STANDARD OF THE BOLOGNESE

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The Bolognese, a member of the Bichon family, is an enchanting small, white companion dog with a compact and sturdy, square body. It is known for its long flocks of wavy open ringlets all over the body, with the hair shorter on the face. Against the solid white fur is a dark all black nose and dark eyes with notable black eye rims. The Bolognese is a rather serious dog and generally not high energy but is intelligent and witty. They are known for their moments of playful expression displayed by the “Bolo Dance”. They are slightly more reserved and shyer than their cousin, the Bichon Frise. Known as an ancient breed of the Italian aristocracy, they were considered the breed of the European nobility.

Size PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE

Size: The ideal height for dogs is 9 ½ to 11 inches and 9 to 10 1/2 inches for bitches. A tolerance of ½ inch above or below the ideal height is allowed but not preferred. Severe fault includes any dog under 9 inches or over 11 1/2  inches and any bitch under 8 1/2 inches or over 11 inches. The minimum height does not apply to puppies under 12 months of age. Proportion: The Bolognese has a square build; the length of the body, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock bone, is equal to that of the height at the withers. The length of the head reaches 1/3 of the height at the withers. The depth of the chest is almost half of the height at the withers. Correct proportions are very important in this breed. Substance: The breed should be compact and of medium bone, with well sprung ribs. The sternum protrudes moderately in front of the point of the shoulder. The back is level to the loin. The croup is very broad and slightly sloping. There is a slight tuck up. Weight: The ideal weight is not to exceed 10 pounds.