Discover Everything About Bolognese
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Bolognese overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Bolognese is a charming companion dog, but it carries an above-average number of hereditary conditions that require careful breeding selection. Before purchasing, you should pay particular attention to kneecap issues such as patellar luxation, as well as Curly Coat Dry Eye syndrome and the neurological condition syringomyelia. These risks in a puppy can only be effectively minimized through verified health tests of the parents.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
25–30 cm
Weight
3–4 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Long, fluffy, without an undercoat
- Origin: Italy
Typical coat colors
- Pure white
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Bolognese, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Bolognese right for you?
The Bolognese is a calm, extremely affectionate companion dog—bred to serve as a loyal shadow to the Italian nobility, with zero hunting instinct and a deeply rooted need to be wherever you are.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a gentle, easy-to-train dog that will readily forgive minor training mistakes, even if you are a beginner.
- You can seamlessly integrate him into your daily life and take him with you often—he was specifically selected to always be by his human's side.
- You live in a city apartment and want a companion who doesn't need a private garden to be perfectly content and relaxed.
- You clearly prefer evening cuddle time on the sofa over action at the dog training field.
Less ideal if:
- You expect your dog to be left alone for eight hours every day without issue—as a historical companion dog, he suffers immensely in isolation.
- You are looking for an athletic partner for long jogging sessions or demanding dog sports.
- You want an independent dog that does its own thing around the house instead of following you every step of the way.
The real vibes check
A Bolognese is like a fluffy, white shadow that reads your mood and silently lies down next to you. He doesn't demand peak athletic performance or complex tasks, just the absolute privilege of being the center of your world. If you love this constant closeness, you will have the most loyal friend in the world—if you need a lot of distance in your daily life, he will quietly wither away.
Breed Profile
The Bolognese, also known as the Bichon Bolognese, is a small dog with a distinctive, fluffy, long and pure white coat. His plush appearance and sweet, friendly facial expression give him an irresistible look that will melt any dog lover. This dog is a member of FCI Group 9, Section 1: Bichons and Related Breeds. The Bolognese is one of the oldest European dog breeds, but has no distinct lines between show and working lines.
| Height | 25 - 28 cm (Female), 27 - 30 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 3 - 4 kg (Female), 3 - 4 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Affectionate, Intelligent, Gentle |
| Coat | Long, fluffy, without an undercoat |
| Coat Color | Pure white |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The Bolognese breed has a long and impressive history, dating back to the Roman Empire. The Bolognese originally comes from the Italian city of Bologna, after which it was named. These dogs were already very popular with the Italian aristocracy in the Middle Ages and were often exchanged as luxurious gifts among the nobles. This breed is said to have captured the hearts of many historical figures, including Catherine the Great of Russia, Madame de Pompadour and even the philosopher Plato. The Bolognese was officially recognized as a breed in 1989.
The Bolognese was bred as a companion dog for the Italian upper class and is known for its white, fuzzy coat.
Italy
1200
Character & Temperament
The Bolognese is a lively and intelligent dog with a particularly affectionate and loving character. His personality makes him an excellent companion dog and a great family member. His need for human companionship and affection are so strong that he often follows his owner from room to room in order to always be close to him. Despite its small size, the Bolognese is alert and can be a good watchdog, warning its owner about strangers. He has a gentle temperament and generally gets along well with children and other pets. His active and playful nature means he needs enough exercise to stay happy and healthy. Despite his need for activity, he can also enjoy quiet moments and is quite willing to sit on your lap for a cuddle. The Bolognese does not have a strong hunting instinct, but often shows a certain interest in moving objects, which is a sign could indicate easy prey catching behavior. He is capable of staying alone but should not be isolated for long periods as he is very people-oriented and highly values his owner's company. Training this dog is relatively easy as it is very trainable and willing to please its owner. However, it's important that you be consistent, patient, and use positive reinforcement methods to get the most out of his training.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Bolognese was very popular with the European aristocracy during the Renaissance and is often depicted in paintings of that time?
What Awaits You
The Bolognese is a small companion dog breed that comes from Italy. He is a calm, loyal dog with long, fluffy, pure white fur. They are very playful, sociable and love people.
Housing & Care
Bologneses make excellent city dogs. They are small, quiet and adapt well to apartment life. They get along well with children and other pets as long as they treat them respectfully and gently. Bolognese are known for their sociability and affection, they love being part of the family and enjoy the company of people and other animals.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all. | Ideal city dog |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Bolognese are intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training. They are ideal for dog sports such as agility and obedience. It is important to provide them with mental stimulation and activity to prevent boredom and problem behavior. There is a risk that they will become “ball junkies”. if they spend too much time playing ball, so it's important to offer them a variety of activities and games. Because of their strong bond with their people, Bolognese dogs can sometimes develop separation anxiety. It is therefore important to teach them to be alone and learn frustration tolerance and impulse control.
Nutrition & Care
Bolognese require a balanced diet that contains high-quality protein, fat and complex carbohydrates. You benefit from smaller, regular meals to maintain a healthy weight. Some Bolognese are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their weight and food intake. Grooming a Bolognese is a little more labor-intensive than other breeds due to their long, fluffy coat. They have no undercoat, which means they don't shed as much as other breeds. Their fur needs to be brushed regularly to prevent matting. They cope well with the climate in Germany, but can benefit from a coat in the cold winter months.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Enjoys daily movement but isn't a sports dog. | Moderate |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Bolognese is a charming companion dog, but it carries an above-average number of hereditary conditions that require careful breeding selection. Before purchasing, you should pay particular attention to kneecap issues such as patellar luxation, as well as Curly Coat Dry Eye syndrome and the neurological condition syringomyelia. These risks in a puppy can only be effectively minimized through verified health tests of the parents.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure joint-friendly exercise, maintain his teeth regularly, and be responsive to potential food sensitivities to minimize vet visits.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees and eyes checked by a veterinarian and specifically focus on correct bites and allergy-free lines.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Bolognese
Nadine R., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2018)
Wir haben unsere Bologneser-Hündin nun schon seit einigen Jahren und ich bin immer wieder fasziniert, wie viel Energie in diesem kleinen Körper steckt. Entgegen dem Vorurteil, Schoßhunde seien träge, ist sie ein echtes Energiebündel. Sie liebt lange Spaziergänge und ausgiebiges Toben im Garten total. Sie ist unglaublich verspielt und fordert uns regelrecht mit kleinen Spielaufforderungen und lustigen Geräuschen heraus – ein echter kleiner Clown im Alltag.
Allerdings darf man die Erziehung nicht schleifen lassen. Obwohl sie sehr gelehrig ist, neigt sie dazu, sich zu einem kleinen Dickkopf zu entwickeln, wenn man nicht konsequent bleibt. Auch das Thema Bellen muss man von Anfang an im Griff haben. Sie schlägt zwar an, wenn Fremde kommen, aber mit einer liebevollen und konsequenten Führung ist sie absolut kein Kläffer geworden. Man muss die kleinen Hunde eben genauso ernsthaft erziehen wie die großen.
Thomas M., Halter aus Berlin (Rüde, seit 2021)
Mein Bologneser-Rüde ist mein absoluter Seelenhund. Er ist unglaublich anhänglich, sucht ständig meine Nähe und ist am liebsten überall mit dabei. Das Alleinebleiben war anfangs eine echte Herausforderung, da diese Rasse extrem menschenbezogen ist und die Isolation gar nicht mag. Mit viel Geduld und kleinschrittigem Training klappt es mittlerweile aber für ein paar Stunden ganz gut, solange er vorher ausgelastet wurde.
Was man vor dem Kauf unbedingt wissen sollte, ist der enorme Aufwand bei der Fellpflege. Das weiße, lockige Fell verfilzt extrem schnell, besonders in den ersten zwei Jahren während des Wechsels vom Welpen- zum Erwachsenenfell. Ohne regelmäßiges, gründliches Bürsten alle zwei Tage geht gar nichts. Wir lassen ihn im Sommer sogar etwas kürzen, damit er nicht so stark schwitzt und das Fell im Alltag pflegeleichter bleibt. Auch die rassetypischen rotbraunen Tränenflecken um die Augen erfordern tägliche Reinigung.
Sabine W., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2023)
Als Anfängerhund kann ich den Bologneser wirklich wärmstens empfehlen. Unser kleiner Wirbelwind ist extrem anpassungsfähig und versteht sich nach einer guten Sozialisierung im Welpenalter sowohl mit unseren Katzen als auch mit anderen Hunden hervorragend. Er hat ein sehr sanftmütiges, freundliches Wesen und zeigt praktisch keinen Jagdtrieb, was die Spaziergänge im Wald sehr entspannt macht.
Man muss allerdings aufpassen, dass man den Hund im Winter draußen warm hält, wenn man das Fell kürzt. Wir mussten die Erfahrung machen, dass er ohne schützenden Mantel bei Wind und Nässe schnell friert, da das geschorene Fell recht langsam nachwächst. Zudem sollte man bei Hundebegegnungen immer ein wachsames Auge haben, da die Kleinen aufgrund ihrer zierlichen Statur von größeren Hunden schnell mal bedrängt werden und man sie rechtzeitig schützen muss.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Bolognese
Is a Bolognese the right dog for me?
The Bolognese is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Bolognese live?
The average life expectancy of a Bolognese is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Bolognese need?
Bolognese grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Bolognese good for families with children?
The Bolognese can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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