Bichon Bolognese, Bolognese Toy Dog
The Bolognese is a small, white, compact dog with a distinctive white single coat. It is of small size, stocky and compact. It is of square build and well-muscled. The head is of medium length. The skull is slightly ovoid. The muzzle is large, black and almost square. It has a developed jaw and the upper lips don’t cover the bottom lips. Its lips are black. It has white, strong and evenly aligned teeth. Its eyes are well developed, open and round. The rims of the eyelids are black and the iris is a dark ochre color. The ears are set high and are long and hanging but rigid at the base. The tail is carried curved over the back. The Bolognese's height varies 10.5 to 12 inches for a male and 10-11 inches for a female. The weight varies between 4.5 and 9 lbs.
Very serious, generally not very high energy. Enterprising, docile, enjoying his masters, the Bolognese is slightly more reserved and shy than its cousin, the Bichon Frise. Bolognese enjoy companionship of people and form a close relationship with their owners. Vivacious, playful and happy, Bolognese get along very well with other animals. This willing little dog is quite responsive to obedience training. Outdoors he's rough-and-tumble; indoors he is quiet and happy. They are friendly with strangers. Get them accustomed to people and noises at an early age. Because of this breed’s size, they are prone to Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This causes many behavior problems, including separation anxiety and being timid.
Size | Small |
Height | Males: 10.5-12 inches (27-30 cm)Female: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm) |
Weight | 4.5-9 pounds (2.5-4 kg) |
Lifespan | 13-15 years |
Colors | Pure white |
Origin | Italy |
Classification | Purebred |
Good Lapcat |
Good In Apartments |
The Bolognese is a good dog for apartment life. It will do okay without a yard. |
Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. It is also friendly toward strangers. |
Good With Dogs |
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Good With Cats |
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Exercise Needs |
These are active little dogs that need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds it will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off-lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. |
Trainability |
The Bolognese is eager to please and usually easy to train. It does well with obedience training, especially when young. |
Affectionate |
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Playfulness |
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Grooming Requirements |
High Maintenance: Grooming should be performed often to keep the dog's coat in good shape. Professional groomers can be sought after for assistance. Occasional trimming or stripping needed. |
Shedding |
Minimal Shedding: Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with hair in their cars and homes. |
Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |