At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, woolly, single coat
A long, fluffy coat of soft flocks or loose ringlets that stands away from the body rather than lying flat, with no undercoat and minimal shedding. It is shown untrimmed and natural.213
Personality what they are like
A peaceful, gentle little companion that is not overly busy but is devoted to its owner and household, enjoying quiet time close to its people.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Modest needs: up to about 30 minutes of exercise a day.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Daily brushing and combing to keep the coat free of mats; the coat is kept natural rather than clipped for show.3
Home where they are happiest
Suits flats and apartments as well as houses, in town or country; a small garden is enough.3
Company who they like around
Very attached to its family and happiest with company.2
The story where it all began
A member of the bichon family that shares distant roots with the Maltese, the Bolognese was a treasured gift among European nobles during the Renaissance. It reached the UK in 1990 and was first shown at Crufts in 2002.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Titian painted Duke Federico Gonzaga with a Bolognese-type dog, and Goya and Watteau also portrayed the breed.1
- 2
Catherine the Great, Madame de Pompadour and Empress Maria Theresa are said to have owned them.1
- 3
A 2024 UK study found a median lifespan of 14.9 years, among the longest of the breeds studied.1
- 4
Its coat forms loose flocks that stand off the body instead of falling flat.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 196, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs (Bichons); standard published 13 November 20152
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Recognised, Toy Group; first shown at Crufts 20023
- UKC
- Recognised1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bolognese. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- Face foldsWipe and dry the skin foldsevery 2 days
- Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Bolognese dog en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, art, famous owners, longevity study
- FCI Standard No. 196 Bolognese fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
- The Royal Kennel Club: Bolognese royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, living space, lifespan, recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.