Let's talk about a truly Italian four-legged friend, the Bolognese dog. We'll explore its long history from the very beginning, and take a closer look at its physical appearance and character based on the breed standard.
Origins and History of the Bolognese Dog
The Bolognese is a very ancient dog breed. As far back as around 500 BC, dogs similar to today's Bolognese — small white dogs, including the Maltese — were described by the philosopher Aristotle as melitensi. These dogs had spread throughout the Mediterranean basin thanks to the maritime trade of the Greeks and Phoenicians. Already in Roman times they were highly prized, especially by noblewomen, as evidenced by numerous depictions on vases and amphorae as well as many written accounts, most notably those of Pliny the Elder, Strabo and Cicero. The reason why this small white dog later came to be known as the Bolognese is not entirely clear, as the earliest distant references date back to the 11th century, and besides being very scarce, they are quite confused and contradictory. It is tempting to think, however, that the Bolognese dog bears its name because it was originally widespread in Bologna, or perhaps in Boulogne, a French city.
Very soon, though, it achieved great success at courts throughout Europe and was welcomed into some of the most important noble households; it appears that this Italian breed was the favourite of Catherine of Russia and the Marquise de Pompadour, the favourite of Louis XV, as well as Cosimo de' Medici, the Gonzaga family and Umberto di Savoia. After centuries of success, at the end of the Second World War the Bolognese suffered a dramatic decline and faced extinction, as it had become associated with the monarchy and was therefore viewed with suspicion. Only around the middle of the 20th century was the breed fortunately revived by Italian breeders, in particular by Casabella in 1950 and by Persichi in 1970.
Bolognese Dog Breed Standard
The Bolognese is a small dog with a particularly compact build that could ideally be drawn within a square. An adult male stands at a maximum height of 30 cm at the withers, with a weight that never exceeds 4 kg. The body is short and straight, extending to the small, round and muscular croup. The chest is deep and, in proportion to the body, broad. The neck is well proportioned and fits neatly into the chest, with good flexibility and a wide range of movement. The head is elongated and narrow between the ears; a well-defined stop separates the skull from the muzzle, which is long and slender but not pointed. The nose is large, with a brilliant black colour that stands out against the white coat.
The eyes are partially hidden by the abundant raised coat; they are dark in colour with a serious and attentive expression. The ears are set high on the head, are long and carried close to the head, also lost among the white mass of fur. The limbs are of a length proportionate to the dog's build, with a solid bone structure perfectly perpendicular to the ground. The tail is set at the same height as the topline and is carried softly curled over the back. The coat is undoubtedly one of this breed's most distinctive features: long and pure white, without any patches or shading, it is kept slightly raised. At the tips it forms ringlets, creating an effect very similar to wool, never fringed or spiked.
Caring for the Bolognese Dog: Nutrition
The Bolognese dog's health is good; the breed has no hereditary diseases in its genetics and does not suffer from any particular conditions. It should be kept warm, as it is very sensitive to low temperatures, and should be raised with due respect for its small size, which makes it easy prey for anyone. Its diet can be slightly more challenging, as this little dog has genuinely difficult tastes to satisfy. Its coat requires careful attention, and you will often need to rely on the help of a skilled groomer.
Bolognese Character and Training
The Bolognese dog is highly intelligent, but also has a slight tendency towards bad habits and neuroses if not properly trained. Socialisation with people and other animals from the very first months of life is essential, as is a warm and welcoming environment in which the dog feels safe, so that it does not develop phobias related to its small size. That said, the Bolognese dog is wonderful company for elderly people and families with children, provided that children can be taught to handle such a tiny animal with care. It is far less suited, however, to those who are often forced to leave it alone or to those looking for a dog to live outdoors in a garden. The Bolognese has remarkable hearing, which makes it a good watchdog, especially given that it never barks without good reason.
Bolognese Breeders and Price
Despite its Italian origins, the Bolognese dog is not very widespread in its home country, and, we are sorry to say, not elsewhere in the world either. Perhaps this is because a puppy as tiny as a little mouse can cost up to a thousand euros, or perhaps it has simply been overshadowed by other breeds.
We believe in this homegrown breed and are confident it will soon find its way back into Italian homes. For this reason, we highly recommend it, and we always advise making careful purchases — in person rather than online — and ensuring that the puppy comes with a pedigree and medical certificates.
