Bolognese
A charming, affectionate, and playful companion with a cloud-like white coat. Thrives in close-knit homes, forming strong bonds and delighting families with gentle loyalty.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
27–30 cm (male)
25–28 cm (female)
WEIGHT
2.5–4 kg (male)
2.5–4 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Bolognese: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Bolognese isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Bolognese's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Bolognese is affectionate, gentle, and forms strong bonds with family members, often displaying a calm and devoted temperament. They are typically reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate and social with family and visitors
Learns quickly with consistent, gentle guidance
Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular walks
Enjoys interactive games and gentle activities
Adjusts well to changes in environment
Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Good with other small dogs
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Eager to please and trainable
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Requires daily coat grooming to prevent mats
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Sensitive to sudden changes in environment
- May develop small dog syndrome without guidance
Protect your Bolognese
Bolognese can develop patellar luxation and dental issues. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Bologneses are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
The Bolognese is intelligent and eager to please, making them receptive to positive reinforcement training. They learn basic commands quickly but may require patience with repetition and consistency.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
The Bolognese has moderate energy levels and needs daily walks combined with interactive play to stay fit. Mental stimulation is important, but their exercise needs are generally manageable for most households.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Bologneses are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Bolognese would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easygoing and eager to please, they adapt well to new owners and routines.
Apartment Living
Small size and low exercise needs suit apartment settings perfectly.
Active Lifestyle
They prefer calm environments and may tire quickly during intense activities.
Kids
Usually tolerant but need supervision due to their small, delicate build.
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable and can get along well with other pets when introduced properly.
Being Left Alone
They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Bologneses compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bolognese
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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