BOLOGNESE

Apartment Living

Good for 1st Time Owners

Tolerance Levels

Affection for Family

Kid Friendliness

Stranger Friendliness

Ease of Grooming

General Health

Trainability

Prey Drive

Exercise Needs

Energy Level

History

Bolognese developed centuries ago in Bologna, Italy and was valued in the early Eleventh and Twelfth centuries due to their charm and beauty. It also became favorite of King’s court during the Renaissance. With passing time nobility perished and Bolognese were almost extinct. One breeder in Italy Gian Franco Gianneli loved the breed and restored it to today’s praise and honor. In 1990 it was brought to England by Liz Stannard, and in the same year, it was shown in imported Register classes.

Temperament & Personality

It is a happy, friendly and playful dog that likes owner’s companionship. These pets are calm, simple and easy going making them ideal for older adults. They go well with children, but require supervision while interacting. They are too small, and children can hit them and provoke them to bite. Moreover, with proper socialization, they will happily meet other dogs and new people. Being a small breed, it does not have “yappy bark,” though they have a sharp voice but are not big barkers. It is advisable to give them obedience training as early training makes them adjust with the family easily.Bolognese dogs comes under teddy bear breed.

Exercise

Adult teddy bear dog makes ideal apartment pets because they require moderate exercising schedule. Bolognese like walks but are not highly energetic. Hence short steps will keep them happy and mentally stimulated. Exercise options include playing time in a park or yard. Games, like chasing a ball and teaching them latest tricks, are ideal for these low energy pets.

Grooming

They shed minimum and require brushing every day to keep the coat clean and eradicate loose hair, dirt and distribute skin oils correctly. It also avoids matting. Bath them when they are smelly or extremely filthy. It is crucial to check their ears weekly to assure that it does not have any redness or infections. Also, clean their ears with an ear cleanser and a cotton ball.

Nails will require regular checking and clipping when they overgrow. Brushing their teeth every day will prevent tartar collection, tooth decay and keep up with the oral health. Its eyes require regular cleaning with a veterinary prescribed eye cleaning product as it gets tear stains that can cause allergies and infections.

Health Problems

Bolognese is a healthy breed but can suffer from few health problems.

Major Problems:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Legg Calve Perthes Disease

Minor Problems:

Allergies
Otitis Externa

Occasional Tests:

Hip
Dental Examination
Eye Examination
X-Rays

Occasional Diagnosis:

Periodontal Disease

Training

Small breeds are prone to “small dog syndrome” and require proper practice and should not be left alone for a longer duration. Owners can take them to public places or when friends or relatives come home, ask them to behave lovingly and hand over gifts to the dog. It will make them happy and surrounded. Behavioral training will make them learn obedience and socialization. It will also let them learn basic etiquettes which a pet dog must have.

Feeding

Bolognese does well on high-quality food, whether it is a commercial food or homemade food. Some are prone to get overweight. Therefore, owners need to check their calorie consumption and their weight regularly. Treats can be given during training, but too much can make them obese. Get in touch with a veterinarian if it gains or loses excess weight.