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Bolognese vs Poodle

Discover the differences between Bolognese and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.

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Bolognese
Italy

Bolognese

Toy Group
Small

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.

Poodle
Germany/France

Poodle

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Small

Male:

2.5–4 kg

Coat:

Long, fluffy

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Female:

2.5–4 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–32 kg

Coat:

Curly, dense

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

18–27 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Bolognese

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and social with family and visitors

Intelligence
4/5

Learns quickly with consistent, gentle guidance

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and gentle activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to changes in environment

Poodle

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with family and guests

Intelligence
5/5

Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive playtime

Adaptability
5/5

Easily adjusts to new environments and routines

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Bolognese

Grooming:
High grooming needs (daily)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Patellar luxation, dental issues

Poodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (at least weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Bolognese

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Easygoing and eager to please, they adapt well to new owners and routines.

Apartment Living
5/5

Ideal companion

Small size and low exercise needs suit apartment settings perfectly.

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They prefer calm environments and may tire quickly during intense activities.

Kids
4/5

Gentle and patient

Usually tolerant but need supervision due to their small, delicate build.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Highly suitable

Generally sociable and can get along well with other pets when introduced properly.

Being Left Alone
1/5

Prone to anxiety

They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Poodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.

Apartment Living
4/5

Highly suitable

Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Bolognese

  • Affectionate with family members
  • Good with other small dogs
  • Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
  • Adaptable to apartment living
  • Eager to please and trainable

Poodle

  • Highly intelligent and easy to train
  • Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
  • Strong bond with family members
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Excellent performance in canine sports

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Bolognese

  • 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

Poodle

  • Requires regular professional grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
  • Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health issues

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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