Bolognese
also known as Bichon Bolognese
Summary
The Bolognese is a small to medium-sized breed of dog that is known for its fluffy, white coat and friendly personality. This breed is a descendant of the Bichon Frise and was developed in the region of Bologna, Italy. Bologneses are generally 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 12 pounds. They have a round head, black eyes, and a short, upturned nose.
Bologneses are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities and are generally good with children and other pets. They are intelligent and trainable, but can be independent and stubborn at times. This breed is generally calm and easy-going, but may be prone to barking if not properly trained and socialized. Bologneses are generally easy to groom, but may require regular brushing and ear care to maintain their coat and overall health. Overall, the Bolognese is a friendly and affectionate breed that is well-suited for families and individuals looking for a companion.
Breed Information
Is Bolognese a purebred?
Purebred
How do you pronounce the Bolognese name? How do you say Bologneses?
Bole-oh-NESE
What were Bologneses originally used for?
Companion
How Long Do Bologneses Live? What is average life expectancy for a Bolognese? How long can Bologneses live?
12-14 years
The average Bolognese lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Bolognese Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Bolognese?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 10-12 inches (25.4 - 30.5 cm) | 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) | 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) | 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) |
| Female | 10-12 inches (25.4 - 30.5 cm) | 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) | 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) | 11.0 inches (27.9 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 5-10 pounds (2 - 5 kg) | 4.0 pounds (2 kg) | 6.0 pounds (3 kg) | 10.0 pounds (5 kg) |
| Female | 5-10 pounds (2 - 5 kg) | 4.0 pounds (2 kg) | 6.0 pounds (3 kg) | 10.0 pounds (5 kg) |
Are Bologneses Hypoallergenic?
Yes
While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Bologneses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.
What is the watchdog ability of a Bolognese dog?
Bologneses are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Bolognese is going to make sure everyone knows about it.
Breed History
Where do Bologneses come from?
Italy
What are Bologneses descended from?
Bichon Frise, Maltese
When were Bologneses first bred? How old is the Bolognese breed?
1200s
Bolognese Appearance
What color are Bolognese eyes?
Brown
What color can Bolognese nose be naturally?
Black
What color can Bolognese coat be naturally?
White
How long is a Bologneses coat?
The coat of a Bolognese dog is generally known for its length.
How Dense Is The Bolognese Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Bolognese?
Curly
How many puppies can a Bolognese have in a litter? How many puppies can a Bolognese have in her first litter?
12-14 puppies per pregnancy
A Bolognese can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Bolognese Health Issues
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Bolognese?
Patellar Luxation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Bologneses?
Otitis Externa
Allergies
Periodontal Disease
What are the occasional tests recommended for Bolognese breed?
Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Dental Examination
Bolognese Needs and Activities
Do Bologneses have a lot of energy?
Bologneses are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.
How much exercise should Bologneses get?
The Bolognese dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.
How much does it bark?
Bologneses tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.
What do Bologneses enjoy doing? How do I keep my Bolognese busy?
Sniffing, Going Outside, Watching TV, Swimming, Hanging out, Playing fetch, Walking, Grooming
What is the energy level of a Bolognese? How much energy does a Bolognese have?
Medium
Bologneses are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
How far should a Bolognese walk each week? How many miles should a Bolognese walk every week?
7 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Bolognese, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a Bolognese should exercise a day? How much activity does a Bolognese need?
60 minutes
In general most Bologneses usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a Bolognese?
The Bolognese is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.
How often should you brush a Bolognese?
Daily
Ideally, Bolognese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Bologneses?
Pin Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Bolognese eat?
1 cups
For an average 5-10 pound (2 - 5 kg) Bolognese feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a Bolognese Cost Daily?
$1.10 - $1.40 / day
The average cost of a Bolognese is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.
How Much Does a Bolognese Cost Per Month?
$28 - $42 / month
The average per month expenses of a Bolognese is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Bolognese Characteristic
How intelligent is a Bolognese?
The Bolognese breed is considered highly intelligent and very easy to train.
Are Bolognese dogs affectionate?
Do Bolognese dogs get along with other dogs? Are Bologneses OK with other dogs?
Bologneses are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.
Do Bologneses like to play? Are Bologneses playful?
Bologneses have an average level of playfulness. The Bologneses, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.
Are Bolognese easily trained?
Bolognese dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Playful
Bolognese are playful and energetic dogs that enjoy interacting with their owners and playing games. - Affectionate
Bolognese are very affectionate and crave attention from their owners. They make excellent lap dogs and enjoy cuddling up with their families. - Hypoallergenic
Due to their hypoallergenic properties, Bologneses may be a safer option for those with allergies. - Adaptable
Bolognese are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, including apartments and houses. - Low shedding
Bolognese have a long, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming, but they do not shed excessively. This can make them a good choice for people who are allergic to dog hair or who prefer a breed that doesn't shed excessively.
Cons
- Training
Bolognese are intelligent dogs, but they can be stubborn and may require consistent and patient training to learn and behave properly. - Grooming
Bolognese have a long, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. This can be time-consuming and may require visits to a professional groomer. - Size
Bolognese are small dogs, with a typical weight of around 8-12 pounds. This can make them vulnerable to injury if they are not handled carefully, and they may not be suitable for households with young children.