remain a problem for life. A lot can be learned in a playful way about dog sports and being together with fellow dogs.

How Much Does a Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Cost?

The price of a Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka puppy varies greatly depending on where the dog is purchased. Typically, a serious breeder will want around $1,000 for a puppy. Some even charge $1,500.

Nutrition of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

As with all other dog breeds, the food should be enriched with as many natural ingredients as possible. The percentage of meat is high, it should be well over half. The dog owner recognizes a good feed quality by the fact that animal meals, preservatives, soy, flavor enhancers, and gluten are not used.

The Bolonka is considered a robust dog, which is also reflected in its eating habits. However, high-quality feed enables better utilization of vital vitamins and trace elements. Eating well means that the dog will defecate less often. In addition, the skin and hair of the four-legged friend change. However, food intolerances are very rare in this breed. The little dwarf does not have a sensitive stomach for the breed, tolerates BARF just as well as canned or dry food. The food is divided into several meals; in adulthood, two meals a day are sufficient.

Even with “dental hygiene treats” the owner should pay attention to the composition of the products. Freshwater is always available. While the Bolonka is eating, but also afterward, the little one should be left alone. The food is optimally digested in this way and the valuable ingredients are better processed by the body if the dog is not exposed to stress when eating. Although stomach torsion is quite rare in small dogs, it is unfortunately common in large dogs when they are romping around after eating, rolling around, or being encouraged to play.

Gesond – Lewensverwagting & Algemene Siektes

As a rule, the Russian bichons are not susceptible to hereditary diseases, although these do occur occasionally, but affect most other small dog breeds as well. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, retinal death, patellar luxation when the kneecap pops out, and hip dysplasia, or HD for short, are four of the possible conditions toy dogs are predisposed to. Most other diseases such as obesity or allergies can be largely avoided by the caring dog owner or positively influenced in their course through husbandry and nutrition.

To keep the Bolonka healthy, he gets enough exercise in the fresh air, is allowed to play with other dogs, is stroked and cuddled by his family, and eats high-quality food with natural and valuable ingredients. In addition, stress-free everyday life and a trusting atmosphere make an “animal shelter Bolonka” a balanced and happy Bolonka with the home that has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. The rescued little colorful ones, in particular, make the world of the owner many times more beautiful, according to the truth “share the happiness and you get twice as much!”

Care of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

All Bichons, including the adorable Russian “variant”, need regular “shaping” to keep their coat and skin healthy. The Bolonka has a dense undercoat, which on the one hand makes it relatively insensitive to cold and wet, but on the other hand, requires intensive grooming. Brushing, combing, washing, and about twice a year the scissors are on the agenda. Trimming does not make sense, as the structure of the silky hair changes as a result of this “radical cure”. Only the scissors are allowed to touch the colorful man’s soft hair. The fringe hair is tied with a bow, a male might get a cheeky short haircut instead.

The ears and eyes should be checked regularly as the fur grows luxuriantly all around. The claws are occasionally shortened. Normally the little ones run their claws off themselves. However, if the ground is too soft, the “pedicure set” must be used to help. If the procedure is learned at a young age, then there will be no problems later. This routine also facilitates treatment in an emergency. If there are no taboo zones, the veterinarian can get anywhere. Regular care of the four-legged friend creates trust and sensitizes the dog owner to ailments or incipient diseases of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka – Activities and Training

The Bolonka is an active, persistent little dwarf. He is just as enthusiastic about walks as he is about dog sports and children’s games. Agility and dog dancing are popular sports. In contrast to the French and Tibetan Bichons, the Bolonki can also be taken on long tours. Of course, the owner should always keep an eye on the little Russian. He holds out bravely next to the bike if the rider doesn’t overdo it with the speed.

In addition, Bolonka can be enthusiastic about ball games and games that require his intelligence. There are a variety of games that the dog owner can buy to keep a clever Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka busy. Most games are about the dog finding the treat hidden in an object as quickly as possible. Of course, there are a number of other games that the Bolonka enjoys. There are no limits to the creativity of the owner. The dog owner can also combine several “entertainment options”, such as installing tug of wars with ropes on the walk or fetch games during a morning walk in the woods. Any activity is fine with the Bolonka if only the person you love is present.

Good to Know: Special Features of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Little Russian is a lap dog according to the classification. In truth, the color is a spirited “three-kilogram power pack”, persistent and extremely tough. The dwarf dog adapts effortlessly to its owner, only staying alone is a problem that can be practiced or better avoided by simply having the Bolonka come along.

It doesn’t take up much space and can be very still for a long time. In general, he is not a barker at all, he only indicates strangers with short sounds. A Bolonka is a dog for a person or family that wants to live with a dog 24/7 and has time to regularly brush and keep their coat clean. The little one doesn’t shed, but due to its dense undercoat it needs helpful brush strokes and “corrective cuts”.

Is the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Also Suitable for Seniors?

Yes, as long as the elderly person is still actively involved in life. The Bolonki don’t need long walks, but they do need to be allowed outside and exercise regularly.

Cons of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Bolonka maintains its pronounced social instinct by refusing to be alone. This characteristic must always be considered before making a purchase. Does a friend or family member sit on the “reserve bench” when the dearest “main person” fails? The colorful one can never stay at home alone all day.

In addition, it takes time and patience for the extensive grooming of the dog. In principle, all the “disadvantages” have already been mentioned. One last point should be mentioned. If, after serious efforts, there is no future for a human-Bolonka pair, it will be very difficult for the little dog. This applies to all companion dogs that were originally bred to be friends and companions to humans. They bond closely with their humans and rely on that bond to last throughout a canine’s life.

Does the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Suit Me?

Humans and dogs must be equally compatible in order to experience joy and happiness together. The Bolonka can adapt spatially, it can adapt to different types of food, too little, medium, and long “runs”, it can get along with children and alien creatures and its daily routine completely adapts to that of its owner. The dog breed cannot be alone and without love and cuddles. He can live in a tiny apartment or stay in a country house, be around ten children and other animals if he can only be with his family. The owner of a Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka must guarantee the dog one condition: the little one will be a part of his life. Of course, the condition of species-appropriate husbandry must be assumed here. This means that the little colorful gets enough food is not kept in a kennel and not outside. Someone will take care of his health, so he will be regularly vaccinated and dewormed and presented to the vet if sick.