July 2, 2025, 3:06 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
The Bolognese–a dog with an aristocratic past and charming present. Once valued by kings and emperors as a noble gift, this small white canine now delights families, singles, and seniors alike with its balanced nature, intelligence, and affection.
The Bolognese is one of the oldest European toy dog breeds and is much more than a decorative lapdog. As a member of the Bichon group, it has a history spanning thousands of years, from the noble courts of antiquity to modern city apartments. With its compact yet elegant stature, pure white, fluffy coat, and gentle nature, it meets many expectations of an ideal companion and family dog. The Bolognese is adaptable and easygoing: It doesn’t require long walks or athletic feats, but rather closeness, attention, and mental stimulation. Due to its strong bond with its people, the breed is particularly suited for households where the dog doesn’t have to be left alone regularly. Those who provide it with attention, care, and loving consistency will be rewarded with an extremely loyal and charming companion.
Origin
The origin of the Bolognese can be traced back to antiquity. Aristotle already mentioned small dogs under the term “canes melitenses,” which are considered ancestors of today’s Bichon breeds, including the Bolognese. Although the name refers to the northern Italian city of Bologna, the breed was already known in the ancient Mediterranean region. During the Renaissance, it gained particular popularity at European princely courts. The Bolognese was considered a valuable gift among monarchs–Philip II of Spain called it “the most royal gift one could give an emperor.” The Medici family, for example, gave entire litters to other noble families. Numerous depictions of these small dogs can be found in paintings by Titian, Goya, or Watteau.
Despite periods of rarity, the breed survived and was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1956. Today, the Bolognese belongs to FCI Group 9, Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds).
Appearance & Coat
The Bolognese is a very small, compactly built dog with a square body structure. Males reach a height at the withers of 27 to 30 centimeters, females about 25 to 28 centimeters. The weight ranges between 2.5 and 4 kilograms.
The round head shape, dark button eyes with black rims, and black nose stand in striking contrast to the white coat. The hanging ears are set high, and the tail is carried over the back.
Its external appearance is strongly characterized by the dense, fluffy, pure white coat that covers the entire body, including the legs and tail. Only on the bridge of the nose is it shorter. The long topcoat is soft and slightly curled, without forming fringes, and lies loosely on the body. There is hardly any undercoat. The breed sheds little, which makes it potentially interesting for allergy sufferers, but it requires intensive coat care to prevent matting and tear staining.
Character & Temperament
The Bolognese is a true companion dog with a balanced temperament. It is considered attentive, eager to learn, and friendly without being overly lively. People-oriented and affectionate, it constantly seeks the proximity of its caregivers. It usually gets along very well with children, provided there is respect and proper handling. Its intelligence and sensitivity allow for a deep bond, making it a loyal everyday companion. It is watchful but not aggressive toward strangers. Despite its small size, it possesses self-confidence while remaining charmingly reserved. Since it shows little hunting instinct, the Bolognese is well-suited for living with other pets, especially with early socialization.
Training
Training the Bolognese is generally straightforward. The breed is considered very teachable and eager to please its people. Consistency, patience, and loving guidance are crucial for training success. Due to its intelligence, the Bolognese is excellent for learning small tricks and can also be introduced to dog sports such as dog dancing or hoopers. It is important to start with clear but gentle training in puppyhood–especially to avoid spoiling the charming little dog. Even beginners can usually work well with a Bolognese, provided they are attuned to the needs of a sensitive companion dog.
Proper Care & Maintenance
The Bolognese is adaptable and can be well-kept in both city apartments and houses with gardens. However, it is important that it has close contact with its people and is not left alone regularly. Short walks and small play or training sessions are usually sufficient for its needs. Due to its sensitive nature, retreat options should be available.
The long, fluffy coat requires intensive care: Daily brushing, especially during shedding periods, is essential to prevent matting. The eye area must be cleaned regularly to avoid tear stains. Trimming the fur on the paws and pads also improves hygiene and traction. Early acclimation to these grooming routines significantly eases handling.
Nutrition
While the Bolognese is not picky about food, it does show a tendency to overeat. Therefore, a diet with high-quality, protein-rich products is recommended. Small portions spread throughout the day–adjusted to age, activity level, and weight–are ideal. Overweight should be avoided at all costs, as it increases the risk of joint diseases such as patellar luxation. In addition to balanced main food, healthy snacks like dried meat are beneficial, especially for dental care. Regular weighing helps detect weight changes early, even under the dense coat.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
The Bolognese is generally considered a robust and long-lived breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, breed-specific health issues such as patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) can occur–a common phenomenon in small dogs. When purchasing a puppy, one should ensure transparent health care of the parent animals.
Excessive fur in the facial area can irritate the eyes; tear ducts are often disturbed, leading to persistent tearing and unsightly stains. Reputable breeders emphasize healthy parent animals and avoid inbreeding. Purchases over the internet are strongly discouraged–they increase the risk of genetically predisposed animals from unreliable sources.
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The Bolognese at a Glance
- Character: friendly, sensitive, affectionate, playful, intelligent
- Size: Males 27–30 cm, Females 25–28 cm
- Weight: 2.5–4 kg
- Coat: pure white, long, fluffy, no undercoat, minimal shedding
- Grooming Needs: high (daily brushing, regular eye and coat care)
- Special Features: prone to patellar luxation, dislikes being alone, very people-oriented