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Bolognese

Dog breed

A small, stocky, and compact white toy breed with a long, fluffy, pure-white cotton-like coat, belonging to the Bichon family. Known for its calm, devoted temperament and affectionate nature as a companion dog.

More about the Bolognese

The Bolognese is an Italian breed of small dog of Bichon type. It falls in the toy dog group and is commonly kept as a companion dog. The name derives from that of the city of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna.

Read more on Wikipedia โ†—

Living with a Bolognese

A little white shadow with a heart full of devotion, the Bolognese would rather sit in your lap than do almost anything else.

Personality & fit

Calm, gentle, and deeply attached to their people, Bolognese dogs make wonderful companions for singles, couples, and families who want a dog that's happy to stick close by. They're intelligent and playful in short bursts, but they don't do well left alone for long stretches, this is a breed that bonds hard and wants to be included in daily life.

Exercise & energy

Low to moderate energy, a couple of short walks and some indoor playtime cover their needs. They're not big athletes, but a little daily activity keeps their mind and body happy.

Grooming & coat

That cotton-like white coat doesn't shed much, which is great news for tidiness, but it does mat easily and needs brushing several times a week to stay smooth. Regular trims, along with routine eye and ear checks, help keep them looking and feeling their best.

Training

Smart and eager to please, Bolognese dogs pick up training quickly when it's paired with gentle, reward-based methods. They're sensitive by nature, so harsh corrections backfire, patience and consistency work far better.

Health to watch

Generally a sturdy little breed, but it's worth watching for patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), allergies, and eye issues. Routine vet checkups and keeping them at a healthy weight go a long way toward a long, comfortable life.

Good to know

This is a velcro dog through and through, they thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often, so they're best suited to households with someone home most of the time.

General guidance to help you get to know the breed, not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your own pet.

๐Ÿ  Adoptable near you

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Personality

Calmdevotedintelligentplayfulgentleloyal

At a glance

Life span
12-14 yrs
Weight
5.5-9 lbs
Height
10-12 in
Group
Toy
Origin
Bologna, Italy

Breed traits from The Dog API ยท summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). General guidance only, every individual pet is unique.