Longevity
Life expectancy
The Bolonka lives on average from 12 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Good dental hygiene and a stable weight contribute greatly to its longevity.
Build
A robust breed?
Despite its small size, the Bolonka is a sturdy and hardy dog, not very prone to illness when it comes from screened breeding dogs.
Watch points
What to watch for
You need to monitor the knees, the teeth, which quickly develop tartar in small dogs, and the eyes, which the hairs can irritate.
Patellar dislocation : A common condition in small dogs, causing lameness.
Tartar and periodontal disease : Small jaws promote tartar buildup.
Eye irritation : Facial hair can irritate the eye and cause tearing.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its thick coat protects it well from the cold. It tolerates high heat less well: outings should therefore be favored during cooler hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Bolonka easily gains weight if given too many treats. A weighed ration and small rewards are enough to keep her in shape.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Brush the teeth several times a week.
- Clear or tie back the hair in front of the eyes.
- Consult in case of repeated limping.
Vaccination
Bolonka vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bolonka? Like all dogs, the Bolonka receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Bolonka 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 Bolonka 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 Bolonka?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Bolonka
A check of the kneecaps and an eye examination of breeding animals are recommended, as well as regular dental monitoring throughout life.
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.
