The Bolognese is an AKC-recognized dog breed that is native to northern Italy. People opt for this dog when they want to have a friend and companion dog around. A common nickname of Bolognese is Bolos. It is the oldest dog breed with unique traits.
Bolos love to be surrounded by its human family and eager to please it. It won’t be wrong to compare this dog to a furball. It looks like a ten pounds furball. It is highly cute and adorable that you can’t resist caressing it. Having moderate energy levels, this dog can adapt well to living in an apartment.
Bolognese History
The Bolognese dog gets its name from its place of origin, Bologna, a city in Italy. Its recorded history tells that it is an ancient dog breed dating back its origin to the Italian Renaissance time since 1200. The nobles and Italian aristocracy use to keep this dog.
The famous writers and artists of the last times depicted this dog in tapestry, paintings, and written works, i.e., we can see this ancient dog mentioned in Aristotle’s writings. The group to which this dog belongs is the Bichon family group. The group further contains dogs like Bichon, Havanese, Frise, Maltese, and Lowchen, etc. It is an AKC-recognized dog breed.
Bolognese Characteristics
The Bolognese is a small toy breed with a square and muscular build. A dense white, fluffy coat covers the small but sturdy body of this dog. Bolognese, also known as Bichon Bolognese, seems so delicate, but it has a strong jaw with evenly aligned teeth. It is further characterized by deep round eyes, a cute black nose, curved tail, and pendant ears. Continue reading to know other characteristics.
How Big to Bolognese Get
Male Bolognese has an average height between 10 to 12.5 inches, while the female stands 9 to 12 inches at shoulders. The average noted weight of Bolognese males and females is approximately 8 to 14 pounds. We must mention that this height and weight estimate is for a fully grown-up Bolognese dog.
How Long Does Bolognese Live
This old and famous short-sized dog can live an average life span of a small dog breed. It lives up to 17 years ranging from 15 years minimum. If you keep your dog safe from certain health conditions (mentioned later in this article), then it will be able to complete its life span in a fit and healthy way.
How Much Does a Bolognese Cost
Bolognese dog has a noble background with AKC recognition. Moreover, its striking looks can make it a little expensive, ranging between $1200 and $2000. Make sure to always buy your dog from a reputable breeder with both parent breeds’ health clearances. To cut short to this amount, you can adopt Bolognese in lesser amounts from a shelter or rescue center.
Bolognese Temperament/Personality
The Bolognese is a happy and playful dog that makes the perfect lapdog. It is a friendly dog who loves to be with your side all the time. Bolos develop a closer bonding with the elders as compared to the children. Its dense and fluffy fur attracts the children towards this cute dog, and they perceive it as their stuffed toy.
Thus, they are likely to hurt this little soft dog by playing too rough, and as a result, the dog can bite them. So, it is best to supervise your children while they are playing with the Bolognese dog. The vocals of Bolo tend to be louder as compared to its appearance.
You can mend the undesired traits of your dog with proper training at an early age. Overall, it is a wonderful companion dog that can accommodate every weather situation except the harsh conditions. It always needs a company; otherwise, it will be suffering from separation anxiety.
Caring for Bolognese
Bolognese has a delicate and softer appearance giving an impression of a sensitive dog. However, it is not as delicate as it seems to be because it is a stocky dog with a muscular body. We have shared some important aspects that you must know for the care of your Bolo dog.
Bolognese Nutrition
Being a smaller pup, the Bolognese dogs don’t have high food needs. A dog’s food is based on its size, age, and activity level. The dog diet manufacturers introduced dog kibble in this regard. One cup of dry kibbles per day is sufficient to meet Bolo’s dietary requirements.
How to Groom a Bolognese
When it comes to the grooming of this adorable dog, get ready for a high maintenance level. It is a smaller pup with a dense, thick coat that is mostly white. Considering the color and fur of the coat, you must brush it twice or thrice a week for good maintenance. The bathing must not be frequent, or it would deprive the dog skin of necessary oils. Just clean it with a damp cloth when necessary.
Bolognese Activity Levels
Bolognese has moderate activity levels, and it can easily accommodate apartment life. You will find it mostly on the couch or in its dog’s chair. However, it is essential to take your dog outside for fresh air daily.
Caring for Bolognese
Caring for Bolognese is easy as it can accommodate in apartments and adapt to varying environmental conditions. However, it will need an outside tour daily to remain active. Also, keep your little pup safe from harsh environmental conditions.
Further aspects of your pup’s care include its health and grooming regimen that you must maintain.
Bolognese Health
Bolognese is a healthy dog breed, but it can be prone to some common health problems in canines. These are Hip, Luxating Patella (a common condition in smaller dogs), Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, and Periodontal Disease.
If you are ensuring your puppy’s regular checkups, it will never have these health problems. If it catches anyone of these issues, a regular checkup will make it treatable at the early stages.
Breeds Similar to Bolognese
Best Dog Food for Bolognese
The best dog food for Bolognese is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe. The savory taste of this dog food makes your Bolognese more excited for his mealtime. Since the makers have used high-quality nutrients and sourced all ingredients naturally, this meal is very healthy and nutritious.
- The recipe is digested conveniently.
- Features natural lamb meat as its first ingredient
- The recipe is fortified with vitamins and chelated minerals.
Best Puppy Food for Bolognese
The best puppy food for Bolognese is Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula. The recipe is apt for the growth and development of these dogs, as the recipe features all necessary nutrients in the right quantities. The presence of natural chicken as its first ingredient makes this meal has abundant protein levels that are ideal for healthier growth.
- The recipe lacks fillers.
- Provides 100% nutrition
- Contains DHA that helps develop brain
Best Dog Crate for Bolognese
The best dog crate for Bolognese is EliteField Soft-Sided Dog Crate. This dog crate is suitable for a small dog like Bolognese, as you can easily carry him on road trips using this crate. The structure of this crate is designed in such a way that it is well-ventilated, so your Bolognese will not feel suffocated or stuffy while he is in it.
- Features a durable steel tubing for the designing of the structure
- Features mesh windows for breathability
- Comes with a removable fleece pad
Best Dog Bed for Bolognese
The best dog bed for Bolognese is FurHaven Plush & Suede Sofa Dog Bed. This is an orthopedic bed, designed using a medical-grade orthopedic foam, so it would be ideal for providing orthopedic support to your Bolognese. The makers have enhanced your Bolognese’s comfort by using a faux fur fabric to design the surface of this bed.
- The foam features an egg-crate design that helps eliminate pressure points
- Comes in four sizes
- The cover of this bed is machine washable.
Best Dog Harness for Bolognese
The best dog harness for Bolognese is Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness. This harness promises stress-free walks with your Bolognese by having a durable design. The use of a high-quality polyester webbing coupled with a padded chest and back-piece makes this dog bed an ideal choice for your Bolognese.
- Features a dual-clip design
- Comes with a built-in handle
- The straps are adjustable so that the fitting can be managed easily.
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