Bolognese History

One of the oldest breeds, the Bolo, as he’s called, has long been associated with Europe’s royal families. In fact, the list of Bolognese patrons reads like a veritable roll call of European rulers. A companion Par Excellence, he has shared his owners political triumphs, comforting them in times of turbulence and war. What wonders these little dogs could disclose, if only they could tell us about their history.

The Bolognese is a member of the Bichon family noted for their extraordinary companion qualtities. The Bichons are among the most glamorous individuals in all of dogdom. The Maltese and the Bichon Frise (formerly Bichon Teneriffe) are the only two registered with the American Kennel Club. The little Bolognese is the final member of this family to be introduced in the United States and is still the rarest. The precise origins of the Bichon groups remain a mystery.

It seems certain that the dogs developed in the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The Bolognese and the Maltese seem to be the oldest of this family of dogs, but it is impossible to tell which is the most ancient.

The Bolo has long been identified with the city of Bologna, from which it takes its name. Bologna has always been an important locale. Settled by the Etruscans, it became a Roman municipality in 192 B.C. In 1183 A.D. it was recognized as a free state. The breed has always been linked to the great ruling families that predated modern Italy.