Bolognese

This sweet little dog is the perfect dog for everyone. No matter what the owner's life is like, he will adapt to all situations. Exclusively an indoor dog, this beautiful little dog is a pleasant companion for life as well as an excellent therapy dog. His size makes it easy for mentally ill, retired or hospitalized people to cuddle and hug him. He thus greatly reduces tension and brings well-being to all those who are close to him, sick or not. Less known than his cousin the Maltese, the magnificent little Bolognese is to be discovered.

Height 25 to 30 cm
Weight 3 to 4 kg
Life expectancy 12 to 14 years
Hair Loss Low
Excercise Need High
Home country Italy

Quick Overview of the Bolognese

Temperament

  • Gentle and loving
  • Lively and in a good mood
  • Ideal companion for everyone
  • Loves children

Appearance

  • Compact look
  • Small, graceful silhouette
  • Tail curved over the back
  • Long ears

Health

  • Generally healthy
  • The breed suffered a genetic weakness but nowadays the situation has greatly improved

Temperament of the Bolognese

Gentle and affectionate, the Bolognese is gifted for family life. Lively and always in a good mood, he loves humans. Ideal companion for everyone, he loves children as much as older people. His capacity of adaptation will make him appreciate the games of the little ones as well as the calm of more sedentary people.

In spite of his small size, he tries to protect his own and sometimes he will even go as far as to bite if he is not well heard. He is very sociable both with humans as with other animals but he will protect his entourage with great courage.

Intelligent and docile, his education is very easy.

bichon bolonais personnalité

Breed Appearance

Of a very small size, the Bolognese has a compact look with a small trunk and a build that is nevertheless robust enough for his size. His small silhouette is very graceful.

Height

Between 25 and 30 cm (9.84 to 11.81 inches) for the male
Between 25 and 30 cm (9.84 to 11.81 inches) for the female

Weight

Between 3 and 4 kg (6.61 to 8.82 pounds) for the male
Between 3 and 4 kg (6.61 to 8.82 pounds) for the female

Color

His coat is pure white with no stains or shades of white.

Hair

His long hair is thick and rather fuzzy without any fringe.

Morphology

His head has a rather accentuated stop and a flat skull. His large black-rimmed eyes are dark ochre color. His long ears are hanging and rather rigid at the base. His nose is black. His tail is curved on the back.

According to the FCI breeds nomenclature, this breed belongs to group 9, section 1 and is #196

Characteristics of the Bolognese

Does this dog suit your lifestyle?

Every dog breed has its own characteristics. However, the actual character of a dog can vary from one to another within the same breed.

Find out if the Bolognese is your ideal dog breed with our quiz.

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Life in an apartment
Good first dog
Tolerates solitude
Tolerates cold weather
Tolerates hot weather
Affectionate
Friendly with children
Friendly with strangers
Friendly with other animals
Hair loss
Drooling level
Easy to care for
Robust health
Easy to train
Intelligent
Tendency to bark
Tendency to nibble
Protective
Instinct to hunt
Adventurous spirit
Energy level
Level of intensity
Need for exercise
Playful

Price and monthly budget

Price you can expect to pay for a Bolognese puppy: between and
These prices are indicative and may vary from breeder to breeder
Average monthly budget for a Bolognese:
The monthly budget includes the average expenses for food and hygiene products (grooming, anti-parasite...)

Bolognese puppies near me

Bolognese pictures

Tips About this breed

Strictly an apartment dog, in the city or country, he will be happy inside close to his family members.


Easy to live with and train, this wonderful little dog can be suitable for all owners.

Calm, composed and thoughtful, he is an ideal companion for everyone. His size does not require him to exercise a lot and his somewhat sickly attachment to his family makes him very affectionate and always ready to meet his master's needs.

He will be more biting and defensive if an intruder shows up. Excellent alarm system and endowed with great courage, he will stop at nothing if the need arises.

Health of the Bolognese

Due to large inbreeding, the breed suffered a great genetic weakness but nowadays, the situation having greatly improved, the Bolognese is much more robust and his life expectancy has greatly increased. Today's dog generally enjoys good health, thanks to the breeders that greatly contributed to improve his genetics.

GROOMING

His coat requires a good daily energetic brushing to avoid the formation of knots in his curly coat. Professional maintenance is usually required at least two to three times a year. His eyes should also be checked and cleaned regularly.

History of this breed

Of very ancient but mysterious origin, the Bolognese was widespread in Italy in the Bologna region at one time. Famous among nobles and kings during the Renaissance, he was regularly offered as a valuable gift among the greats of this world.

Already in Roman times, Philip II, after receiving two of them as a gift from Cosme de Medici (an Italian statesman), said: "it is the most royal gift one can give to an emperor".

Even if his origins are often confused with those of the Maltese, the Bolognese has very ancient ancestors who were even cited by Aristotle (384 - 322 BC) under the term of canes melitenses. The Bolognese can be found on the paintings of greatest masters such as Goya and Pierre Breughel.

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