Bolognese — breed guide
A northern Italian companion favoured by the Medici and the Gonzaga — calmer and far quieter than the Bichon it resembles.
At a glance
- Group
- toy
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 2–4 kg (4–9 lb)
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Long, fluffy, flocked pure-white coat; low shedding
Living with a Bolognese
- Low energy — happy with gentle daily exercise.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Barely sheds.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Feels the cold.
Temperament
Serene · Devoted · Reserved · Quiet
Health to watch
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Dental disease
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Bolognese good with kids?
Generally yes. Bologneses are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Bolognese good with cats?
Usually yes. Bologneses typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Bolognese need?
A gentle daily walk.
Can a Bolognese handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Bolognese's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.