Bolognese

The petite Bolognese dog, also known as a Bolognese Bichon, is a member of the toy breed group. They are defined by a small stature and a pure, white coat that is curly or wavy. Bolognese are peppy yet calm dogs who love being around their owners, the very definition of a lap dog.

Bolognese Breed Overview

Originally bred in Bologna, Italy as companion dogs for nobility, the Bolognese is a member of the Bichon family. Aristocrats such as Madame Pompadour and Catherine the Great loved Bolognese for their gentle way, small size, and snow-white coats. They might also be referred to as a Bichon Bolognese.  

Bolognese Dog Breed Facts

• Bolognese were popular with royalty throughout history, including Empress Maria Teresa of Austria, Madame Pompadour, and Louis XIV
• Has high maintenance grooming needs, like frequent brushing  
• A chatty and vocal dog that barks to alert
• Enjoys training, including potentially trick training  
• Does not require a lot of exercise
• Good for small spaces

How to Care for Your Bolognese Dog

Bolognese dogs require good, comprehensive care, including nutrition and feeding, grooming and hygiene, and living arrangements. Here’s what you need to know.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Bolognese

Bolognese dogs require good, balanced nutrition that can be found in formulas made specifically for small breed dogs, such as Purina Pro Plan Adult Toy Breed food and Purina Pro Plan Essentials (which is a wet dog food). Kibble size matters with such small dogs, which is something to keep in mind when choosing a food. Some small dogs find wet food easier to eat, and it can be less calorie-dense, something which may help in small-breed weight management.

How Much to Feed a Bolognese

Small dogs need weight management to prevent them from becoming overweight. This can be done through their food, as well as plenty of exercise. A Bolognese dog averages between 6 and 10 pounds. Check your dog’s food bag label for the amount of food to feed them based on weight, or consult your vet. Spread out food among two or more feedings, although smaller breeds are sometimes grazers and less inclined to do scheduled feedings. If you need help figuring out exactly how much to feed your Bolognese, try the Purina Feeding Calculator.

Treats & Supplements

Weight management is important to small breeds like the Bolognese, so use treats sparingly and preferably pair them with positive reinforcement training. Look for treats designed especially for toy dog breeds to help with weight management. The Bolognese is generally healthy, but you can ask your vet if they might benefit from supplements or specifically formulated diets for their joints, as they can have a condition in their leg joints known as luxating patellas.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

The Bolognese can live to be 12 to 14 years old with proper preventive care, including vaccines, parasite prevention, and more, which can be taken care of at regular vet visits. Good dental care is also a part of responsible dog ownership, as is talking to your vet about spaying or neutering your dog.

Bolognese Enrichment & Exercise Needs

One of the most delightful things about a Bolognese is their compactness. They can thrive in just about any living situation so long as they are given adequate mental stimulation and walks. They require less physical activity than other dog breeds, but they still enjoy tiring out their minds through puzzles, enrichment activities, games, and learning tricks. Training a Bolognese is important so that they are well-behaved dogs out in public; they respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. Plus, regular training sessions can tire their big brains.

Understanding Your Bolognese’s Behavior

The Bolognese was bred specifically as a companion dog, so they are used to being around people all the time. They don’t do well on their own for long periods of time and can suffer from separation anxiety. They might excessively bark without adequate socialization and training. With the right owner, though, they can be a generally quiet dog breed that spends all their time curled up in a soft bed or in a loved one’s lap.

What to Expect as Your Bolognese Ages

The Bolognese is a generally healthy dog that can live a long life, up to 14 years or more. However, they might have a few health issues as they get up in years, such as eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy or luxating patellas, a joint condition. They might be prone to arthritis as well. As your Bolognese ages, it’ll be important to switch over to a senior dog food to help give them the nutrients they need to keep them healthy and strong, such as higher amounts of protein to maintain lean muscle mass, vitamin A and linoleic acid to help keep coats shiny and healthy, and even vegetable oils for cognitive clarity. You can talk to your vet about when to make the switch based on their age.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The coat of a Bolognese is recognizable and beautiful – and needs a lot of attention. Regular grooming, usually by a professional, will benefit these dogs. Even though their coat is considered low-shedding, they need to be brushed frequently to prevent matting, and their eyes need to be wiped frequently, as they can get tear stains on their white faces.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

The Bolognese has small, folded ears, which can be breeding grounds for moisture and can turn into ear infections. Regularly clean your dog’s ears with wipes specifically made for this task. However, overcleaning can also cause irritation and lead to infection. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian on the best products to use and the frequency of cleaning. Regular nail trims are required as their nails grow quickly, and untrimmed nails can affect the way the dogs walk and or split, causing pain. Owners should also regularly brush their dog’s teeth. Bolognese might suffer from tartar buildup, so this is something you’ll want to address when grooming your dog.

Anal Gland Care

Small dogs often need anal gland expression because their glands might not naturally do it during bowel movements. If your dog is licking excessively, scooting, straining to go to the bathroom, or producing a bad odor smell, they might need professional anal gland expression help from a groomer or vet.

Living With a Bolognese

Living Space

The Bolognese is a pocket-sized dog that can live just about anywhere, from apartments to farms, so long as they have access to the outdoors and receive plenty of mental stimulation. They prefer low-key activities over intense ones, so think gentle leash walks and puzzles, not hikes.

Socialization

If your family has children who can respect the dog’s boundaries, the Bolognese might be a great option as they are generally gentle and easygoing dogs. They do best in quieter situations, but can get along in a larger family so long as their needs are met. They might not do well with other animals, especially larger, more intimidating or louder dogs, so it’s important to build up their confidence and socialize them properly by introducing them to new situations, people, and pets.

Climate Considerations

Mild temperatures, similar to those in the Mediterranean, are best for these Italian-bred dogs. They do fine in temperate climates and might need a sweater if there’s a chill in the air, despite having somewhat well-insulated bodies. Watch them carefully in warmer climates for signs of heat exhaustion and try to exercise them during the coolest parts of the day. However, the Bolognese is most at home indoors, which is the best place for these delicate dogs most of the time.

Potential Challenges

The biggest potential challenge for a Bolognese owner will be the time and/or monetary investment in their grooming, which needs to happen regularly to prevent matting. They can have separation anxiety and really do need to be with their owners most of the time, requiring owners who can make such a commitment. Given their small size, families with boisterous family members or large, noisy dogs might be intimidating for them. Training and socializing them well can make them a more confident dog, preventing excessive yapping and alleviating their need to be Velcroed to their owner.

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