# Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

Also known as: Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka, Bolonka Zwetna, Bolonka, Russian Colored Lapdog, Russian Toy Bichon
- **Group:** Companion & Toy (FCI group 9)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** Russia
- **Height:** 18–27 cm
- **Weight:** 2–5 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years
- **Temperament:** Friendly, Affectionate, Intelligent, Even-Tempered, Sociable

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a small, curly-coated Bichon-type lapdog from Russia, loved for its sociable, easygoing nature and its low-shedding coat in many colours.

## Overview

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, or Russian Colored Lapdog, is a rare toy breed of the Bichon type. It was created as a cheerful companion well suited to apartment life.

It is a friendly, people-loving little dog that fits happily into family homes, and its non-shedding coat appeals to many allergy-conscious owners.

## History

The breed was developed in Moscow and Leningrad during the Soviet era, when dogs could not be imported. Fanciers worked from small dogs such as the Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese and French Bolognese. It has carried its current name since 1966.

Interest grew after the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the dogs became popular in Germany. The Nordic Kennel Union accepted the breed in 2013, and the American Kennel Club added it to its Foundation Stock Service in 2015.

## Appearance

A small, square-bodied dog with moderate bone, 18 to 27 cm tall and weighing roughly 2 to 5 kg. The soft coat is long, wavy to curly, and males wear a distinct beard and moustache.

The tail curls so that its tip touches the back. Colours include black, brown, grey, red and wolf-grey, while the white variety is the Franzuskaya Bolonka.

## Temperament

Bolonki are even-tempered, clever and friendly to nearly everyone, and they were bred purely as companions. They tend to see strangers as potential playmates, so early socialisation helps prevent over-eager greetings.

They will alert you to visitors but are not guard dogs. They prefer gentle play to rough games and love being close to their family.

## Care and exercise

Daily brushing is needed to prevent mats, along with regular trimming and bathing. Severe matting can cause skin problems, so do not skip it.

Exercise needs are modest: daily walks and some play are enough. They do best living indoors with company.

## Health

Generally a hardy little breed. As with many toy dogs, dental care deserves attention, and matted coats can lead to skin trouble or ear hematomas if neglected. Choose breeders who health-test their dogs.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 2
- Grooming: 4
- Shedding: 1
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 4

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/russian-tsvetnaya-bolonka
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolonka · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38263
Photo: Svenska Mässan from Sweden (CC BY 2.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RUSSKAYA_TSVETNAYA_BOLONKA%2C_Rayskoe_Sotsvetie_Tsevtik_%2824264726856%29.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.