Bolognese
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Find Bolognese BreedersGet 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.
Bolognese Summary
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GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own a Bolognese Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Bolognese is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Bolognese
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Bolognese puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Bolognese, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Bolognese is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
