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Discover the enchanting Bolognese: a rare, devoted companion with a rich history as the ultimate gift of Italian nobility.
Terri McDonald
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Italian nobility made the Bolognese especially famous by giving puppies as gifts to other noble families during the Renaissance era. They were celebrated as the most royal of gifts that one aristocrat could give to another. These little white dogs were considered a symbol of wealth, and many well-born Italian women considered the Bolognese a mandatory “accessory” to be spoiled, powdered, and perfumed.
Bolognese love people. They have been selected for centuries based on love and companionship towards humans. Today, the Bolognese continues as a devoted and loving pet and companion.
The American Bolognese Club based its Breed Standard on the FCI Standard of the Bolognese from its country of origin, Italy.
General Appearance: The Bolognese, a member of the Bichon family, is an enchanting small, white companion dog with a compact and sturdy, square body. It is known for its long flocks of wavy, open ringlets all over the body, with the hair shorter on the face. Against the solid white coat is a dark, all-black nose and dark eyes with notable black eye rims. The Bolognese is a rather serious dog and generally not high energy, but the breed is intelligent and witty. They are known for their moments of playful expression displayed by the “Bolo Dance.” They are slightly more reserved and shyer than their cousin, the Bichon Frise.
Coat: The correct structure of the coat is essential. A natural, rustic appearance is key; over-grooming can destroy the breed’s charm. The coat should look natural and not overly styled, unlike the Maltese or Bichon Frisé. It is pure white or shades of white. The “crinkled” coat is long all over the body, from head to tail, from the topline to the feet. It is shorter on the muzzle. It forms long flocks that have the same texture all over the body; a rather off-standing coat, thus, not falling flat and tight, never showing fringes. The hair is longer and silkier on the tail and on the ears. The coat is arguably the most defining feature of the Bolognese.
Temperament: Happy yet calm and serene. Not very active. Extremely bonded to his master and his entourage.
Size & Weight: The ideal height for dogs is 9-1/2 to 11 inches, and 9 to 10-1/2 inches for bitches, and ideally, their weight is not to exceed 10 pounds.
Proportion: The Bolognese has a square build.
Head: When examining the head of the Bolognese, one of the first things to note is its balance and proportion. The eyes are set at a slight angle on the face, rather than directly in front. This placement contributes to the soft, intelligent expression of the Bolognese, as it creates a gentle and engaging look as opposed to the more direct, piercing gaze seen in some other breeds.
Eyes: Eye opening is round—the white of the eye is not visible. The correct eye color for the Bolognese is a dark ochre—this is a rich, deep brown, but not black. Strong pigmentation around the eyes is essential.
Ears: The ears are set high on the head, which enhances the breed’s alert and balanced look. They are long and hang down naturally, but the base of the ear is somewhat firm, giving it a slight lift. This positioning causes the ears to be carried slightly outward, rather than lying flat against the head. As a result, the ears contribute to the overall impression of the head being wider and broader than it actually is, adding to the breed’s distinctive expression.
Tail: Set in the line of the croup, carried curved over the back.
The Bolognese has been making the lives of people happier and more complete for over 2,000 years. This enchanting breed has timeless appeal. They may not roam the homes of kings anymore, but they do bless each castle they romp in!
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