Meet the Bolognese Dog
Apartment Friendly
Couch Cuddler
Best Fur Friend
Apartment Friendly
Couch Cuddler
Best Fur Friend
Are you looking for a loveable lap dog who will follow you everywhere ? Well, then I’m the pup for you! There’s nothing I love more than spending quality time with my humans. Whether we’re snuggling on the couch or taking leisurely strolls through the neighborhood, I’ll be right by your side, keeping you entertained with my funny and endearing pawsonality!
In fact, I love chilling with my people so much that I tend to get anxious when left alone for too long. While my separation anxiety means I might not be a great fit for humans who work all day, I’m perfect for apartment-dwellers because of my small size. I don’t need much exercise and am a bit of a couch pawtato - hehe! Just know that I can be a little high maintenance: my long, unruly locks require frequent trips to the groomer! At the end of day, if you’re looking for a little, puffy goofball who’s always ready to be the center of attention, you won’t find a better match than me!
Ready to learn more about me? Let’s dig in.
Playful
Friendly
Loyal
About Me
Personality
Group
Toy
Origin
Italy
Life Span
12-14 years
AKC Breed Popularity
Length Range
10-12 Inches
Weight Range
5.5-9 Lbs
White
My Many Looks
Pet Friendly
Affection Level
Kid-Friendly
Grooming Effort
Training Ability
Intelligence
Health Issues
Barking
Exercise Needs
Shedding
My Breed Characteristics
Have you heard about my furbulous time in the Hollywood limelight? Many people believe that Marilyn Monroe's dog, Maf, was a Bolognese - although she thought he was a poodle.(A little puposterous, if you ask me!) The legend goes that Frank Sinatra gave Maf to Monroe as a gift in 1961 - and Maf was with Monroe when she tragically died the following year. After her death, Maf went to live with Sinatra's secretary.
Furbulous Fact
Puppy
Introduce me to plenty of humans and four-legged friends as a puppy so I get used to strangers! Just make sure I get my shots first.
4-16 Months
Adult
As I grow into adulthood, don't be afraid to show me who's boss! I can become a little stubborn if you let me get my way too often.
6-12 Months
Senior
Like other tiny dogs, I often get knee and dental problems. Keep up with my vet visits so I stay healthy and happy in my old age!
10-14 Years
As I Grow Up
History of My Breed
About Me
Pawesome Pups to Parent
1
Look out for any joint abnormalities in your Bolognese.
Like most small dogs, Bolognese can be prone to luxating patellas which is when the kneecap slides in and out of a groove in the joint. They can also be prone to Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, which can cause a lack of blood flow to the femoral head. If you ever notice anything unusual about the way your Bolognese walks, make sure to consult your veterinarian.
2
Keep up with your Bolognese’s teeth by brushing.
Small breeds like the Bolognese can be more prone to dental disease than others. Start brushing your Bolognese’s teeth early to stay ahead of dental disease.
3
Keep up with grooming around your Bolognese’s face.
Bolognese shed very little and don’t require much grooming, but owners will need to make sure that the hair around their eyes is regularly trimmed. If left ungroomed, hairs could irritate your Bolognese’s eyes and lead to tear staining around the eyes.
1
Coach your pup out of its stubbornness.
If your Bolognese is being obstinate and repeating unwanted behaviors, turn around, ignore them for a few seconds, and take a deep breath. The trick is not letting them seize control of the narrative by doing something else to get your attention, whether it's barking or gnawing on the couch chair. Remember to reward the good behaviors with treats and love, ignore the bad behaviors, and always use positive reinforcement to bring out the best in your pup.
2
Give your Bolo a set schedule
Bolognese are commonly an anxious breed. In order to mitigate their anxiety, create a well-thought-out schedule and stick to it daily. Feed your dog at the same time every day, walk your dog at the same time every day, and keep everything tight and controlled. This will help your dog feel safe and secure and will reduce anxiety.
3
Invite your Bolo onto furniture
Instead of picking your Bolo pup up to take them to furniture, invite them up onto furniture. You should have some control over cuddling on furniture, otherwise they’ll feel like the couch and bed are theirs and they won’t have to listen to you. If you’re going to make your Bolo a lap dog, pick a spot where you let them sit in your lap. Don’t let them cuddle with you on everything, although you may feel the urge to. There have to be boundaries somewhere.
While Bolognese dogs are a generally healthy breed, unexpected ruh-rohs can happen to any dog at any age. If your pup gets hurt or sick, pet insurance can help you say ‘yes’ to the best care, even when it’s costly. When it comes to shopping for this breed, you’ll want to choose pet insurance plans like Pumpkin's, which can help cover the costs associated with the hereditary conditions Bolognese are prone to developing. While a reputable breeder will conduct genetic testing on your pup’s parents to help minimize the chances of passing down hereditary conditions, they can’t always be avoided. Let’s look at some common ones, and how Pumpkin Dog Insurance plans could help cover the cost of care!
Patellar Luxation
Bolognese’ small legs make them predisposed to this orthopedic condition where the kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its natural position in the groove of the femur (thigh bone). This health problem can greatly affect mobility, and while some cases are mild, severe ones require surgery.
Legg-Calve-Perthes
This disorder impacts a dog’s hips and is usually diagnosed during the first year of life. It causes inflammation, pain, and can hinder a dog’s ability to walk. X-rays are taken to determine the best treatment option, which can include limiting a dog’s activity, anti-inflammatories, or surgery.
Shaker Syndrome
This condition occurs in little dogs, like Bolognese, and is characterized by mild to severe full-body tremors and eye movements. Although it looks scary, it doesn’t cause the dog any pain. Some cases require hospitalization for stabilization, but most can be treated with corticosteroids or Valium.
Hip Dysplasia
This orthopedic condition happens when the ball and socket of the hip joint doesn’t develop or work properly, leading to joint deterioration, pain, lameness, and/or arthritis. Mild cases can be managed with prescription meds and physical therapy, but severe ones may require costly surgery.
Why Get Dog Insurance?
from Pumpkin®
*Example illustrates reimbursement of a covered vet bill at a 90% reimbursement rate, where the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual limit had not yet been met. Coverage and reimbursement results vary based on policy options.
