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Bolognese dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Bolognese dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank288
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Bolognese dog dog profile picture
OriginItaly flagItaly
Other Names
What other names does the Bolognese dog have?
Bolognese Toy DogBichon BologneseBolonyéze kutya
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Bolognese dog Breed

Bolognese dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Bolognese dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Bolognese dog get?

What is the average size of a Bolognese dog?

Small
Weight
How much does the Bolognese dog weigh? How much should a Bolognese dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Bolognese dog? How much does a full-grown Bolognese dog weight?
4.5-9 pounds (2.5-4 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Bolognese dog?
6.75 pounds (3.25 kg)
Height
How tall is the Bolognese dog? Bolognese dog height:
Males: 10.5-12 inches (27-30 cm), Female: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Bolognese dog?
Males: 11.25 inches (28.5 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Bolognese dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Bolognese dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Bolognese dog in the United States? How much money is a Bolognese dog?

Where to buy a Bolognese dog with a good pedigree?

$1200-$1400
If you choose to purchase the Bolognese dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Bolognese dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Bolognese dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Bolognese dog? How many Bolognese dog are there in the world?
Average: The Bolognese dog is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Bolognese dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Bolognese dog? Is the Bolognese dog breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Bolognese dog dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Bolognese dog is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Bolognese dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Bolognese dog?
Bolognese dog dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Bolognese dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Bolognese dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Bolognese dog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Bolognese dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Bolognese dog dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Bolognese dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Bolognese dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActivePlayfulIntelligentLoyalDevotedCalmFaithfulEasygoingEarnestWillingSerene
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Bolognese dog sensitivity:
Sensitive: Bolognese dog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Bolognese dog a good family dog?
High: Bolognese dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Bolognese Toy Dog need? Bolognese dog social needs:
Bolognese dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Bolognese dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Bolognese dog roam?
Bolognese dog dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Bolognese dog have high prey drive?
Bolognese dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Bolognese dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Bolognese dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Bolognese dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Bolognese Toy Dog bark?
Average to High: The Bolognese dog is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Bolognese dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Bolognese dog in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Bolognese dog breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Bolognese dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Bolognese dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Bolognese dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Bolognese dog alone?
Bolognese dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bolognese dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Bolognese dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Bolognese dog? How much bite force does a Bolognese dog have? How strong is a Bolognese dog bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bolognese dog bite force: Weak. The Bolognese dog bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Bolognese dog measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Bolognese dog may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Bolognese dog being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Bolognese dog bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Bolognese dog puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Bolognese dog can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Bolognese dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Bolognese Toy Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Bolognese dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Bolognese dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Bolognese dog do?
Bolognese dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Bolognese dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Bolognese dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Bolognese dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Bolognese dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Bolognese dog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Bolognese dog breed? Most common health risks of Bolognese dog:
Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes DiseaseChronic Eye Irritation
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Bolognese dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Bolognese dog see the vet?
Average
The Bolognese dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Bolognese dog dogs live? How old can a Bolognese dog be? What is the age limit of the Bolognese dog? How many years can the oldest Bolognese dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Bolognese dog?

How long is the lifespan of a Bolognese dog?

13-15 years
The average lifespan of Bolognese dog: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Bolognese dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Bolognese dog have? What is the activity level of the Bolognese dog?
Bolognese dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Bolognese dog need? How much exercise do Bolognese dog dogs require per day?

Do Bolognese dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Bolognese dog dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Bolognese dog breed need?
Bolognese dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Bolognese dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Bolognese dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Bolognese dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Bolognese dog? How much food should I feed my Bolognese dog?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Bolognese dog risk for obesity:
Average: The Bolognese dog has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Bolognese dog weight regularly.

Bolognese dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Bolognese dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
CurlySilky
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Bolognese dog coats?
Pure white
Grooming
How to groom the Bolognese dog and how often? How often should I take my Bolognese dog to the groomer?
Average: The Bolognese dog requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Bolognese dog, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Bolognese dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Bolognese Toy Dog? Do Bolognese dog dogs shed a lot?
Bolognese dog dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Bolognese dog dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Bolognese dog need a bath? How often should you give a Bolognese dog a bath? Can I bathe my Bolognese dog every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Bolognese dog breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Bolognese dog dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Bolognese dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Bolognese dog drool?
The Bolognese dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Bolognese dog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Bolognese dog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Bolognese dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Bolognese dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Bolognese dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Bolognese dog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Bolognese dog temperament with other people:
Bolognese dog dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Bolognese dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Bolognese dog temperament with children:
Bolognese dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Bolognese dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Bolognese dog breed live with a cat?
Bolognese dog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Bolognese dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Bolognese dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Bolognese dog dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Bolognese dog can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Bolognese dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Bolognese dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Bolognese dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Bolognese dog dogs good office canines? Do Bolognese dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Bolognese dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Bolognese dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Bolognese Toy Dog temperament with senior people? Are Bolognese dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Bolognese dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bolognese dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Bolognese dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Bolognese dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Bolognese dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Bolognese dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Bolognese dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Bolognese dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Bolognese dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Bolognese dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Bolognese dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Bolognese dog be a boat dog?

Not really

Bolognese dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Bolognese dog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Bolognese dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Bolognese dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Bolognese dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Bolognese dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Bolognese dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Bolognese dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Bolognese dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Bolognese dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Bolognese dog have? How many puppies can a Bolognese dog give birth to?
2-5 puppiesIf you want to contact a reputed breeder, here are our suggestions: Kobanyai Pelyhes Bolognese Kennel

Bolognese dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Bolognese dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Bolognese dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Bolognese dog breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Foundation Stock Service

Bolognese dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Bolognese dog dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Bolognese dog dogs are easy to train.
  • Hypoallergenic: Bolognese dog dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Bolognese dog breed.
  • Shedding Level: Bolognese dog dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Bolognese dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Bolognese dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Bolognese dog dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Adaptability: Bolognese dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Bolognese dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Bolognese dog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Bolognese dog dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Bolognese dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Bolognese dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Mouthiness: Bolognese dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Bolognese dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Bolognese dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Bolognese dog History

Around 2400 years ago little and precious white dogs, were introduced to Greece and many other Mediterranean countries by sailors from the Isle of Malta, as both  Plato and Socrates mention. They were little, with a black nose, eyes, eyelids, and lips, and had a white body. Those dogs were the forefathers of modern Bichon breeds, which include the Bolognese, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Maltese, and, of course, the Bichon Frise.

The Bichon and Coton de Tulear are the product of the French modifying this small white dog. The Havanese originates in Havana, Cuba, and the Italians, with their typical flair for beauty and fashion, “created” the breed of  Bolognese with its special non-curly, non-wavy, but not straight hair either.

During the Renaissance, the Italian nobility made the breed popular by presenting puppies as gifts to other noble families. They were regarded as the most regal of gifts given by one aristocrat to another. They were treated as a symbol of wealth and were often spoiled, powdered, and perfumed.

Between 1328 and 1708, the Gonzagas,  who were a noble dynasty ruling parts of Italy, at the time were known to have bred the Bolognese on their own estates.

The love for this breed  and their status as a symbol of wealth spread from Italy  into Russia,  all around Europe, and other countries as well, of course firstly into the royal families

Queen Maria Theresa of Austria adored her Bolognese puppy so much that she had its body preserved and mounted by a taxidermist. It is still on display at Vienna's National Museum of History. Phillip II and Catherine the Great of Russia were among their admirers too. Other famous Bolognese parents were Da Vinci and  Madame de Pompadour. They've also been featured in tapestries created by Flemish artisans since the 17th century. Titian, a Venetian painter, used his Bolognese to depict the Spanish Duke Federico. Goya, Gosse, and Watteau also depicted the Bolos.

In more recent times, Marilyn Monroe was given a small puppy that Frank Sinatra had purchased from an Italian breeder. Because this breed was unknown in the United States in the early 1950s, some assumed he was a Poodle. Because of Sinatra's well-known ties to the Mafia, Monroe named the small puppy Mafia, or Maf for short. Marilyn Monroe was with Maf on the night she was slain, and her agent's secretary adopted her.

As the aristocracy's popularity and authority started to decline, so did the representation of this breed. A small group of volunteers of the fans of the breed helped it survive near extinction. Over the last two decades, breeders in Italy, France, and Holland have worked tirelessly to preserve the breed. Anyhow even if not as much as around the nobilities of old times they are enjoying great popularity in the eye of the public until today.

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Bolognese dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Bologneseownerr

    Nov 15, 2020, 2:49:44 PM: