Bolognese
Other names: Bichon Bolognese, Bolognese Toy Dog

The Bolognese Bichon is a small companion dog with a big personality. These dogs love lots of attention and cuddles and thrive off the company of their favourite humans and other dogs. They form really strong bonds with their owners and are a perfect choice for people looking for a smaller breed with less demanding exercise requirements. These cute toy dogs have a relatively long lifespan but retain much of their youthful vigour well into old age.
Key facts about the Bolognese
Origins and history
These dogs are members of the Bichon family, which includes the Bichon Frise, the Maltese, and the Havanese. Despite their similarities to some of their close cousins, the Bolognese Bichon is a breed in its own right. Given its name, its roots are likely to begin in Bologna, a city in northern Italy. They have a noble history, being the dog of choice for many 17th century aristocratic families. They also appear in paintings by several of the worlds greatest ever painters, including Titian and Goya. The breed was introduced to UK dog lovers in the 1990s and made its first Crufts appearance in 2002.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Bichons and related breeds
Physical characteristics of the Bolognese
Adult size
Female : Between 10 and 31 in
Male : Between 11 and 12 in
Weight
Female : Between 4 and 9 lb
Male : Between 4 and 9 lb
Coat colour
Pure brilliant white with no other colouring or markings.
Type of coat
Bolognese Bichons have long, curly coats.
Single layered coat with long curls and a woolly texture; requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Eye colour
Always dark brown or black.
Description
The Bolognese Bichon is a small, compact dog with a very distinct white coat. It has a square, stocky body with a deep chest and a slightly rounded head. Bolognese Bichons have dark noses, dark eyes, and a relatively long muzzle compared to its diminutive stature. It has high set ears and a long, curly tail.
Good to know
Although they're a fairly obedient bred, it's important that you know when you to say “no” to your Bichon. Giving in to their every whim and desire, especially during their formative years, will create a very stubborn and demanding little dog; such behaviours can be very hard to "untrain."
Bichons are social animals, but they can get quite nervous around new people. Whatever you do, don't force them into situations if they seem uncomfortable. Just let them do their own thing. They'll come and say hello when they're ready.