General Information

Dog NameBolognese Terrier
Other NamesBotoli
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeCompanion Dog
GroupToy Dog
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginItaly

Physical And Size

Min Life Span12
Max Life Span14
Min Ideal Weight for male2.5
Max Ideal Weight for male4
Min Ideal Weight for female2.5
Max Ideal Weight for male4

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentEntertaining, Affectionate, Intelligent
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyHigh
Child FriendlyMedium
Cat FriendlyHigh
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginItaly
Nicknames and Other NamesBolognese Toy Dog, Bolo, Botoli, Bottolo,
Bologneser, Bichon Bolognese
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeCompanion Dog
GroupToy Dog Group
Bred ForLap Dog
SizeSmall Size
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, UKC, NZKC, KC
Life Span12-14 Years
Ideal Weight6-9 pounds (male and female)
Ideal HeightMale: 27-30 inches
Female: 25-28 inches
Fur TypeLong and fluffy
Common ColorsWhite
MarkingsNo
AvailabilityAvailable
AchievementsNone
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToBichon Frise

The Bolognese Terrier Dog is an energetic breed of dogs originated in northern Italy as true companion dogs because of their charming looks, size and the fact these little dogs don’t shed due to the structure of their flocked coats.

The Bologense Terrier breed loves to be at his family’s side. He also loves getting his way and can be quite crafty about it, so you need to be careful. He is an energetic dog and enjoys being taken out for interesting walks.

Origin and History of the Bolognese Terrier

The Bolognese Terrier is very much related to the Bichon Frise and originated from the Italian city of Bologna. It was bred in the Mediterranean by crossing large water dogs with small white dogs.

It gave birth to the Barbichon (later called Bichons) type of breed and the Bolognese Terrier is one of these. They were bred as lap dogs for rich ladies and were generally given as gifts by the rich.

Bolognese Terrier is an affectionate and loyal breed.
Image Source: Scalsys

The Bolognese Terrier eventually settled around the Italian city of Bologna, a wealthy trading post. Evidence of its evolution can be found in a painting by Titian from the seventeenth century.

The painting depicted Duke Frederico Gonzaga with a small white dog that is unmistakably a Bolognese Terrier. Despite this long and prosperous history, the breed remained relatively unknown outside of Italy.

The first Bolognese dog did not arrive in the United Kingdom until the 1990s. This breed should become more familiar to all of us over the coming years.

Are they Child-Friendly?

Yes, they are very good with children as long as the children are old enough and mature enough to handle these dogs gently, carefully, and safely. But don’t leave them unsupervised though.

Bolognese Terrier is a very child-friendly dog.
Image Source: Ferplast

Behavior, Temperament and Personality of the Bolognese Terrier

The Bolognese Terrier is generally a calm and serene dog that is intensely loyal to its owner. It forms strong bonds early in life, so ideally should be socialized before ten weeks of age.

https://www.instagram.com/p/uSerCENoJ2/
A Bolognese Terrier dog sleeping.

The Bolognese Terrier is a standard lapdog which loves being indulged with physical contact. He is very sociable with other dogs and smaller pets and is a great pet for older children too.

The Bolognese terrier is a little white fluffy dog who loves love and affection of his owner.

Trainability of Bolognese Terrier Breed

The Bolognese terrier dogs are easy to train but they become bored by various repetitive tasks very soon. They bloom on variety so it is best to change activities to keep them happily engaged and thinking.

A Bolognese Terrier breed dog before and after training.

They respond well to training if you treat them the right way and with positive reinforcement, gentle training methods, and consistency. They do not respond with all their devotion to shouting or harshness.

Facts about the Bolognese Terrier breed

Here are some facts about the Bolognese Terrier that you might want to know:

  • The Bolognese Terrier is a type of the Bichon belonging to the gun family.
  • They are less active than Bichon Frise.
  • They live an average life of 12-14 years.
  • They form a close bond with their owners and are very eager to please them.
  • They are an intelligent breed and hence easy to train.
  • They have a hyperactive nature.

Common Health Issues found in Bolognese Terrier Dog Breed

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesLegg-Perthes Disease, Hip Dysplasia,
Patellar Luxation, Chronic Eye Irritation,
Cataracts, Ear Infections,
HypoallergenicYes
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
Canine Parvovirus, Canine Coronavirus
SheddingNone to minimal
DroolingLow
GroomingAverage
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 18%-22%
Fat: 5%-8%
Fish Oil
Multivitamins
Probiotics

According to Easypetmd, the following are some of the health issues seen in the Bolognese Terrier breed:

  • Eye Injury
  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Fur Stains/ Tear Stains
  • Ear Infections
  • Patellar Luxation/ Luxating Patella
  • Cataracts
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
A Bolognese Terrier dog being examined by a vet.

Color Patterns

The Bolognese Terrier breed dogs are white in color. There are no any other colors that are found in.

Puppies

The Bolognese Terrier puppies are very fun loving and affectionate being. They are loyal and love pleasing their masters. However,it is better if you socialize as well as train him by the time he reaches 2 weeks old.

Size of the Bolognese Terrier puppies

The Bolognese breed dogs are generally very small in size. The puppies are even smaller as compared to the well grown adult. The size of a pup is about 10 to 15 inches.

Cute little white Bolognese Terrier puppies.
Image Source: Gumtree

Price of the Bolognese Terrier puppies

A Bolognese terrier puppy will cost you approximately $1200-1500 USD if the puppy is purebred.

Which Dogs are they similar to?

Here are some of the dog breeds that are similar to the Bolognese Terrier dog breed:

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