The Bolognese belongs to a group of several breeds which trace their ancestry back to the 12th century. This group includes Bichon Frise (or the Canary Bichon), the Little Lion Dog (or Bichon Petit Chien Leon), the Havanese Bichon (or Havana Silk Dog), the Maltese and the Bolognese (or Bichon Bolognese). The Maltese is estimated to be the ancestor of all other breeds in this group. The Bolognese descended from Maltese imported into Italy in the Middle Ages, then bred in isolations.
The Bolognese are very intelligent, quiet and loyal companions. They make excellent watchdogs, but are not nuisance barkers. Somewhat more square in shape than other bichons, the Bolognese has a flocked coat and is named for the area where it first made its mark, Bologna, Italy.  Like the Maltese and Bichon Frise, he is a solid white dog, without marking of any kind.
They are practically odor free and are thought to be ideal for people with allergies. They are natural clowns and people dogs who thrive on companionship and do not do well if left alone for 8-10 hours a day.
Picture: Swedish Champion Chantli's Little Eros Ramasotti
Photo courtesy of CHAZARD Havanes & Bolognese
Bolognese Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Italy |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs; Section 1 - Bichons and related breeds (without working trial) |
| Utilization: |
Companion Dog |
| AKC Classification: |
Foundation Stock Service (FSS) |
| Personality: | Gentle, sensitive, affectionate and eager to please, very devoted to his family. |
| Size: | Small |
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Height: | 10-12 inches at shoulders |
| Coat: | A distinctive, nonshedding coat, rather like the Poodle's, which forms into flocks. It is shorter on the muzzle. |
| Colors: |
Pure white, without any patches nor any shades of white.
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| Other Names: | The Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bologneser, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo |
| Average Litter Size: | 6 |
| Life Span: | 10-12 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
The coat does not require trimming, but needs daily brushing and combing to prevent matting. These dogs are shown in their natural state, but pet dogs are sometimes trimmed (scissored). They are bathed and conditioned frequently. Pads should be checked often for clogged hair. Puppy coat needs more attention as it is of a finer texture. The coat does not molt, but a little hair comes out every time you comb. |
| Shedding: | None |
| Social skills: |
They get along with other household pets, including dogs and cats. |
| Suitability for Children: | These white fluffballs
have a great sense of humor and are wonderful companions for children. Some puppies can be very "mouthy", so start your obedience training early to discourage this habit. |
| Exercise Needs: | This is quite an active breed who needs daily exercise. Regardless of how many playmates your Bolognese has at home, a good brisk walk every day will contribute immensely to keeping him happy and healthy.
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| Train Ability: | The Bolognese learns quickly and does well in obedience classes. They are a bit slower to housebreak than some other toy breeds. However, once you have your housebreaking system in place, adhere to it closely and you'll succeed.
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| Health Issues: | This is one of the healthiest dog breeds with no inheritable diseases known to breeders. |
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Bichon Bolognese Puppies
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