Bolognese

Last updated October 2009

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour 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 Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as highly undesirable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.

General appearance

Small white square 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. Definite stop. Nose large, black.

Eyes

Large, round, dark with well-pigmented rims.

Ears

Set on high, long, well coated, 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.  Black nails desirable 

Tail

Set on at level of croup carried loosely and curved over back. Well feathered.

Gait/Movement

Brisk, parallel movement, not close front or rear. Ambling highly undesirable.

Coat

Long, flocked without curl covering entire head and body. Shown in natural state without obvious trimming.

Colour

White without markings, except in puppies under 12 months old after which not even simple shading. Lips, eye rims and nose black. Black nails desirable.

Size

Dogs: 27-30.5 cms (10½-12 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 and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

Note

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

*Note for prospective puppy buyers

Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.