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Bolognese

Bolognese

A small but sturdy little dog, the Bolognese has a white coat that is described as ‘flocked’, never curly but distinctly ruffled looking and long. These amazing furballs are known to be affectionate but a bit stubborn at time. Bolognese are very loyal to their human families, but also tend to come with a personality twice their size.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Little toy dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog

Key Facts

Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Weight:  3 – 5kg 
Height:  27-30.5cm for males and 25.5-28cm for females 
Colours:  White 
Size:  Small
UK Kennel Club Groups: Toy

Ratings

Family-friendly: 5/5
Exercise needs: 4/5
Easy to train: 5/5
Tolerates being alone: 2/5
Likes other pets: 5/5
Energy level: 3/5
Grooming needs: 2/5
Shedding: 1/5

Personality

The Bolognese is a true companion dog, bonding closely with their owners and disliking being separated from loved ones. They are typically reserved with strangers and will bark to alert their owner to anything new, unusual or strange. Despite their small stature and cuddly nature, they are an intelligent dog, and a quick learner. Training should be provided to keep their active minds engaged.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Italy

Probably descended from the bichon (small, white, fluffy) breeds of southern Italy and Malta the Bolognese was developed in Bologna, Italy and has been known since as early as the 11th and 12th centuries. Popular with ruling families and nobility having been owned by aristocrats such as Madame Pomadour, Louis XIV of France, Philip II of Spain an Catherine the Great of Russia, these dogs were commonly gifted as companion dogs between regions and countries. There is even talk of Bolognese dogs being routinely fed from solid gold bowls and even having servants!

Despite their enchanting personalities the Bolognese remains, as it always has been, a rare breed.

Did You Know?

Despite their rarity now the Bolognese was so popular they were owned by the likes of Catherine the Great, Madame De Pompadour and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. They have also featured (alongside their owners) in works of art by Titian, Goya, Gosse and Watteau.

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