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Bolognese: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Bolognese personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Bolognese, including these excerpts: "Some breeders believe that of all the breeds in the "bichon family" of dogs (the Bichon Frise, the Maltese, the Havanese, the Coton de Tulear, and the Bolognese), the Bolo is the best thinker and problem solver. Devoted and attentive, the Bolognese shadows his owner possessively and is such a skilled reader of body language and expression that he often appears telepathic. Indeed, this breed doesn't do well without companionship (either human or other pets) for long periods of time. Quick to learn and responsive to non-forceful training, some individuals excel in competitive obedience and agility." History Originating in the Mediterranean, the Bolognese became the household pet of wealthy families in Bologna, Italy. Size 9-12 inches and 8-14 lbs

Bolognese What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em If you want a dog who... Is small but sturdy Is polite with people and other animals Is healthy and long-lived Has a long coat that doesn't shed (often a good choice for allergy sufferers) Is uncommon A Bolognese may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Shyness or suspiciousness toward strangers when not socialized enough Frequent brushing and combing Housebreaking difficulties Barking Waiting lists (very hard to find) and a high price tag A Bolognese may not be right for you. If I were considering a Bolognese... My major concerns would be: Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Bolognese need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They become anxious, which they express by chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Bolognese need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution could become shyness or suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with. Bolognese puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Bolognese puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Bolognese adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result. Grooming. Without frequent brushing and combing, Bolognese become a matted mess. If you can't commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, and healthy. Housebreaking problems. The Bolognese belongs to the same "family" of dogs as the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese, and Coton de Tulear -- all of which are difficult to housebreak. Consistent crate training is mandatory. Sometimes a doggy door is necessary. Barking. Bolognese are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. To teach your Bolognese to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Bolognese Training Page discusses the program you need. Finding one and paying the price. In the United States, this breed is very uncommon. Expect a long waiting list and a price tag of $1000 and up. Not all Bolognese are alike! There are energetic Bolognese, and placid Bolognese. Hard-headed Bolognese, and sweet-natured Bolognese. Serious Bolognese, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Bolognese, and Bolognese who love everyone. If you acquire a Bolognese puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." If you're considering an adult Bolognese... There are plenty of adult Bolognese who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. If you would like to link to this review, here is the HTML code: <a href="http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bolognese.html">Bolognese: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em</a> Copyright © 2000-2008 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.