Bologna dog: characteristic, character, selection and care

Dogs are considered to be among the most sought-after types of domestic animals, because these cute creatures act as true friends of man, loyal and reliable comrades in any life situation.

Recently, dogs of miniature breeds have been very popular. They are not everyone's liking, however, those who sincerely loved decorative dogs, will never be able to exchange friendship with them for something else. Bolognese (Italian lapdog) is considered a particularly nice representative among many of its fellows. Consider some of the features of lapdogs and conditions of detention that they need.

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

The official standard of the main characteristics of the bolognaise 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 does not reach as much as 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 volume of the entire skull. The lap of the lapdogs is always black, rather large.

The eyes are set straight, may be medium or large. The ears are quite hard at the base, they are high, long and drooping. The jaws of the bolognese are well developed, the teeth are white from birth, very strong. This breed often has a scissor bite.

The body of the Italian Bologna is shaped like a square. 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 humeral bones are well developed, as are the pads that allow dogs to move as comfortably as possible.

It is worth noting that the wool of the representatives of this breed is not smooth, but fluffy and even curly. On the face it is shorter than on other parts of the body, but everywhere it is soft and very pleasant to the touch. As for the color, then most often there are white-haired lapdogs, sometimes it can give a little yellowish. Also, the wool of a similar breed of dog may have a gray color. Like all dogs of light shades, there are brown tracks under the eyes.

The main advantages of the dog include its following features:

1. The dog has a very small size, even in its characteristics it is written that it is miniature. Therefore, the breed is ideal for living in a city apartment of medium size.
2. Bolognese have a really good health and good immunity. If they get any harmless infection, 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 understand the commands of a person with little effort. The lapdogs have a soft and friendly character, which further attracts people to them.
4. Bologna 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 have to worry.

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

1. There is timidity at the beginning of communication with future owners or with strangers. The dog may even defend himself, but this is only at first, until the animal gets used.
2. Bologna immediately feel unfriendly attitude towards them. The dog may take offense and even revenge.
3. This breed is extremely hard to tolerate loneliness. Therefore, think carefully before purchasing the Bologna, 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 called companion dogs. They always strive to be closer to the person, to communicate more with all members of the family. In society, the Bolognese usually behave calmly and even intelligently. In this they are helped by aristocratic roots. Of course, the manifestation of this feature depends on the education, which the owners should pay as much attention as possible.

If you are a person who is not keen on an active lifestyle, the lapdog will definitely help you to become one. Bolognese always needs to have fun, run, jump, bring toys to the owner. If you compare these dogs with representatives of other breeds, for example, with a toy terrier, a miniature pinscher or a Yorkshire terrier, 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 the lack of socialization. From early childhood, the dog must be taught to communicate with others, more often to bring it "into people" and to acquaint with 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 elegance of these dogs. Also in their character there is no aggressiveness, which is an important quality for a dog, designed to protect. Bologna negatively perceive noises and screams.

You can buy a lapdog in nurseries that specialize in this particular breed. Surely It is important to pay attention to the behavior of the dog. She should be active, inquisitive, showing a desire to play. You can check the dog's appetite: of course, it must 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, their price can reach 70,000 rubles.

From the first days of life in the new house, it is important to teach the dog to the place where you can relieve the need. The dog should not be taken for walks until all vaccinations have been made. For the tray you need to immediately find a specific place and it is desirable not to change it again. It must have low sides so that the puppy is not afraid and easily crossed 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 do the right things. The tray should be covered with absorbent diaper. After a while, the animal will get used to this place by itself and will be able to do everything on its own. The main thing is that he always had access to the tray.

After 2 weeks after the last vaccination, you can take the dog to 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, it can lead to violations of the digestive tract of the animal.

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

If you prefer food, then it is important to consider that Bolognese is allergic. In this regard, it is better to choose premium food or the one that is called hypoallergenic.

If you chose to feed the dog homemade food, then it is important to pay attention to several features. Meat is about half the diet of proper nutrition of the dog. This may be lean beef or chicken. Of the croup, the Bolognese especially love buckwheat, oatmeal, and rice. Once a week, the dog must be given vegetables, for better digestion, you can process them with boiling water.

Special attention should be paid to hygienic procedures, so that the dog looks neat and attractive.

• Wool Italian lapdogs are quite long and very tender. She can often go awry, then the dog will look untidy. Every day, you must comb the wool of the metal with a metal comb with rounded teeth. It is important to proceed carefully, without damaging either the coat or the skin of the dog. If you suddenly come across a koldun, use a special balm and unravel it.
• Experienced owners advise bathing lapdogs twice a month. For this shampoo for long-haired dog breeds is suitable. Well, if it will contain any elements for the prevention of skin diseases. You can also use dry shampoo, but they should not be abused.
• Every day, you need to wipe the eyes of the lap-cloths, because long enough hair can irritate mucous membranes. You should also regularly check your ears for dirt or infection, brush them sufficiently once a week.
• Teeth brushing is usually carried out once a week with special pastes. You can give small bones, bought in a pet store, which also help the dog to brush their teeth.
• Need to watch out for claws and cut them as they grow with a special nail clipper, acting very carefully.

Italian lapdogs have high intelligence, so the process of upbringing usually takes place without any difficulties, the dog gladly accepts the training of basic skills.

The bolonks easily remember the host commands, but for the best result, frequent repetitions of the material learned are required. The owner should speak to the pet in a calm, friendly voice, and accompany every action with tasty rewards. Hard physical impact is out of the question.

Bolognez is a companion dog, which not only will not let you be bored, but also decorate your home, because it is really beautiful. It remains only to find a contact and earn the trust of a pet.

About the features of the breed, see below.