Portraits of popular breeds at home and abroad: The Bolognese

These brothers of the Bichon are great companions for everyone. They are easy to handle even by someone who has no experience with dogs. They have a great personality, they require almost no care, they are easy to train and have good health. All they need to be happy is companionship and a bit of exercise.

The Bolognese is the brother of the Bichon. For a long time these two breeds were mixed up until the Bolognese dogs assumed their definite appearance in Italy near Bologna. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale FCI recognized the breed in 1934. 

Their life's purpose has not changed over the years. They have always been pets and companions. They were particularly popular with the nobility and the upper class in the 11th and 12th century. In fact, throughout the Renaissance they were considered the most popular gift among the nobility. Even Maria Theresa, Madame de Pompadour and Empress Catherine II owned a Bolognese. 

However, their popularity did not last long. It slowly declined, and after World War II there was only one breeder remaining in Italy; the breed found itself on the verge of extinction. In the 1980s, when only seven Bolognese dogs were registered in the breed registry, the Bonanno couple decided to try to save the breed. However, most of the registered dogs had a serious defect, so they decided to include dogs without a pedigree that corresponded to the breed standard in the breeding process. 

These little, three to four kilo dogs came to us at the turn of the millennium, and today it is a common urban dog in the Czech Republic that is perfectly suited for apartments. It gained popularity thanks to its mild nature. It's a carefree, cheerful dog that loves its family boundlessly and is strongly attached to it. It shows no signs of aggressive behavior, which makes it a great companion and friend for children. Although they are very vital, they adapt well to a slow lifestyle. What they hate, however, is being alone. They easily learn new things thanks to their intelligence, but sometimes they can be stubborn. Positive motivation is best with these dogs, using force won't work. 

The Bolognese will easily adapt to anyone. All they need is long walks, so they'll even be happy with the elderly. But they are also full of energy, so even athletes will have fun with them.

Their stocky, compact body is covered with white hair without an undercoat that resembles hair. They therefore don't shed, which can be a great advantage. They need to get rid of dead hair with combing. Otherwise, they are usually healthy dogs that are not susceptible to diseases. They don't suffer from any of the common small breed diseases.

 

Related articles

Can FIP Be Already Cured?

FIP is a fatal viral disease of cats. However, American scientists developed a cure that gives some cats a chance to survive. It’s not easy but you can already get it in the Czech Republic.

Why Cats Sleep in Our Beds

If you have at least one cat companion living with you, you have definitely already woken up with a purring body on your legs, stomach, back or even on your head. Only a very few cats don’t want to get into our warm beds. Have you ever wondered why...

How Dogs Sniff Cancer

Did you know dogs can diagnose cancer at its earliest stage even before any devices can? It has a great potential as it could lead to new non-invasive and cheap methods to reveal the disease.

Cats and Reflexology

Do you know this natural therapy method which you can not only enjoy yourself but also order it for your cat? Do you wonder what it is and what it might be good for?

How a Dog Becomes a Therapist

Have you ever asked this question? Were you just curious or were you considering your dog companion could do it? In this article, you will learn basic information – what nature the dog needs to have, what it has to handle and how to start with Canis...