Hunderassen Bolonka: Understanding the Breed's History and Needs

The Hunderassen Bolonka is a unique and fascinating breed that has gained popularity in recent years. They originated in Russia in the 1990s as a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Poodle.

Their small size, weighing between 7-10 pounds, makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Their intelligence and playful nature make them highly trainable, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistent and positive reinforcement training is key to developing good behavior.

Their short, curly coats require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, and they need to be bathed every 2-3 weeks to keep them clean and healthy.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century when Louis XIV of France presented them as gifts to the Russian nobility.

The breed's ancestors migrated to Russia with Napoleon's army and were known as the French Bolonka. They were developed by localized breeding through dog lovers in Moscow and Leningrad, who looked to smaller breeds like the Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and French Bolognese to create a toy-sized lap dog suitable for apartment living.

You might enjoy: Bolonka Zwetna

The breed has several nicknames, including Bolonka Zwetna or Deutscher Bolonka in Germany, Barevny Bolonsky Psik in the Czech Republic, and Bolognese in some countries. However, the Nordic Kennel Union officially recognizes the Russkaya Tsvetnaya and not the Zwetna.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, and its name was officially recognized in 1966. Today, the breed has a loyal fan base in Germany and is recognized by the VDH, but not yet by the FCI as an independent breed.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka's name translates to "Russian Colored Lapdog". This breed has a rich history, with various nicknames across different countries.

In Germany, the dogs have been known as Bolonka Zwetna or Deutscher Bolonka since the 1980s. The Tsvetnaya and the Zwetna share the same bloodlines.

The Nordic Kennel Union officially recognizes the Russkaya Tsvetnaya, but not the Zwetna. This distinction is important for breed enthusiasts and owners.

In the Czech Republic, the breed is called the Barevny Bolonsky Psik (Bolognais color). Some people mistakenly refer to them as Bolognese.

The common name of the breed in all countries is Bolonka (plural: Bolonki).

Discover more: Franzuska Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. Louis XIV of France presented Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki as gifts to the Russian nobility, and their ancestors migrated to Russia with Napoleon's army.

These small dogs were considered superfluous and unnecessary in Russia, especially during the Soviet Regime, when dogs were not imported to the country. As a result, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka was developed by localized breeding through dog lovers in Moscow and Leningrad, who looked to the ancestors of smaller breeds such as the Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese and French Bolognese.

The breed's ancestors were the white Bolonka Franzuskas, which were popular lap dogs for noble ladies in both France and Russia. These dogs were brought to Tsarist Russia through the connection between the French and Russian aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Bolonka Zwetna was developed in the 1950s as a national toy breed in Russia, with the goal of creating a small, colorful dog. The breed was developed by crossing the Bolonka Franzuska with other breeds, including the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso.

Worth a look: Bolonka

Here are some key dates in the history of the Bolonka Zwetna:

The Bolonka Zwetna has a loyal fan base in Germany and is recognized by the VDH, but it is not yet recognized by the FCI as an independent breed.

The Bolonka is a small dog breed that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, red, and wolf-gray. They have a long, silky coat that's perfect for those who want a low-maintenance grooming routine.

Their height ranges from 20 to 26 centimeters at the withers, with a weight of 3 to 4 kilograms. This makes them a great companion for city dwellers or those who live in small spaces.

One of the standout features of the Bolonka is their lack of shedding. This means you won't have to worry about hair all over your clothes and furniture. However, they do require regular brushing to prevent matting.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Bolonka:

Their compact, moderately broad body is well-suited for their size, and they have a straight upper profile with well-muscled back, shoulders, and upper thighs. Their eyes are round and medium-sized, with dark colors that are lighter in brown dogs.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is an even-tempered breed, very intelligent and friendly to all.

This breed was specifically developed as a companion dog and is prized for its sociable, easy-going and affectionate temperament.

It usually perceives all unfamiliar people as potential playmates, but with timely socialization, it can grow into a well-adjusted companion.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka has a strong tendency to defend its territory and its favorite humans, making it a fairly good watchdog.

However, it will not be able to apply necessary aggression when the situation calls for it, and should not be tasked with the responsibilities of a guardian.

The Bolonka Zwetna is a treuer Familienhund, meaning it's a loyal family dog.

It's very anhänglich, always seeking the company of humans and greeting them with friendliness.

The breed is also very treu, loyal and adaptable, but it doesn't do well with being alone.

It's essential for the Bolonka Zwetna to have plenty of family interaction, as it can become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long.

Despite its small size, the Bolonka Zwetna has a high energy level, requiring plenty of exercise and playtime.

Bolonkas are very outgoing and always happy to be around their owner.

They like to cuddle with their owner a lot, but it's difficult for them to be alone.

They make excellent family dogs, but they need sufficient exercise and activity to prevent barking.

The Bolonka Zwetna is one of the small dog breeds, with a height of up to 26 cm and a weight of 3-4 kg.

It has a long coat with large waves or curls, coming in all colors except white and pied.

The breed sheds little or not at all, making it a suitable companion for some allergy sufferers.

Recognition of the Bolonka breed has been a bit of a challenge. The German national kennel club, VDH, recognizes the Bolonka Franzuska as a variation of the Bolognese.

The lack of a national kennel club in Russia after the fall of Communism has hindered the recognition of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the international organization that governs dog breeds, will not recognize the Russian dogs due to the irregularities in record keeping in present-day Russia.

The Nordic Kennel Union officially accepted the Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka in January 2013, allowing it to participate in dog shows in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

The American Kennel Club added the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka to its Foundation Stock Service Program in 2015 and assigned it to the Toy Group.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki are considered the rarest of the Bichon type, which is a testament to their unique status as a breed.

The Bolonka's health is a top priority for any responsible owner. This breed is generally robust and free of rassetypische Krankheiten. However, it's essential to be aware of potential hereditary diseases.

Regular grooming is crucial to prevent matting and keep the coat clean. Brush your Bolonka every two to three days, and trim the hair around the eyes to keep them free. Check the skin for injuries and parasites during regular grooming.

The Bolonka's ears are prone to dirt accumulation due to their hairy interior. Use special ear cleaners for dogs to prevent infections. Dental care is also vital, and you can support it with chew toys and sticks. Brush your Bolonka's teeth every few days with toothpaste for dogs.

Some Bolonkas may be prone to Hüftgelenksdysplasie, a condition that can lead to lameness. Early symptoms include a watschelnder Gang, and there are various therapies available to alleviate the pain. Additionally, the Patella Luxation is sometimes observed in this breed.

Here's a summary of the Bolonka's health:

The Bolonka's lifespan is approximately 15 years, and they are prone to typical dog diseases. Regular vaccinations and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent these issues.

The Bolonka's grooming needs are relatively easy to manage. Brush their beautiful coat every two to three days to prevent matting.

Their hair can also be trimmed at the groomer to keep their eyes free. Regular grooming is best started as puppies.

Bolonkas only need to be bathed if they are very dirty. Minor soiling can be easily removed with a damp cloth and a brush.

During regular grooming, check their skin for injuries and parasites. This helps detect any issues as early as possible.

Their ears, eyes, mouth, and paws should always be checked during grooming. Their ears are hairy on the inside, so dirt can quickly accumulate there.

Special ear cleaners for dogs can be used to counteract this issue. Chew toys and chew sticks can support dental care, but brushing their teeth every few days is also advisable.

Use toothpaste for dogs and various toothbrushes or finger cots to brush their teeth. Many dogs don't like having their teeth brushed, so start early.

The Tsvetnaya Bolonka has a long, curly, and thick coat with a generous undercoat. Regular brushing and combing of its silky coat will be sufficient for maintenance.

Daily grooming is necessary for the Bolonka Zwetna, including brushing and combing their fur.

The Bolonka Zwetna requires regular social interaction, including cuddles and playtime. They also need regular brushing with a brush.

Here's a list of other dog breeds that may require regular grooming, similar to the Bolonka Zwetna: