Bolognese Breed Standard
© The Kennel Club - Unauthorised Reproduction of Text and Images Prohibited.
A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.
To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library
INTERIM (pending review)
General Appearance
Small white Toy dog with square, compact outline and distinctive coat.
Characteristics
Intelligent, companionable.
Temperament
Friendly but reserved with strangers.
Head and Skull
Wide flat skull. Nose to stop slightly shorter than from stop to occiput. Accentuated stop. Nose large, black.
Eyes
Large, round, dark with well pigmented rims.
Ears
Set on high, long, pendulous, carried away from head giving a broad appearance to head.
Mouth
Jaws level, with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Clean, medium length.
Forequarters
Shoulders well laid, legs straight with slightly sloping pasterns. Elbows close to body.
Body
Well sprung ribs, brisket reaching to elbows making half overall height at withers. Level back, loins slightly arched. Point of shoulder to point of buttock equals height at withers.
Hindquarters
Well muscled, moderate turn of stifle, hocks well let down.
Feet
Oval, black nails and pads.
Tail
Set on at level of croup carried curved over back. Well feathered.
Gait/Movement
Normal and smart. Legs moving parallel. Ambling highly undesirable.
Coat
Long, flocked without curl covering entire head and body. Shown in natural state.
Colour
Pure white without markings, not even simple shadings. Lips, eyelids, nose and nails black.
Size
Dogs 27-30.5 cms (101/2-12 ins). Bitches 25.5-28 cms (10-11 ins).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Last Updated - January 2009
Health Information
The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations. Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.
The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.
Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available. Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.
Recommended Reading
All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.
![]() |
Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group. |
![]() |
The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group. |
Breed Clubs and Societies
BRITISH BOLOGNESE CLUB. Sec. Ms Begg. Tel No: 01270 582233
- Date page created:
- Categories:
- Toy Group
This article has been read 40013 times.





