Dog Bolognese: characteristics, character, choice and care

Dogs are rightfully considered to be one of the most popular types of pets, because it is these cute creatures that act as real friends of a person, faithful and reliable comrades in any life situation.

Recently, dogs of miniature breeds have been especially popular. They are not to everyone’s liking, but one who sincerely loves decorative dogs will never be able to exchange friendship with them for something else. Bolognese (Italian lap-dog) is considered a particularly nice representative among many of his other brothers. Consider some of the features of lapdogs and the conditions of detention that they need.

Bolognese (or Italian lap-dog) is a miniature dog that was bred in the Middle Ages in Italy. The birthplace of the animal is the province of Bologna, from which the name of the breed was formed.

The official standard for the basic characteristics of bolognese appeared in 1995. According to his criteria, this is a small dog, with a stocky one. The average height of the animal at the withers slightly does not reach 30 centimeters, the weight varies from 4 to 7 kilograms. The skull is oval in shape, of medium size. The muzzle is 40% of the total skull. The nose of the lapdogs is always black, rather large.

Eyes set straight, can be medium or large. The ears are quite hard at the base, they are high, long and hanging. The jaws of the bolognese are well developed, the teeth from birth are white, very strong. In this breed, the bite is most often scissor-like.

The body of the Italian lap-dog resembles a square in shape. The chest area is quite wide, and the hips are slightly curved.The tail is always bent behind the back, the front legs are straight, they are well connected with the body, that is, the humerus is well developed, as are the pads that allow dogs to move as comfortably as possible.

It is worth noting that the hair of representatives of this breed is not smooth, but fluffy and even curly. On the muzzle it is shorter than on the rest of the body, but everywhere it is soft and very pleasant to the touch. As for the color, the most common are lapdogs with white hair, sometimes it can give a little yellowness. Also, the hair of a similar breed of dog can have a gray color. Like all dogs of light shades, lapdogs under the eyes have brown paths.

The main advantages of a lap-dog are its following features:

1. The dog has a very small size, even in its description it is written that it is miniature. Consequently, the breed is ideal for living in a medium-sized urban apartment.
2. Lapwings have truly good health and good immunity. If they receive any non-hazardous infection, then their body quickly gets rid of the disease.
3. These dogs are easy to train. They have a high level of intelligence, which allows them to effortlessly understand human commands. The lapdogs have a soft and friendly character, which attracts people even more.
4. Bolonki are extremely attached to people. They will definitely find a common language with all members of the family. Especially representatives of this breed love children, so parents do not need to worry.

Now consider the main shortcomings that the owners of this breed notice. They are insignificant, but for some they can be important.

1. Shyness is noted at the beginning of communication with future owners or with strangers. The dog may even defend itself, but this is only at first until the animal gets used to it.
2. Bolonki immediately feel a hostile attitude towards them. The dog may be offended and even take revenge.
3. This breed is extremely difficult to endure loneliness. Therefore, think carefully before purchasing a lap-dog, decide whether you can not stay at work and spend most of your time with it.
4. The cost of lapdogs is quite high in comparison with other breeds of dogs.

Representatives of the Bolognese breed can be safely called companion dogs. They always strive to be closer to the person, to communicate more with all members of the family. In society, lap-dogs usually behave calmly and even intelligently. Aristocratic roots help them in this. Of course, the manifestation of this feature depends on education, to which the owners should pay as much attention as possible.

If you are a person who is not keen on an active lifestyle, then a lap-dog will definitely help you become one. Bolognese always needs to have fun, run, jump, bring toys to the owner. If we compare these dogs with representatives of other breeds, for example, with a toy terrier, a dwarf pincher or a Yorkshire terrier, then they are not so playful.

It often happens that the owners notice in the nature of their lapdogs excessive modesty and shyness. This is most likely due to a lack of socialization. From early childhood, the dog must be accustomed to communication with others, more often bring it "in people" and introduce other animals. Only in this case the dog will be able to live a full, active life.

This becomes clear both in size and in the excessive grace of these dogs.Also in their character there is no aggressiveness, which is an important quality for a dog called to guard. Bolonki negatively perceive noise and screaming.

You can buy a lapdog in nurseries that specialize in this particular breed. Certainly It is important to pay attention to the dog’s behavior. She must be active, inquisitive, showing a desire to play. You can check the dog’s appetite: of course, it should be good.

As mentioned above, the cost of a puppy is quite high. A cub from a middle-class dog can be purchased for about 30,000 rubles. If we talk about the exhibition representatives of the breed, then their price can reach 70,000 rubles.

From the first days of life in a new house, it is important to teach a dog to the place where you can cope. The dog can not be taken for walks until all vaccinations have been done. For the tray, you need to immediately find a specific place and it is advisable not to change it anymore. He should have low sides so that the puppy is not afraid and easily cross them.

While the pet is very small, after sleeping and after eating it must be brought to the tray and slightly held so that it does not run away and does the necessary things. The tray should be covered with an absorbent diaper. After some time, the animal itself will get used to this place and will be able to do everything on its own. The main thing is that he always has access to the tray.

2 weeks after the last vaccination, you can take the dog out onto the street.

Of course, all dogs love to eat. And lapdogs are no exception. However, it is with this breed that you need to be careful and try not to overfeed. It is also better not to give food from the table, this can lead to violations of the digestive tract of the animal.

Puppies for the successful development and growth of phosphorus must enter the body, this substance has a beneficial effect on the brain and muscle tone. During the first 5 months, the pet should be repeated 4 times, and in adulthood - 2 times a day.

If you prefer food, it is important to consider that bolognese prone to allergies. In this regard, it is better to choose premium food or one that is called hypoallergenic.

If you chose feeding the dog homemade food, it is important to pay attention to several features. Meat makes up about half of a dog’s diet. It can be lean beef or chicken. Of the cereals, bolognese especially love buckwheat, oat and rice. Once a week, the dog needs to be given vegetables; for better absorption, you can treat them with boiling water.

Particular attention should be paid to hygiene procedures so that the dog looks neat and attractive.

• Wool Italian lapdogs are quite long and very tender. She can often get confused, then the dog will look untidy. Every day it is necessary to comb the hair of a lap-dog with a metal comb with rounded teeth. It is important to be careful not to damage the coat or skin of the dog. If you suddenly come across a cleaver, use a special balm and unravel it.
• Experienced owners are advised to bathe twice a month. Shampoo for long-haired breeds of dogs is suitable for this. It is good if it contains any elements for the prevention of skin diseases. You can also use dry shampoo, but do not abuse it.
• Daily it is necessary to wipe the eyes of the lap dog with napkins, because a coat that is long enough can irritate the mucous membrane.You also need to regularly check your ears for contamination or infection, clean them enough once a week.
• Dental brushing is usually done once a week with special pastes. You can give small bones purchased at a pet store that also help your dog brush his teeth.
• Need to watch the claws and cut them as they grow with a special nail clipper, acting very carefully.

Italian lapdogs are highly intelligent, therefore the process of training usually takes place without any difficulties, the dog happily perceives training in basic skills.

Bologna easily remember the owner’s commands, however, for the best result, frequent repetitions of the learned material are required. The owner should speak with the pet in a calm, friendly voice, and accompany each action with a tasty encouragement. Hard physical impact is out of the question.

Bolognese is a companion dog that not only does not let you get bored, but also decorates your home, because it is really beautiful. It remains only to find contact and earn the trust of a pet.

About the features of the breed, see below.