Bolognese

Get to Know Bologneses

• Part of the Ancient Bichon Family: The Bolognese is one of the oldest members of the Bichon group, which includes breeds like the Bichon Frisé, Maltese, Havanese, and Coton de Tulear. They share a common ancestry of small, white companion dogs that date back to antiquity.
• Lapdogs of Royalty: The Bolognese was a favorite among European aristocracy and royalty during the Renaissance. Historical figures like Catherine the Great, Maria Theresa of Austria, and King Umberto of Italy treasured these little dogs for their charm, elegance, and companionship.
• Unique, Cotton-Like Coat: Unlike the silky coat of the Maltese or the curly coat of the Bichon Frisé, the Bolognese has a fluffy, cottony coat that doesn’t shed much. This makes them a popular choice for people with mild allergies—but it does require regular grooming to avoid matting.
• Incredibly Devoted: The Bolognese is known for forming very strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on companionship and don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods, making them best suited to homes where someone is around most of the time.
• Rare, Even in Their Native Country: Despite their noble past, the Bolognese remains a rare breed, even in Italy. Their numbers declined sharply after the fall of European aristocracies, and while they’ve made a comeback, they’re still considered a relatively uncommon and special companion breed today.

Breed History

The Bolognese is an ancient toy breed with roots that trace back to Italy as early as the 11th century, where it was developed as a companion dog for aristocrats and nobility. Named after the city of Bologna, this breed is part of the Bichon family of small white dogs and is closely related to breeds like the Maltese and Bichon Frisé. Highly prized for their charming appearance, affectionate nature, and dignified demeanor, Bolognese dogs were often gifted between European royal families—earning them a reputation as dogs of the elite. During the Renaissance, the Bolognese was especially popular among Italian and French nobility. Notable historical figures such as Catherine the Great of Russia, Maria Theresa of Austria, and Madame de Pompadour are known to have owned and adored Bolognese dogs. These little white companions often appear in artwork from the period, symbolizing refinement and social status. Despite their noble legacy, the breed’s popularity declined after the fall of European monarchies, and it became rare by the 20th century. Fortunately, dedicated breeders in Europe—particularly in Italy—worked to preserve the Bolognese, and the breed saw a resurgence in interest. Today, the Bolognese remains a relatively rare but beloved companion dog, known for its calm personality, intelligence, and close bond with its human family.

Personality and Behaviour

• Affectionate & People-Oriented: Bolognese are known for forming strong emotional bonds with its family. They are often happiest when they are close to their favorite person, following them from room to room and enjoying being involved in daily routines. This breed thrives on companionship and doesn’t enjoy being left alone for long periods, making them ideal for retirees, work-from-home owners, or families where someone is usually home.
• Alert, Curious, & Intelligent: These dogs often surprising their owners with how quickly they pick up on routines and respond to their environment. They’re not overly excitable, preferring a calm and predictable atmosphere, but they still enjoy gentle play and interaction. Their quiet, composed nature makes them well-suited to apartment living, as they are typically not prone to excessive barking—though they will let you know if something unusual is going on.
• Gentle, Loyal, & Well-Mannered: This is especially the case when they are properly socialized from a young age. They are typically friendly with visitors and other pets, though they may be reserved at first. Their sensitivity and desire to please make them very responsive to positive training methods, and they often excel in obedience and even therapy work. Overall, they make calm, loving, and devoted companions that bond closely with their humans.

Care

• Exercise: The Bolognese has relatively low exercise needs compared to many other breeds. They enjoy short daily walks and some indoor playtime to keep mentally and physically stimulated, but they don’t require intense or prolonged exercise sessions. Their moderate activity level makes them well-suited to apartment or city living, as long as they get regular opportunities to stretch their legs and engage with their family.
• Grooming: Grooming the Bolognese requires consistent care due to their soft, cotton-like coat. While they shed very little, their fur can easily mat if not brushed regularly—ideally several times a week. Regular baths, trimming around the eyes and paws, and occasional professional grooming help keep their coat healthy and looking its best. Additionally, routine care like ear cleaning, dental hygiene, and nail trimming is important to prevent common small-breed health issues.
• Training: The Bolognese is an intelligent and eager-to-please breed, which generally makes training straightforward when approached with patience and positive reinforcement. They can be a little sensitive, so harsh methods are not effective and may damage their trust. Early socialization and consistent, gentle training help ensure they grow into confident, well-mannered adults. Their strong bond with their owner means they often respond best to training sessions that include praise and affection.