Mary Allen
The Bolognese is a Bichon of a very special kind. He is Italian and can simply delight his owner by “being there”. It was given and received as a treasure as early as Aristotle’s time and appears in countless paintings by great artists of this and subsequent epochs. In short, the Bolognese has made it into the highest circles. Officially, he belongs to group 9, in which the company and companion dogs are united. From there he goes to section 1, to the Bichons and related breeds. But we will learn that he is much more than a lap dog. However, he keeps the last secret to this day.
Bolognese Dog Breed
Size: 25-30cm
Weight: 2.5-4kg
FCI Group: 9: Companion and Companion Dogs
Section: 1: Bichons and related breeds
Country of origin: Italy
Colors: white
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Suitable as: family and companion dog
Sports: –
Personality: Playful, Affectionate, Gentle, Sensitive, Cheerful, Feisty
Exercise requirements: rather high
Low drool potential
The thickness of hair low
Maintenance effort: high
Coat texture: Rather soft and fluffy
Child friendly: yes
Family dog: yes
Social: yes
Origin and Breed History
Similar to the Bichon Frisé, the Bolognese came to its adopted country via Spain. But in this case not to France, but to Bologna in Italy. He initially established himself as a charming companion in aristocratic circles. Later, the bourgeoisie also had a Bolognese on their arms and valued it for its positive influence on the human mind. Even the “Ancient Romans” talked about small white bichons and back then they were often pampered. A Bolognese was a status symbol and a poster child for power and wealth. The fact that it was such a tender and good-natured dog like the Bolognese speaks for the rulers of that time, at least in terms of self-portrayal. You could also adorn yourself with a “Dogo Argentino”, but the noble ladies and gentlemen of the past probably gave more to charm and nonchalance than to demonstrations of power and intimidation.
In the 16th century, the little Italian experienced its greatest spread in the Mediterranean region and then throughout Europe. Two centuries later, a profound change took place in society, the influence of the “bourgeois” increased, the splendor of the nobility faded more and more and the favorite objects of the aristocratic circles were pushed out of their leadership position as lap dogs with this redistribution – the poodle was in Come. The loyal Italians saved “their” dog over time. Today it is no longer threatened with extinction and is increasingly being bought again. Well, true love outlives every fad!
Essence & Temperament of the Bolognese
Of all the Bichons, there are four in all, the Bolognese is one of the most even-tempered breeds. He is all around filled with friendliness and calm, with happiness and frugality. The other three Bichons, Maltese, Bichon Frize, and Havanese, are a little more lively and headstrong. The “Löwchen” and the Coton de Tuléar are listed among the “related breeds”, the “Bolonka Zwetna” is not recognized by the FCI as a Bichon, but by the Russian Kennel Club.
The Bolognese embodies balance and stands for mediocrity as an expression of inner satisfaction, which was regarded as the “measure of all things” in advanced cultures of the past. Being with these little bichon “colors”, impatience gives way to cheerful exhilaration. The Bolognese is open to cats, children, and quarrelsome fellow dogs. Older people love its adaptability and anxious people love its vigilance, which never degenerates into unpleasant continuous barking. Strangers love his engaging nature and beginners love his good nature. The Bolognese loves going for walks with his loved ones, yet he doesn’t expect them to run marathons. He loves to be close to his owner, his delicate body under the “curly fur coat” gives off warmth and comfort in return.
How Big Does a Bolognese Get?
A Bolognese is 25 to 30 cm tall.
The Appearance of the Bolognese
The little Italian is 25 to 30 centimeters tall and weighs 2.5 to 4 kg. Its white coat is curly and soft and does not shed.
The tail of the Bolognese is “curled” on the back. His black-framed attentive eyes invite and receive. The Bolognese is irresistible. It’s so easy not to let him out of your arms. He likes to walk himself and is also quickly on the spot when the game with the education goes into the second round. Then he knows that his owner is in charge… The ears hang down and are also covered with long fur. Overall, the Bolognese is as tall as it is a long, and almost square-shaped dog that easily fits on even the smallest lap.
Upbringing & Attitude of the Bolognese – This is Important to Note
The Bolognese is suitable. In fact, you could leave the sentence for this little bichon as it is and everyone who has or has had a Bolognese knows what is meant. But there are also dog owners who have never had a Bolognese. It should actually exist. For all those, we explain this statement: The Italian jack of all trades is suitable for beginners because by nature he strives to please and has no unpleasant cravings for dominance. He is also suitable for older people because he is not a hyperactive fellow who needs exercise from morning tonight. In addition, he is also suitable for the anxious dog owner because he is thoroughly benign. Of course, even such a little “nerd bichon” needs training. When selling puppies, breeders always like to refer to a visit to a dog school. If you have a Bolognese as your “first dog”, this advice must be heeded. Training with a trainer is also beneficial if the little Italian comes from an emergency aid or an animal shelter. At this point, it should be noted that every animal that is rescued and given a beautiful home will remain infinitely grateful – for the rest of its life.
The upbringing of the Bolognese will not turn out to be particularly problematic. The white “dwarfs” want to please their people and always show themselves to be very cooperative, but the dog owner still has to master a little of the “dog ABC”.
When is a Bolognese Fully Grown?
A Bolognese is fully grown at around 12 months.
Diet of the Bolognese
As with all small dog breeds, the Bolognese’s food is intelligently adapted to the needs of the dog. If the dog is in the apartment a lot and is older, the food will consist of high-quality ingredients and at the same time be reduced in quantity. A young, agile dog that romps around a lot will of course need a larger amount because it also burns more calories. The owner should pay attention to the composition of the dog food and have an expert at their side who can give helpful tips.
As a beginner, every owner is easily lured by the colorful, promising range in the supermarket. Not everything that glitters is worth its weight in gold. Oftentimes, special offers are advertised as a complete food, but in reality, they don’t even meet the standard. Wet food is usually recommended by experts because its consistency comes closest to that of natural nutrition. A little Bolognese also has his likes and dislikes that need to be found out and respected. “Bolognese are only human too!” Not everyone likes to eat spinach in the same way or rejects French fries. As a reward, there is a large selection of treats made from purely natural ingredients.
Healthy – Life Expectancy & Common Diseases
The Bolognese is not a “sugar” dog. Hereditary diseases are not known and because the dog was never a fad in modern times, breeding has remained very down-to-earth. The Bolognese is also not a dog that only wants to go outside when the sun is shining. He’s small and delicate to build, but he’s a whole dog, braving the stiff breeze and bravely staying next to his dearest human. But constant rain is not quite to his liking.
Of course, with the Bolognese, as with any other breed, it is important to follow certain rules of the game so that the bichon stays healthy. This includes regular exercise, good food in manageable portions, and a caregiver who is there for the little Italian. With these optimal conditions, the Bolognese can live to be 16 years old. The average life expectancy is probably more like 12 to 14 years.
The Bolognese’s eyes and ears should be checked regularly. The coat is very dense and curly fur also grows around the eyes. Strands of hair that fall into the eyes are cut off so that the eyes do not become inflamed. The ears hang down and are covered with fur. This means that little air can get to them and bacteria could thrive in them. With conscientious care, there is no risk of infection here either.
How Old Does a Bolognese Get?
The average life expectancy of Bolognese is 12 to 14 years.
Care of the Bolognese
A dog that hardly sheds is not only interesting for allergy sufferers, but also for older people who can no longer clean their home every day or for families with small children. It is extremely pleasant not to find tufts of hair in the kitchen or bedroom when changing fur. However, the Bolognese needs to be brushed frequently to keep the coat from matting, checking the nails, and keeping an eye on the weight. Since the Bolognese is not dogs that hunt in the woods on their own or need to be on the move from dawn to dusk, they also gain weight quickly. They like to sit snuggled up close to their loved ones and enjoy being together.
Bolognese – Activities and Training
Playing is high on the list of favorite activities, be it playing with their owner, with children or with other dogs. He is content when his family is concerned with him.
The little one doesn’t necessarily require a dog sports program, although there are Bolognese owners who claim to be able to keep their little runt happy with “mini-agility”. Of course, the inclination varies from Bichon to Bichon, but usually the small dogs enjoy a medium-length walk and if it’s not too strenuous, the world looks rosy. The owner of a Bolognese will need to be considerate of the dog during long outdoor activities if they are necessary. It is and remains a small, delicate dog that not so long ago sat on laps more than stood on its own paws.
Good to Know: Special Features of the Bolognese
As already mentioned, along with the Bichon Frisé, this Bichon is also a dog suitable for allergy sufferers, since it does not change its coat. Of course, there is still the danger of reacting to your dog’s fur as an allergic person. The risk is minimized by relatively few flying hairs. The fur needs to be brushed regularly, otherwise, it tends to become matted. But the little Italian can also endure this procedure if the dog owner makes it palatable to him and he will probably have to come up with something at the beginning to give the Italian a very special reward, afterward!
In addition, most of the time, the Bolognese makes it very easy for his owner to like him. He is satisfied with all menus that end up in the feeding bowl and happy in the smallest apartment when his loved one shares them with him. He even gets along with the house cat and the cheeky children. Not to forget that the little Bichon is a delicate dog that is neither made for hunting nor for marathon distances and certainly not for ambitious dog sports. The Bolognese is small, tender, communicative, and sensitive. A dog that is special because it is so “ordinary”: It takes no time to get used to it, but weaning it is difficult. For this reason, bichons all over the world are waiting for a human who will never leave them. The portal of the dog professionals is happy to mediate emergency aid and animal shelter dogs.
Cons of the Bolognese
Can an Italian lap dog have any disadvantages at all?
Honestly, there is a tiny little “weak point”. Since the Bolognese is and was primarily a companion dog today, as it was in the past, it has never learned to be left alone for long periods of time. Training that prepares the dog for being alone is particularly promising if it begins as a puppy. Despite all good advice, the loving Bolognese owner will not turn his Bichon into a dog that stays contentedly alone all day. The promise that the little one makes to his owner is this: If you don’t leave me alone, I’ll be the “perfect Italian” everywhere, charming, quiet, and frugal!
Is Bolognese Right for Me?
I’m not a sports ace, I love quiet tours
– Does Bolognese suit me? Yes.
I like being at home
– Does Bolognese suit me? Yes.
I don’t mind brushing my four-legged friend every day
– Does Bolognese suit me? Yes.
Our household also includes two cats and children
– Does Bolognese suit me? Yes.
I also want to relax outside with a dog and not experience stress with dogs
– Does Bolognese suit me? Yes.
How Much is a Bolognese?
A Bolognese from a breeder usually costs at least $1000, but prices can vary.