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Honest FAQ for Bolognese

By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Bolognese

Larger and sturdier than his popular Maltese cousin, the Bolognese is easier to care for. However, his coat requires a huge commitment to either lots of brushing, or clipping every 4-6 weeks.


What kind of temperament and personality does the Bolognese have?

The most descriptive words that come to my mind regarding Bolognese temperament and behavior are:

lively, happy, inquisitive, playful, peaceful, snuggly, devoted, over-dependent, barky

I give you my honest opinions about Bolognese temperament and personality traits and characteristics – positives AND negatives – in my dog breed review, Bolognese Temperament and Personality Traits (What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em).

How do you pronounce Bolognese?

It's Italian: bolo-neese, named after the old city of Bologna in Italy.

What were Bolognese used for?

Originating in the Mediterranean, the Bolognese was the household pet of wealthy Italian families during the Renaissance.

What traits would help Bolognese accomplish their "work"? That's right... adorableness, liveliness, playfulness, attentiveness, and loyalty.

How big are Bolognese? Height and weight?

About 9-12 inches at the shoulder, and 8-14 pounds, which puts them in the SMALL category.

What colors do Bolognese come in?

Just white.

Does the Bolognese have a doggy odor?

No, Bolognese produce very little dander and have very little doggy odor.

How much exercise do Bolognese need?

Just a few walks, plus games of tug and fetch in the yard. Many Bolognese become obsessed with retrieving small balls and toys. Also teach tricks and set up a miniature obstacle course and run around it with your Bolognese, coaxing, encouraging, and rewarding.

Does the Bolognese need a fenced yard?

Yes. Why a fenced yard? and best and worst fences.

Are Bolognese easy to train?

Moderately easy. Bolognese have an independent streak and can be hyper-sensitive to correction, but they do want to please. Here's how to handle behavior problems. You need to be absolutely consistent and persistent, not giving in when they try to "charm" you with their comical antics. Corrections should always be gentle with this soft-tempered breed.

Is the Bolognese easy to housebreak?

Unfortunately... no. The Bolognese belongs to a group of similar dogs often referred to as the bichon  (lap dog) family. This family includes more popular breeds like the Bichon Frise and Maltese. None of the breeds in this family is easy to housebreak.

Now, very small breeds are usually harder to housebreak for two reasons: (1) their internal organs are miniaturized and slow to develop; and (2) owners let them loose in the house far too early, they start "going" behind the sofa, and the bad habit is established. Sadly, the vast majority of non-housebroken dogs are made that way by their owner.

But this particular family of dogs seems to be inherently harder to housebreak than most other small breeds.

Are Bolognese friendly with people?

Some Bolognese are outgoing with everyone. Others are more reserved, but still polite. And some Bolognese are timid.

Are Bolognese good with children?

I don't recommend a Bolognese for children younger than about age 10. This proud and sensitive little breed can be a bit high-strung and defensive around very young children.

Are Bolognese good with other dogs?

Bolognese are usually fine with other dogs in their own family. And many Bolognese are sociable even with dogs they don't know. Others may pitch a fit when they see a strange dog; stop this right away.

Are Bolognese good with cats?

Yes, the Bolognese is usually fine with cats.

How much does the Bolognese shed?

The Bolognese is considered a non-shedder or very light shedder.

Are Bolognese hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies?

If you're allergic to canine saliva, no... these dogs love to lick you! If you're allergic to dog dander , then yes, many people with dander allergies are okay with a Bolognese.

How much grooming do Bolognese need?

Lots. The dense coat is a soft mass of fluffy, frocky ringlets that should be brushed and combed every other day, taking care to tease out every mat and tangle. People who want to exhibit their Bolognese at dog shows must leave the coat long, which means lots of brushing... along with rather unsanitary "pottying."

The rest of us, thankfully, can reduce brushing (and dirty bottoms) down to almost nothing by simply clipping the coat short every 4-6 weeks. This is SO much more practical for owners and MUCH more comfortable for the dog who needn't suffer from uncomfortable mats and tangles any longer. Win-win!

What's a good training schedule for training Bolognese puppies?

Here's the puppy training schedule I use for Bolognese: Puppy Training Schedule.

What behavior problems do Bolognese tend to have?

Housebreaking issues and barking are the most common behavior problems in Bolognese. I also see excitability and jumping on people, both very easy to stop. Here's how to handle typical behavior problems.

More difficult to solve is separation anxiety. This can occur when you have (accidentally) encouraged your Bolognese to be overly dependent on you. Then when you leave him alone, the dog grows anxious and stressed, which he tries to relieve through barking and destructive chewing. If you need to be away from home much, I don't recommend a Bolognese or any of his cousin breeds, like the Havanese or Maltese.

What health problems might Bolognese have?

Bolognese can suffer from debilitating chronic allergies (to fleas or pollen) that cause the dog to bite and chew at himself, creating raw hot spots on his skin. Eye diseases, especially cataracts, can cause full or partial blindness. And loose "knee" joints (called luxating patella) can cause lameness and require expensive surgery.

What breeds are similar to the Bolognese?

The Bolognese belongs to a group of similar dogs often referred to as the bichon  (lap dog) family. Here are the other breeds in this family:

You might also consider a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle. Like all of the breeds above, Poodles are lively, playful, peaceful, and hypoallergenic, and in fact, are the safest breed for allergy sufferers. Poodles are also easier to train and housebreak than the breeds above.

Where can I buy a Bolognese puppy?

From a show breeder is best. Read my article.

Where can I adopt an older Bolognese?

Rescue group or humane society/shelter? Read my article.

I just got a new Bolognese. Which pages should I read first?

  • Bolognese Health, which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and daily health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your Bolognese puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Starting off right is essential.
  • Training Bolognese, which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your Bolognese puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know, and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on.

Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets?

Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Bolognese have pros and cons, and female Bolognese have pros and cons. Visit Male Dogs versus Female Dogs

There's an adorable Bolognese puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true?

No responsible Bolognese breeder would ever place one of their Bolognese puppies in a pet shop for resale. To find out more about pet shop puppies, visit Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store.

How do I pick the best Bolognese puppy from a litter?

You can do puppy personality tests. Visit How To Choose a Good Puppy.

What's the best dog food for Bolognese?

3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food.

I have to take my Bolognese to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need?

The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically – but unfortunately most vets are not telling you this, because a good chunk of their income depends on frequent vaccinations. Please don't get any more shots for your Bolognese until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations.

What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Bolognese, and when should it be done?

Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. Visit Spaying Your Female Dog or Neutering Your Male Dog for the straight scoop on the safest (and riskiest) times to spay or neuter.

I have a question about Bolognese that I don't see answered on your web site.

It's probably answered in one of my free online books.

Michele Welton with BuffyAbout the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

My best-selling books – now available  FREE  on my website


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book coverTeach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Click here to read for free.
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