Bolognese: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The Bolognese belongs to a related family of dogs that include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese, and Coton de Tulear. All of these breeds have a similar appearance and temperament.

Of the group, some breeders believe that the Bolognese is the brightest thinker and problem solver.

He is also, by far, the hardest of those breeds to find.

Devoted and attentive, the Bolognese shadows his owner and is such a skilled reader of body language and expression that he often appears telepathic.

Indeed, this breed doesn't do well without a great deal of companionship. If you're home all day and looking for a lap buddy, consider this breed. Otherwise, the dog will be lonely and unhappy.

Quick to learn and responsive to gentle training, some Bolognese do well in competitive obedience and agility.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult dogs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. Unfortunately this is better advice for other breeds, since Bolognese are so rare that you're unlikely to find one for adoption.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. But you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Bolognese to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Bolognese

If I was considering a Bolognese, I would be most concerned about...

1. Potential 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.
2. 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 or clipping to keep the coat short and sanitary.
3. Housebreaking problems. This entire family of dogs (Bolognese, Havanese, Maltese, Bichon, and Coton) is slow to housebreak. Consistent crate training is mandatory. Sometimes a doggy door is necessary to give the dog immediate access to his potty area.
4. Potential 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.
5. 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.
6. Finding one and paying the price. Expect a very long waiting list and a price tag well over a thousand dollars.