Bolognese

The Bolognese is a small Italian companion dog of the bichon family, associated with Bologna and the lapdogs kept in European courts. It is a sturdy toy breed rather than a fragile ornament, with a square body, dark round eyes, a black nose, and a pure white coat that falls in soft, open flocks instead of hanging silky and flat. Related in type to the Maltese, Havanese, and bichon frise, the Bolognese has long been bred mainly for close human companionship rather than hunting or farm work.

Daily life with a Bolognese centers on coat care and social closeness. The coat sheds little but mats if neglected, so regular combing and either a natural long coat or a practical pet trim are common. These dogs often suit apartments because of their size and moderate exercise needs, yet they still benefit from training, walks, and careful house manners. Teeth, eyes, and knees deserve attention in toy breeds, and puppies should come from breeders who value confident temperament over tiny size. A Bolognese left alone for long hours can become noisy or anxious, so placement works best where the dog is part of ordinary household routines.

Colors: Albino, Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Grey, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Leucistic, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Melanistic, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow