Bolognese

The Bolognese is a small white companion breed from northern Italy — a fluffy, single-coated relative of the Bichon, named for the city of Bologna.

History

It has been a companion of Italian nobility for centuries, appearing in Renaissance portraits and given as a prized gift between courts. It was always bred for company rather than any working task.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, devoted and rather reserved — quieter and more serious than the lively Bichon, bonding intensely with its people and disliking being left alone. It is intelligent and gentle.

Care and training

Exercise needs are modest, met with short walks and play, and it takes well to gentle, reward-based training. The fluffy single coat sheds little but mats easily, so it needs frequent brushing.

Health

The breed is generally healthy and long-lived; noted tendencies include patellar luxation and the dental and eye issues common to small breeds. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.