Bolognese Dog Characteristics

Characteristics of the Bolognese dog include: playful, easygoing, earnest, willing, intelligent and loyal. They are very calm and generally not very high energy. They can be somewhat reserved and shy, but warm to strangers quickly if they have been properly socialized. 

Bolognese dogs love people. They have been selected for centuries in the direction of love and companionship towards humans. Bolognese dogs suffer greatly if they are left alone for a long time. This breed is not suitable for individuals or families whose schedules demand that the Bolognese dog would be by itself for long periods of time, such as an “8 to 5” work schedule every day.

Bolognese dogs can be prone to small dog syndrome, which is a human induced behavior where the dog believes he is Pack Leader to humans. This can cause behavior problems, including separation anxiety and timidity. There are a number of good books available on the subject of understanding the dynamics of the Pack Order. “Leader of the Pack” by Nancy Baer and Steve Duno; and “Cesar’s Way” by Cesar Milan, both offer excellent insight on this subject.

The Bolognese dog gets along well with most other pets, and small children. Bolognese need to be protected, to some extent, from the outbursts of love and affection of younger children who do not understand that the small bones of the Bolognese dog cannot withstand the “bear hugs” of an enthusiastic child. Likewise, it is not recommended that Bolognese dogs be placed in a home where there are larger dogs unless there is constant supervision to insure the safety of the smaller dog.

Bolognese dogs make excellent companions for seniors, and are a calm traveling companion for retirees. Bolognese dogs enjoy apartment life, as long as some moderate exercise plan is provided.

Bolognese dogs are very vigilant, and are true watchdogs. They are not incessant barkers but, take notice of anything unusual and faithfully notify their owners.

The Bolognese dog coat is all white, soft and slightly “tufted” with a wonderful cotton texture. The coat is “non-shedding” so should not affect low to mild allergy suffers. Bolognese dog coats are unshaped and untrimmed except for around eyes and for sanitary reasons. Regular grooming is needed if the Bolognese dog is kept in its full coat; however many families have found that they are very satisfied with keeping their Bolo dog in a shorter coat of about one inch for convenient maintenance, leaving the untrimmed “mop head” around the face to exemplify the Bolognese dog personality.

The Bolognese dog is generally a very healthy breed. The ABC is cooperating with Bolognese dog breeders throughout the USA, and also abroad, to preserve the health of this breed for the future. We encourage those who are interested in a Bolognese puppy, to buy only from those breeders who are health testing. (More details can be found under our Buyer Guide tab.)

So, is owning an Italian Bolognese dog right for your family?

Owning a Bolognese puppy is a dedicated task, they are completely dependent upon you for their mental and physical wellbeing.

Ask yourself, are you the right person for a Bolognese dog?

Is your lifestyle the right one at this point? Have you the time and commitment to dedicate to this Bolognese dog? It takes both time and commitment to raise a dog correctly, as well as patience.

Can you afford to pay vet bills, feed good nutritious food, and give hours of love to a Bolognese dog who will adore you and depend on you completely?