dog-wood family

Bolognese (dog)

The Bolognese is a small breed of dog of the Bichon type.

Description

Appearance

The Bolognese is generally considered to be a companion dog. They are small, white, square, and compact with a distinctive single coat (i.e. no undercoat) which falls in loose open ringlets all over the body and have shorter hair on the face. The hair's texture is woolly, as opposed to silky and is never trimmed or clipped. The hair is sheds very little, but requires regular combing to prevent matting. The eyes are large and dark, as is the nose. These dogs are very intelligent and love the companionship of people but are often quite reserved with strangers, and whilst not yappy have acute hearing and will generally bark at strange noises. They are considered to be hypoallergenic. This breed has little to no shedding " (see Moult).

Size

The Bolognese's height varies between 25 to 30 cm/10 to 12 in at the withers. Weight varies between 4 and 5 kg/9 to 11 lbs. Some become bigger than that though.

Temperament

Generally somewhat less active than the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese is nevertheless a playful and friendly breed, which will form a close bond with its owner. It is also intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, making it an ideal companion dog and family pet, although it may initially be somewhat reserved with strangers. They are good with children. Its life expectancy is 12-14 years.

History

A member of the bichon group of dogs, the Bolognese is thought to have descended from bichon-type dogs in southern Italy, around the 11th or 12th century. Like the Bichon Frisé, it became popular as a companion dog amongst the royal courts and nobility of Spain, and other parts of Europe from the 1500s to the early 19th century, and Bichons featured in several paintings by artists such as Titian and Goya. The Bolognese was recognized in 1989 by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as breed number 196 in Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs Section 1.1 Bichons from Italy.