Breed history
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, often called the Bolonka or Russian Bolonka, is a beloved breed with a rich history.
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka (meaning 'colored lapdog') is a Russian toy breed developed in Moscow and St. Petersburg beginning in the 1950s. After Stalin's death, when restrictions on toy dog breeding relaxed, Russian breeders created the Bolonka from a foundation that included Bichon Frisé-type dogs, Toy Poodles, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and small French breeds. The goal was to develop a colorful (non-white), small, hardy companion suited to apartment living in Russian cities. The breed is still relatively rare outside Russia and Eastern Europe.