Bolonka

Also called Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, Bolonka Zwetna, Russian Colored Lapdog, Franzuskaya Bolonka (white variety)

Recognised breedShort profile

From Russia (Moscow and Saint Petersburg)1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male3.5 to 5 kg1

Weight, female2 to 4 kg1

Height, male22 to 27 cm1

Height, female18 to 24 cm1

Sizetoy

sweet and affectionate

intelligent and eager to please

friendly to everyone

2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, wavy to curly

A long coat falling in big waves or curls, low-shedding, with males often sporting a beard and moustache. The tail curls over so its tip touches the back.1

Coloursblackbrowngreyredwolf-greywhite (Franzuskaya)1

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, even-tempered lapdog that is bright, easy to get along with and loving toward everyone it meets. It likes to stay close to its favourite people and was bred to be a relaxed house companion.2 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A companion breed with moderate needs; gentle play and daily walks suit it, rough play does not.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush daily to keep the long curls from matting.1

Home where they are happiest

Originally bred for apartment living and happy in small homes.2

Company who they like around

Very people-focused; enjoys being with its family and may guard its favourite humans.1 2

The story where it all began

Small bichon-type dogs reached Russian nobles as gifts from France in the 18th century. In the Soviet era, when imports were limited, breeders developed a local coloured lapdog from bichon, poodle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese and Bolognese stock, and the name Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka has been used since 1966.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
'Tsvetnaya Bolonka' means 'coloured lapdog' in Russian.1
2
The white variety is called Franzuskaya, a nod to the breed's French roots.1
3
It is described as the rarest of the bichon-type breeds, yet is especially popular in Germany.1

Recognised by the official bits

AKC: Foundation Stock Service from 2015; reported fully recognised in 20261
Nordic Kennel Union: Accepted January 20131
VDH (Germany): White Franzuskaya accepted as a Bolognese variation1
FCI: Not recognised1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bolonka. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 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
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

Start a free diary

Bolognese

Bichon Frise

Havanese

Coton de Tulear

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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: Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, history, recognition, size, coat, colours
AKC: Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka akc.orgused for temperament, name meaning, apartment living

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.