The Bolognese Bichon is a dog native to the Italian city of Bologna. There are different versions about who the ancestors of the breed are , some believe that they date back to Roman times and others say that it is a cross between the Maltese Bichon and the West Indian dog. This dog was much loved by the European courts between the 15th and 16th centuries, which is why it was considered a luxury dog. At the end of the 18th century, this dog lost its popularity and other breeds appeared, such as the poodle, that managed to get all the attention.

The Bolognese has been used as a companion animal, and is characterized mainly by its white fur and calm personality, even many monarchs offered it as a welcome gift.

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Characteristics of the Bolognese bichon

Height: varies between 25 and 30 cm.

Weight: the Bolognese bichon weighs between 4 and 5 kg.

Coat: loose curls, long and shorter on the muzzle.

Coat color: pure white, without spots or shades of white.

Head:  slightly ovoid, but flattened at the top.

Body:  small, compact and square in profile.

Ears:  long, set high, and set with some separation.

Nose: black and voluminous.

Eyes: large, bulging and black like the nose.

Muzzle: rectilinear and its length is equal to 2/5 of the length of the head.

Life expectancy: these dogs live an average of 12 years.

Health: the Bolognese does not usually have health problems, but it is necessary to take it frequently to the vet to rule out any type of common disease in dogs such as skin allergies or skin infections.

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Caring for a bichon Bolognese

• This dog’s coat should be brushed daily to prevent tangling, and dead hair removed.
• You must provide him with a healthy and balanced diet.
• Take your dog to the groomer once a month.
• Bathe him monthly.
• He does not need a lot of physical exercise like other dogs, but he will have to go for a walk once a day and receive a play space for his emotional and physical health.
• Take care of your nails, eyes, ears and teeth.
• Go to the vet frequently and keep all his vaccinations up to date.

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Behavior of the Bolognese

These dogs are very intelligent, loyal, affectionate, playful and pleasant, which is why they become extraordinary companion animals for any type of family that has time for them. His relationship with children is excellent and he loves being surrounded by his family.

The Bolognese loves to go for a run and play with other dogs. Inside the house he is usually not very active, but when he is outdoors he is very enthusiastic. He tends to get along with other pets and when he is first meeting a person, he can be somewhat shy.

He is not very good at sports, but he learns easily and must be trained from an early age to avoid behavioral problems as an adult. The Bolognese can live in rural or urban areas, as it is highly adaptable to various situations or spaces.

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Curiosities of the Bolognese Bichon

• The Bolognese Bichon was recognized in 1989 by the International Cynological Federation as number 196 in group IX Companion Dogs.
• King Felipe II received a Bolognese dog and wrote a letter of thanks in which he described the breed as: “They are the most majestic gift that can be given to an emperor.”
• This dog often appears on the lists of supposedly non-shedding dogs, but the truth is that the length of time of the growth and shedding cycle varies depending on age and other factors.
• Currently, the Bolognese is rare in America, but in some European countries it is very common .
• In addition to being a companion animal, it is used as a show dog.