Bolognese

The Bolognese is a small Italian companion breed belonging to the bichon family of Mediterranean dogs. Its name comes from Bologna in northern Italy, although small white companion dogs of related type were kept throughout parts of Europe for centuries. Rather than hunting, guarding, or herding, the Bolognese was developed primarily to live closely with people. During the Renaissance, dogs of this type became prized among wealthy and aristocratic families and were sometimes exchanged as valuable diplomatic gifts. Historical accounts connect Bolognese dogs with noble households in Italy and elsewhere in Europe. Their popularity among the upper classes helped preserve a dog selected for companionship rather than practical work. As European society changed, however, the breed became much less common and remained relatively rare outside Italy. Dedicated breeders helped preserve it during the 20th century and gradually introduced it to a wider international audience. The Bolognese is closely related historically to breeds such as the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Havanese, but developed its own recognizable appearance. Its soft, fluffy white coat is not traditionally shaped into the highly sculpted outline associated with some other bichon breeds, giving it a particularly natural, tousled appearance.