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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bolognese? Like all dogs, the Bolognese receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Bolognese is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Bolognese?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
