History Of the Bolognese

This breed has many names it goes by: Bichon Bolognese, Bolo, Bolognese

Small white dogs were already known of; when the Phoenicians and ancient Egyptians were traveling around the Mediterranean. Along the trade routes of the seafarers, the “small whites” traveled from coast to coast as precious cargo of the peripatetic Phoenicians. At some point in time during the 12th-13th century, these seafarers brought the white dogs to Italy. Where their small size enchanted the region’s royalty and aristocracy.

Seafarers knew the value of these small white dogs and often charged for the dogs by the dogs weight in gold! They became the fashion accessory of well bred Italian women.

As hinted at by their name, the Bolognese dog was bred in the Italian city called Bologna. Records of this breed go back as far back as the year 1200. Not only do these dogs have a long history but they also have a bit of class about them.

Quite a few European VIPs of old are recorded as having had one of these white balls of fluff as their devoted sidekick. 

When we say these dogs have been favored by the rich and famous, we were not exaggerating.

 It seems the Italian nobility had a lot to do with this, as they made a habit of giving Bolognese pups as gifts to their important friends. 

This may be how Catherine the Great of Russia came to be the proud owner of one. 

They also feature in the fine arts, appearing in paintings by Titian, Pierre Breughel, and Goya. 

In Roman times, Bolognese dogs were popular gifts among those with great wealth and power. For example, King Umberto of Italy gifted a Bolognese to a Belgian princess for her birthday. And Duke Alfonso II d'Este of Ferrara gave a pair of Bolos to King Phillip II of Spain. The list goes on.

More recently, it is stated that none other than Marilyn Monroe had one of these dogs,

Find more breed information at:

https://americanbologneseclub.com/bolognese-history

Information is from the book; ‘A Kennel Club Book, Bolognese’ by Wolfgang Knorr