BRITISH BOLOGNESE CLUB
Updated Breed Standard (from 1 April 2026)
Brief Historical Summary
Recognised as a breed of Italian origin and known in Bologna since the 14th century the Bolognese belongs to the Bichon family group, which includes the Bichon Frisé, Maltese, Lowchen, Havanese and Coton de Tulear. Although there are some similarities within the Bichon family group, the Bolognese are a distinctive breed in their own right. The breed entered the UK in 1989 and was first shown in the UK in 1990.
General Appearance
Small white toy dog with square, compact outline and distinctive coat.
Important proportions
Brisket reaching to elbows making half overall height at withers.
Point of shoulder to point of buttock equals height at withers.
Temperament
Friendly but may be reserved with strangers. Intelligent, companionable.
Head and Skull
Wide flat skull. Nose to stop slightly shorter than from stop to occiput. Definite stop. Nose large, black.
Eyes
Large, round, dark with well pigmented rims.
Ears
Set on high, long, well coated, carried away from head giving a broad appearance to head.
Mouth
Jaws level, with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Clean, medium length.
Forequarters
Shoulders well laid, legs straight with slightly sloping pasterns. Elbows close to body.
Body
Well sprung ribs, brisket reaching to elbows making half overall height at withers. Level back, loins slightly arched. Point of shoulder to point of buttock equals height at withers.
Hindquarters
Well muscled, moderate turn of stifle, hocks well let down.
Feet
Oval, black nails and pads. Black nails desirable.
Tail
Set on at level of croup carried loosely and curved over back. Well feathered.
Gait/Movement
Brisk, parallel movement, not close front or rear. Ambling highly undesirable.
Coat
Long, flocked without curl covering entire head and body. Shown in natural state without obvious trimming.
Colour
White without markings, except in puppies under 12 months old after which not even simple shading. Lips, eye rims and nose black. Black nails desirable.
Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable.
Size
Dogs 27-30.5 cms (101/2-12 ins). Bitches 25.5-28 cms (10-11 ins).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Reproduced with the kind permission of the Kennel Club