Bolognese — size comparison

The Bolognese is a small white dog with an almost square outline and soft hair forming loose flocks. Abundant hair surrounds dark eyes and a black nose, partly conceals hanging ears and covers the tail curled over the back. It lacks the Bichon Frise’s tight curls and the Maltese’s straight silky hair.

It belongs to Italy’s small companion-dog tradition, its name recalling Bologna. Such dogs were valued at European courts and exchanged as gifts between wealthy families, also appearing in paintings. Earlier history overlaps with other small Mediterranean dogs, but modern breeding retained a distinct appearance.

At home it can be calm and attentive, more interested in closeness than constant novelty. It enjoys watching and following family and can be cheerful and playful among familiar people. Some need time to approach new situations freely. Strong attachment often appears through everyday companionship rather than continual demands for attention.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec, wysokość i masa — FCI
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia