Temperment Of The Bolognese

Kristine K. Steffeck, breeder and Show Records Secretary for the Bolognese Club of America wrote a wonderful description of the Bolognese:

"I have been asked many, many times to describe the Bolognese. I believe the following response gives people a little more insight of what living with a Bolognese as part of the family is like. There is an intelligence and understanding I see in my Bolognese not possessed by any other breed. They know and anticipate before you even say anything, almost telepathically. They are extremely smart.

"They are true companions and thrive on your attention. They are agile and light on their feet. They are happy-go-lucky walkers. They are show-offs and know it and love it. They are rough and tumble with each other. They make up their own little impish games and delight in outsmarting you. They keep a watchful eye out for intruders. When they exhibit caution toward an individual, take heed, for they sense something you do not. Their intelligence is obvious by their ability to learn quickly. Their dense long locks of fur form the beautiful white coat that you love to bury your face in. They are devoted and love their whole family. They love getting kisses as much as giving them. They must always know what you are doing and be part of it. One of their main goals in life is to charm their way into the hearts of everyone they meet, and they usually succeed....This is the Bolognese."

Intuitive, loving, and charming, the Bolognese were bred through the ages as companion dogs. As such, these little dogs need close human contact and attention. They thrive on being with their family. Extremely devoted to their owners, a Bolognese will shadow its human from room to room, always wanting to be at their heels and in their presence.

So supremely attached to their owners, many Bolognese are known to howl mournfully when left alone for more than a short period. Because of the strong bonds that this breed forms with its human family and because of its need for a lot of companionship, the Bolognese is not the choice of dog for those who work away from home for most of the day. Bolognese do not do well when left alone for hours.

As a companion dog, Bolognese are excellent travelers. Whether by car or RV, or in a sherpa-bag onboard an airplane flying across the country, this breed is happy "on the go" as long as their person is with them.

Bolognese are highly intelligent, quick to learn, and easy to train. Dorothy Goodale, the original importer of this breed to North America states that in the 50 years she has worked with and raised various breeds of dogs, "the Bolognese is by far the most intelligent and trainable." Mrs. Goodale adds, "This breed thinks and is a real 'problem solver.'"

Happiest with "their" people, the Bolognese are quite satisfied to be "the only dog" in the family. Nevertheless, they do get along well with other dogs and pets. They are non-aggressive by nature.

Bolognese are outgoing, friendly, and engaging with those they know. However, they tend to be somewhat reserved with strangers. It may take them a short time to warm up to new acquaintances. The response of their owner toward the new person will greatly influence how readily they accept the individual.

Tirelessly playful and fun loving, Bolognese are good with children. However, the children should be old enough, mature enough, and responsible enough to be able to handle these little dogs gently, carefully, and safely. Bolognese are not a good choice for younger children, whose perhaps well-intentioned actions can be injurious to these small dogs.

Fun-loving and vivacious, the Bolognese are neither high-strung nor hyperactive. Similarly, it is not a "yappy" breed, although Bolognese will bark an alarm to notify their owners of anything new or unusual.

Able to get a great deal of exercise romping around the house, Bolognese can be a good choice for apartment dwellers. However, despite being a "house-dog," Bolognese are sturdy and active. They are both willing and able to match the outdoor energy desires of their owners. They enjoy long walks and are able to excel at such dog sports as agility. Perhaps the key is companionship: they can excel
at whatever feat is put before them if they can do it with their person.

Bolognese are curious by nature and quite enterprising, not to mention comical, in the games they make up. They are lively and bright, and have a flair for learning new tricks. In fact, they love to be learning and doing, and to be the center of applause and attention.

Although easy to teach, they are quick to bore with numerous repetitive drills during a training session. They thrive on variety, so it is best to change or expand activities to keep them happily engaged and thinking. Bolognese respond well to positive reinforcement, and gentle training methods, and consistency. This breed is not able to handle shouting or harshness.

Bolognese are known to be quite bouncy and puppy-like even at 10 years of age. In fact, they are able to maintain delightful aspects of youthfulness throughout their typically long, healthy lives. During their senior years they still enjoy being active and learning new things.