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Bolognese

Bichon bolognese dog relax in the park

© SasaStock / stock.adobe.com

The Bolognese looks like a cotton ball and feels almost as soft.

At first glance, the Bolognese seems like a typical lapdog. But look closer, and you’ll see there’s more to it than just being a cuddle companion! This charming and playful little dog makes a fantastic friend for young and old alike, spreading joy wherever it goes with its friendly nature.

Table of contents

  1. Appearance of the Bolognese: Feather-Light Cloud
  2. Character: Easygoing Companion
  3. Activities for the Bolognese: Cuddling, Playing, Walking
  4. Health and Nutrition: Small Dogs with Robust Health
  5. Grooming Routine for the Pearly-White Beauty
  6. History: Beloved Lapdogs for Centuries
  7. Is a Bolognese Right for Me?
  8. Before Bringing a Bolognese Dog Home
  9. How to Find Your Dream Bolognese

Appearance of the Bolognese: Feather-Light Cloud

The Bolognese looks like a fluffy ball of cotton wool. Weighing no more than 4kg and standing up to 30cm at the shoulders, it can be lighter than some cats. Despite its compact body, the dog moves gracefully with an elegant gait with its tail carried lightly curved over the back.

The soft, curly, and exclusively pure white fur covers the entire body. It’s fluffy and doesn’t lie flat, being shorter on the nose bridge, having black nose and eyes.

Character: Easygoing Companion

The Bolognese is intelligent and playful, spreading good vibes everywhere. It loves participating in activities with its favourite people, whether it’s playing, walking, or curling up on the sofa. The most important thing for this dog is to be with its human pack.

The breed is known for being very affectionate and alert without being prone to excessive barking. With little hunting instinct, these small companion dogs usually get along well with other pets like cats, as long as the feline accepts its lively housemate.

Training with Consistency

The hardest part about training this clever little dog might be resisting its charm. These energetic bundles quickly identify your weaknesses and can use puppy eyes to get their way—like a tasty bite from your plate.

Remain consistent from the puppies days. Once the Bolognese learns that “No” means “No”, training becomes simple. Even beginners can manage this intelligent dog easily.

Activities for the Bolognese: Cuddling, Playing, Walking

Playing and cuddling are among this breed’s favourite activities. Long walks are also enjoyable. When hiking, consider the dog’s size. Ease into longer walks & check when it gets tired.

In rainy weather, the Bolognese still needs to go outside for its business. However, it’s not a breed that demands long walks in all weathers. You can keep it entertained indoors with games or teach it tricks. Clicker training and dog sports like Dog Dancing or Agility for small dogs can be great fun for many Bolognese.

Tip for active people: Given its size, the Bolognese isn’t suitable as a jogging partner, but it can be taken along in special bike baskets.

Health and Nutrition: Small Dogs with Robust Health

The Bolognese is considered very robust. However, like many small dogs, some may have knee problems like patellar luxation. When buying a puppy, ensure the parent dogs have been tested, and get the results in writing from the breeder.

Speaking of breeders: investing in a Bolognese from a reputable breeder is also investing in the health of your future family member. The greatest risk comes from dodgy breeders selling Bolognese—often without papers—for profit. Avoid such breeders at all costs. A healthy Bolognese can live up to around 15 years.

In the Bowl: Small High Quality Portions!

This small dog requires just small portions. It’s your job to prevent overweight, as the Bolognese can be quite gluttonous. Ensure its food is high-quality, with meat as the primary ingredient.

Feeding recommendations from manufacturers are guidelines that can vary based on your dog’s constitution and activity level. It’s best to weigh your adult Bolognese regularly to monitor its weight despite its fluffy coat. Adjust the food accordingly if your dog gains weight.

Keep in mind that half a kilogram more or less is significant for a small dog: a 4.5kg Bolognese weighs proportionally the same as a person weighing 100kg instead of 80kg.

When giving treats, choose healthy options like freeze-dried meat or dried chew treats that also clean the teeth. Always provide your small companion with fresh drinking water.

Grooming Routine for the Pearly-White Beauty

The curly, soft fur needs regular care, but it hardly sheds. Get the puppy used to coat care with a comb and brush. During shedding periods, daily combing helps prevent tangles. Even outside these times, grooming every other day is beneficial. Small twigs or dirt can easily get caught in the snowy white fur.

Speaking of snow-white fur, an occasional bath is necessary. Get the puppy used to regular baths with a mild dog shampoo. Shampoos designed for white fur are recommended.

Ensure no hair gets into your dog’s eyes, potentially causing irritation. Trim the fur if necessary to prevent eye infections.

Check the claw length regularly, especially as your dog ages, to prevent it from painfully catching them.

White Bolognese being groomed and taken care of © frank11 / stock.adobe.com
To prevent eye infections, your pet’s fur should be trimmed occasionally.

History: Beloved Lapdogs for Centuries

The Bolognese is one of the so-called Bichons, or lapdogs. This is true for all Bichon breeds, which have been used as companion dogs for centuries and share a small size, making them perfect lap companions.

According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), other Bichons include the Bichon Frisé, the Havanese, and the Maltese. Related breeds also include the Coton de Tuléar and the Little Lion Dog.

The origin of the Bolognese is closely tied to that of the Maltese, with both having common ancestors known as far back as Aristotle’s time. Over the centuries, the Bolognese adorned the homes and courts of the powerful. The breed has an impressive list of famous owners, including King Philip II of Spain, Madame de Pompadour, the Medici Dukes, Catherine the Great, and Maria Theresa.

The FCI recognised the Bolognese as a distinct breed in 1956. Today, this intelligent dog is no longer just a status symbol but delights all social classes with its charming nature.

Is a Bolognese Right for Me?

The Bolognese is a true all-rounder and an excellent companion for beginners. It thrives in a family environment, happily playing and snuggling with children.

However, despite its cute appearance, it is not a toy. Children must learn to handle pets responsibly, as rough play can quickly injure the small dog. Ensure your Bolognese has enough retreat options.

These small dogs usually get along well with cats or other small pets, especially if they are socialised early on. If a Bolognese puppy moves in with an adult cat, make sure to give the cat as much attention as before to prevent it from seeing the new family member as a nuisance.

The breed is also well-suited for living with a single person, enjoying the one-on-one time. However, a Bolognese doesn’t like being alone. Prospective Bolognese owners should be able to keep the dog with them most of the time. These cheerful little dogs are also great for seniors, who can often take them everywhere. Whether in the city or the countryside, this adaptable dog feels at home.

Before Bringing a Bolognese Dog Home

However small the breed, bringing a dog into your home is a significant change. Prepare yourself thoroughly for this new life with a dog.

If you live alone, have a plan for who will care for the dog if you fall ill or travel.

Tip: Nowadays, many hotels or holiday apartments allow dogs.

The small and easy-going Bolognese makes an excellent travel companion for trips accessible by car or train, thanks to its manageable size. If you dream of tropical beach holidays, arrange for care that meets your cuddly dog’s need for closeness in advance.

Factor in the ongoing costs for the dog’s lifespan, including high-quality dog food, vet visits for check-ups and vaccinations, and dog taxes and insurance.

When starting your life together, you’ll incur initial costs for a dog from a reputable breeder and for basic equipment. Ensure everything is ready before the new family member arrives: bowls for water and food, toys suitable for small dogs, blankets, a bed, a lead with a harness or collar, and a car safety device. For a dog this size, small portable dog transport boxes are also handy.

Gather grooming tools like a comb, brush, shampoo, and wipes for the eyes. Having a flea comb and tick remover ready is also wise.

Bolognese dogs enjoy petting and calm walks in the park © SasaStock / stock.adobe.com
Human hand caresses a dog in the park

How to Find Your Dream Bolognese

These attractive little dogs are quite popular, like other Bichon breeds. Finding a reputable breeder requires some preparation. Make sure the chosen Bolognese breeder is affiliated with a club and can provide written proof of all breeding assessments.

Meet the puppies and their parents at their home after arranging a visit. Both should make a balanced impression on you. The breeder won’t let the puppies go before eight weeks old, ensuring they are well-socialised, dewormed, vaccinated, and chipped.

Avoid “breeders” selling puppies without club affiliation. These sellers often lack the expertise needed for healthy, typical puppies and do not invest in health-oriented selection or socialisation. This can lead to health issues, behavioural problems, and uncertainty about the dog’s breed.

Those looking to provide a home for an adult Bolognese might find options online. Sometimes, Bolognese owners need to rehome their pet for various reasons. While you probably won’t find a Bolognese waiting for a new home at a local animal shelter—the breed is quite rare—it’s worth a visit. Sometimes, other Bichons or mixes in need of a new home may win your heart.

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