Working with reputable Bolognese dog breeders is crucial to getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy.
A good breeder will have done their research on the breed's history and characteristics, such as the Bolognese's origins in Italy and their gentle, affectionate nature.
Reputable breeders will also have health clearances for their breeding dogs, ensuring that their puppies are less likely to inherit genetic health issues like hip dysplasia.
They will also prioritize socialization, exposing their puppies to various environments, people, and situations to help them develop into confident adult dogs.
Bolognese puppies from reputable breeders will have been raised in a clean and safe environment, with proper nutrition and care.
Take a look at this: Bolognese Dog Black and White
Bolognese Breed
The Bolognese breed has a rich history dating back to the Italian Renaissance, where they were kept as companions by the wealthy and gifted to nobility.
They were first mentioned in recorded history during this time and were even depicted in artwork and tapestry work. The breed was favored by royalty, with King Philip 11 of Spain receiving two Bolos and writing a thank you letter praising their regal nature.
The Bolognese is a small, stocky dog with a pure white, fluffy coat and a square muscular build. They have a distinctive appearance with a medium-length head, strong jaws, and big, round eyes that give them an air of curiosity.
Their ears are set high and pendulum-shaped, and their tail is carried curved over their back. The breed's compact size and long coat make them a charming companion, but they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Origin & History
The Bolognese breed has a rich history that spans centuries. They were named after Bologna, a city in Italy, where the breed was first established.
The Bolognese is part of the Bichon group of dogs, which includes breeds like the Maltese, Havanese, Bichon Frise, and the Coton de Tulear. This group of dogs is known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
Artistic depictions of the Bolognese can be found in many Renaissance paintings from the 16th century, indicating that they existed during that era. The breed was often depicted as a loving pet to royalty and dignitaries in artwork.
The Bolognese was a favorite among the wealthy and nobility, who kept them as companion dogs. They were even gifted to nobility, including King Philip II of Spain, who wrote a thank-you letter saying, "These two little dogs are the most royal gifts one can make to an emperor."
Despite their name, the Bolognese did not actually originate from the city of Bologna. Their exact origin is unclear, but they likely developed in central or northern Italy during the medieval period.
The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995.
General Appearance
The Bolognese breed is a small, stocky dog with a square muscular build. They have a pure white, fluffy coat that's quite impressive.
Their head is of medium length, which is just right for their compact body. Strong jaws and white, evenly aligned teeth are also characteristic of this breed.
The Bolognese has big and round eyes that give them an air of curiosity. The rims of the eyelids are black, adding to their overall charm.
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Their ears are set high and pendulum shaped, giving them a unique look. A full coat can sometimes almost hide their eyes from sight, but that's just part of their adorable charm.
The Bolognese breed is covered with a pure white, long fluffy coat that's quite a sight to behold. They must be square in appearance, which is just one of the breed standards.
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Characteristics
The Bolognese breed is known for its calm demeanor, making it a great companion for families.
They are docile, which means they are easy-going and gentle.
Their serious nature is a characteristic that's often noted by breeders and owners alike.
This calm and serious personality makes them a great fit for families with children.
However, it's worth noting that extreme shyness is a disqualification for the breed.
Breed Maintenance
The Bolognese breed requires daily brushing to prevent matting, and their eyes should be cleaned regularly with an eye cleaning product to avoid tear stains.
Tear stains can be caused by allergies, teething, or ear infections, so it's essential to monitor your dog's health and adjust their diet accordingly. Dog foods that contain soy, wheat, corn, and food coloring should be avoided, and hypoallergenic dry food is recommended.
A monthly professional grooming session is necessary, which includes bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. This breed is ideal for people with allergies since they don't shed much. They require daily walks, but they're happy to join you on the sofa afterwards.
Here's a list of breeds with similar maintenance requirements to the Bolognese:
- Rottle: 100% Similar
- Pinny-Poo: 100% Similar
- Silkchon: 100% Similar
- Whoodle: 100% Similar
- Silkshire Terrier: 100% Similar
Grooming
The Bolognese breed requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best. Brush their coat daily to avoid matting.
Their long, fluffy coat needs to be brushed daily, and it's best to use a pin brush and a metal comb to remove loose fur and prevent tangles.
Their eyes should be cleaned regularly with an eye cleaning product to prevent tear stains, which can be caused by allergies, teething, or ear infections.
Tear stains can sometimes be a problem, but there are products available that can help prevent them.
The Bolognese can get tear stains under their eyes, although there are products available through your veterinary caregiver which can help prevent the staining.
To keep their coat looking its best, they need to be bathed every month, using a gentle dog shampoo to avoid irritating their skin.
Regular nail trimming is also essential, as long nails can become uncomfortable for your dog.
You can use nail clippers or a grinder designed for dogs at home, or have a professional groomer do it for you.
Their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, using a damp cloth and gentle ear cleaner to prevent infection.
Never shove anything into your dog's ears, as this can cause damage to their internal ear structure.
Brushing their teeth regularly is also crucial, aiming for at least a few days a week to prevent dental issues.
Health
To breed healthy dogs, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues in your breed. DNA tests can help identify genetic problems early on.
Inbreeding coefficient calculators are a useful tool to assess the risk of inherited health issues in your breeding program.
If you're thinking of breeding your dog, using DNA tests and screening schemes can help you make informed decisions and breed the healthiest dogs possible.
Sources
- Bolognese | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- American Bolognese Club (americanbologneseclub.com)
- https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bolognese.html (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bolognese/ (akc.org)
- Bolognese - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- Bolognese | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Our Dogs | Bolognese Puppies and Dogs for Sale (ariabolognese.com)
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