There are a couple of ways people pronounce “bolognese” when referencing this small Italian breed. You can pronounce the Bolognese dog’s breed name like “bo-loan-yez” or “bo-lo-neez.”

Bolognese dogs, also known as the Bichon Bolognese, are from Bologna, Italy. This breed has a rich history dating back to the Italian Renaissance when the Italian nobility favored them; they were often gifted among aristocrats. Bolognese dogs were known for their charming and affectionate nature and were featured in the art and literature of the period.

These small, white, fluffy dogs were particularly popular in the courts of European royalty, including France and Spain. Their popularity spread due to their endearing personality and elegant appearance, making them a beloved companion for centuries.

Today, Bolognese dogs continue to be cherished for their playful, gentle, and snuggly demeanor.

There is just one type of Bolognese breed, although this breed is part of the Bichon family of dogs, which includes several related breeds such as the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese, and Coton de Tulear. While there are different breeds within the Bichon family, the Bolognese is a distinct and unique breed.

Bolognese dogs typically live 12 to 14 years. Several factors influence their longevity, including genetics, diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care. When compared to similar breeds within the Bichon family, such as the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese, and Coton de Tulear, the Bolognese has a comparable lifespan.

Yes, Bolognese dogs can bark a lot, particularly when alerting their pet parents to new sounds or strangers or when they are startled. While they aren’t excessively vocal, Bologneses will bark when alarmed or due to stress, especially when they are separated from their pet parents. They certainly aren’t yappy, but their alertness can lead to barking if they aren’t well-socialized and comfortable in a variety of environments. 

Consistently, thoroughly, and supportively socializing your Bolognese buddy as a puppy is essential to helping them feel safe and comfortable as they navigate our world. Providing regular enrichment, exercise, and companionship will also reduce any barking related to boredom or separation-related stress.

Yes, Bologneses are good family dogs. They are known for their affectionate, gentle, and friendly nature, which makes them well-suited for family life. They thrive on human companionship and form strong bonds with their family members. In fact, these pups often become especially attached to a single family member and can become that person’s fluffy little shadow. 

They are a soft, cuddly lap-dog, and thrive in low-key but social households where people are often home and can provide lots of attention and interaction. They also have moderate energy levels, so while they enjoy play and walks, they are also content to relax and cuddle, making them a good match for families with different activity levels.

Yes, Bologneses can be good with cats because of their gentle and docile nature. Bologneses who are socialized with kitties from an early age are even more likely to get along with their feline counterparts. 

If you’re adopting a Bolognese who is meeting your cat for the first time, you can help them become buddies by letting them get used to each other’s scent. You can swap their bedding or use a soft cloth to get their scent so they can recognize each other’s smell in a non-threatening way. Next, let them see each other from a distance using a baby gate or barrier so they can get acquainted without any direct contact. By using slow and scent-based intros, you can increase the likelihood of an easy-going friendship between your household pets. 

In a multi-pet household, it’s also best to have platforms where your cat can retreat to for their own space if the ground level becomes a bit too chaotic.

Yes, Bolognese dogs are quite smart. Their intelligence makes them quick learners and responsive to training, which is great news for anyone looking to teach these little dogs new tricks or cues. This breed was bred for centuries as companion pups, and they have a knack for picking up people’s body language and are eager to engage with their pet parents, which is a great recipe for fun and rewarding training sessions. Because of their knack for reading our signals and picking up on cues so quickly, they can particularly shine in small-breed agility and rally trials.

Yes, Bolognese dogs are good for first-time pet parents. Their friendly, gentle, and affectionate nature makes them a joy to have around, and their intelligence and eagerness to please make teaching cues relatively straightforward. Bolognese dogs are small and adaptable, so they can fit well into a variety of living situations.

However, it’s important to note that Bolognese dogs thrive in homes where people are around a lot. They are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. First-time pet parents should be prepared to provide plenty of companionship and interaction. This breed does best in a household where someone is usually home to keep them company, making them ideal for first-time pet parents who are retirees, stay-at-home caretakers, part-time workers, or those who work from home or can bring their pups to work.

No, Bolognese dogs are not high-maintenance in terms of their personality, adaptability, or energy levels. However, they do have higher grooming needs that pet parents should be prepared for when considering adopting this fluffy breed. Their long, cottony hair can easily become matted, so their coat needs brushing at least three or four times per week to keep it smooth and tangle-free. Trimming around the eyes and ears is necessary. The hair around their eyes can grow long and potentially cause irritation, so it should be trimmed regularly. Similarly, the hair in and around their ears should be kept clean and short to prevent infections.

Yes, Bologneses are easy to train because they are intelligent, responsive, and enjoy engaging with their pet parents. Bolognese dogs form strong bonds with their humans, so they’re naturally motivated to engage in training that strengthens these bonds, and positive reinforcement and relationship-based training techniques work particularly well with these amicable fluff balls. 

However, training any dog, "easy to train" or not, takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. Through using rewards like toys and treats and attending to your dog’s needs, emotions, and communication, you’ll find that the learning process can be super rewarding for both pups and people.

Yes, Bologneses are good with kids as long as they feel safe and are gently handled. Their affectionate, playful, and snuggly nature makes them wonderful companions for families with children. Because they’re a small, gentle, and lower-energy breed, they can be well-suited for young children who might accidentally be knocked over by a larger or more rambunctious pup.

However, it’s especially easy for young kids to accidentally hurt, scare, or corner small-breed dogs like the Bolognese, so make sure to teach your children how to interact gently with dogs, including recognizing basic signs of stress and not disturbing them while sleeping or eating. It’s also important for pet parents to teach their dogs how to gently interact with children.

Yes, Bologneses are a healthy and robust breed. They don’t suffer from many serious breed-related illnesses, but there are a few conditions this loveable breed may be affected by, including:

• Patellar luxation: This condition involves the kneecap slipping out of place, which can cause discomfort and difficulty in walking. It is a common issue in small dog breeds.

• Hip dysplasia: Although more common in larger breeds, Bolognese dogs can also suffer from hip dysplasia, a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. This can lead to arthritis and pain.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes: This is a condition that causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. A Bolognese suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes can become lame, limp when walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually leads to blindness. It is a hereditary condition that affects the retina.

• Cataracts: Bolognese dogs can develop cataracts, which cause cloudiness in the lens of the eye and can lead to vision impairment or blindness if not treated.

• Allergies: They can be prone to skin allergies, which might require special diets or medications to manage.

• Dental issues: Bolognese dogs are prone to dental problems such as periodontal disease. Regular dental care is essential to prevent these issues.

• Ear infections: Their floppy and fluffy ears can trap moisture and debris, making them susceptible to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent this.

Yes, Bolognese dogs are considered hypoallergenic in the sense that they are low-shedding and low-dander-producing. It’s important to note that no dog is truly hypoallergenic, but this breed is an excellent choice for those sensitive to dog allergens.

There are a few things you can do to decrease dog allergens around your home. First, regular grooming is key. Brush your Bolognese dog several times per week to keep their coat clean and free of loose hair and dander. Bathing about once a month with a gentle dog shampoo can also help minimize allergens. 

Consider using air purifiers in rooms where you and your dog spend the most time. Air purifiers can help remove pet dander from the air. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can also help trap dander and prevent it from circulating. Frequently washing your dog’s bedding and your own will further reduce the amount of allergens in your home.

No, Bolognese dogs don’t smell strongly and are often characterized as a low-odor breed because of their non-oily coat. 

Routine grooming is essential to keep your Bolognese smelling fresh. This includes brushing their coat to remove dirt and debris, bathing them every few weeks with a mild dog shampoo, and ensuring their ears are clean and dry to prevent infections. Dental hygiene is also important to keep their teeth and gums healthy and their breath fresh. 

If you notice a persistent smell, it could be a sign of an underlying issue such as skin infections, ear infections, or dental problems. In such cases, it’s a good idea to consult your vet to check for any health concerns and get appropriate treatment.