Longevity
Life expectancy
With a measured diet, daily activity, good dental hygiene and regular veterinary follow-up, this small dog commonly lives between 12 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Despite its delicate size, the breed is rather robust. Its low weight and abundant coat do not, however, fully protect it from damp cold, intense heat, falls or rough handling. Preventing overweight is essential to preserve the joints and longevity.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring helps to detect early the conditions to which the breed may be predisposed. Any intermittent lameness, eye irritation, weight gain or persistent discomfort warrants a veterinary consultation.
Patellar luxation: Displacement of the kneecap can cause a hopping gait, intermittent lameness and, in marked cases, require surgical management.
Distichiasis: Abnormally implanted eyelashes can irritate the cornea and lead to tearing, pain or eye lesions.
Obesity: An overly rich ration and insufficient activity promote weight gain, which notably increases stress on the joints.
Periodontal disease: As in many small dogs, tartar buildup can cause inflammation, pain and tooth loss without regular oral hygiene.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Bichon Bolonais is above all an indoor dog. It tolerates heat moderately and withstands cold dampness poorly despite its thick coat. In summer, outings must avoid the hottest hours and fresh water must remain available. In winter, prolonged exposure to the cold must be limited and its coat must be dried well after a walk in the rain.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed can gain weight quickly if portions and treats are not controlled. It is recommended to weigh the ration, to regularly monitor body condition and to adjust intake to age, sterilization and activity level. Daily walks and short but regular games complete this prevention.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the kneecaps and eyes checked during veterinary visits.
- Brush the teeth several times a week with a product for dogs.
- Gently clean around the eyes with a suitable product.
- Keep vaccinations, antiparasitic treatments and the annual check-up up to date.
- Consult promptly in case of limping, eye pain or unusual weight gain.
Vaccination
Bolognese vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Bolognese need? Like all dogs, Bologneses should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Bolognese vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Bolognese booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Bolognese need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Bolognese
Before breeding, a patella examination and an ophthalmological check-up are recommended. Routine follow-up includes at minimum an annual veterinary check-up, monitoring of weight, dentition, eyes, ears and skin. A dental scaling may be necessary depending on the oral and dental condition.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
