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🐶 Dog · size Medium

Bichon bolonais

dog breed

Hypoallergenic

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

5–30 kg

Size

Medium

Lifespan

11–14 ans

Energy

Moyen

Coat

pur, sans aucune tache ni aucune nuance de blanc

Maintenance

Très élevé

Training

Moyen

The Bolognese is a very ancient Italian dog breed. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes these small white dogs under the name Bolognese in English and Spanish, named after the city of Bologna.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Modéré

Trainability

Modéré

Maintenance

Très élevé

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
  • 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
  • 3Moderate energy — 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day sufficient.
  • 4Demanding grooming — daily brushing and regular grooming appointments.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the Bichon bolonais

Origins & history

A story told

Known as the Maltese during Roman times, this dog was a much-appreciated gift during that era. Its origin is Italian. Philip II received two Bolognese as gifts, which led him to say: "it is the most royal gift one can give an emperor." The Bolognese was officially recognized internationally in 1956.

Physical

Breed standard

Of medium length: 20 to 26 cm Male and female can reach the same weight: 2.5 to 3.50 kg Its coat is long over the entire body, its color is simple and without markings: white or slightly ivory. Character: agile, devoted to its master, it loves to play. There are few Bolognese breeders in France. This dog population is therefore not very present in this country, but it is more prevalent in Italy for example.

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Bichon bolonais of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of bichon bolonais (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a bichon bolonais ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth22 years
Adult size

10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.

Equivalent human age

29years

Adulte

Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.

Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Alert

To avoid for dog

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • low-fat cocoa powderModerate
  • maltitolModerate
  • cocoa pasteModerate
  • onion piecesModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a bichon bolonais ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.

18 kg
5 kg33 kg
Moderate

Result

221 g

per day · 839 kcal

111 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Bichon bolonais (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

Appears in

Bichon bolonais in our rankings

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Bichon bolonais

Is the Bolognese suitable for apartment living?+
It depends on the individual: its size requires space and exercise, provided its needs for outings are met.
How much exercise per day for a Bolognese?+
30 to 60 minutes per day are generally sufficient, to adjust according to age and health.
What is the life expectancy of a Bolognese?+
Between 11 and 14 years on average. Appropriate diet, regular veterinary follow-up, and exercise help extend its lifespan.
Is the Bolognese good with children?+
This depends on the individual: early socialization and mutual respect are key. Never leave a young child alone with an animal, regardless of breed.

If you like this dog

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For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Bichon bolonais.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.