Bolonoodle Dog Breed

Below are details and specs for the Bolonoodle dog breed.

Bolonoodles are small dogs that, when mature, are usually about 8 to 12 inches high and 6 to 15 pounds.

There are few dogs that are better companions for elderly or anyone looking for a dedicated lapdog, for children and even for strangers.

A few grooming visits every year, a weekly brushing or two and a short daily walk will all go a very long way to keep your Bolonoodle happy and healthy.

The Bolonoodle is an apparently very new hybrid dog that was conceived from crossbreeding a Bolognese and a Toy Poodle. A northern California kennel by the name of: Jarbeths Kennels claims to have established and named the crossbreed around 2005 and in 2010 registered a Web site in the hybrid's name. The same kennel, however, also states on their site that the hybrid has been around since the 1500s when Europeans were cross-breeding Bolognese and Toy Poodles (and referring to them as "the poor man's Bolognese") but that the kennel owners were responsible for establishing and naming this designer dog.

There is quite a bit of history for the two parent breeds, the Bolognese and Toy Poodle:The Toy Poodle was brought about by selective breeding of Standard Poodles of smaller stature sometime during the 18th century. The word "poodle" comes from the German term pudelin which means "to splash in water," and the reason this breed was named so was because they were primarily bred for retrieving water fowl. Unlike the Standard Poodle that through the centuries was depicted in art, used in war and featured in movies, the Toy Poodle was a lap dog that entertained royalty — such as its popularity with the reign of France's Louis XVI during the 18th century. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Poodle and its three variations in 1887.

The Bolognese is one of the many varieties in the Bichon family and named after the northern region in Italy where it is believed to have been conceived during the 13th century, Bologna. The Bolognese is a toy dog that was popular among the nobility of the time. They are not recognized by the AKC but, oddly enough, the club does feature the breed on its Web site.

Since the Bolonoodle comes from two parent breeds (the Bolognese and the Toy Poodle), it will inherit characteristics from them. Some Bolonoodles will get a majority of traits from the Bolognese side whereas others will get more from the Toy Poodle parent. Being that both parent breeds are toy dogs, your Bolonoodle is sure to be a small dog. They may have the single coat of their Bolognese parent or the double coat of the Toy Poodle but will probably not shed. The head will most likely look huge on their small body — which will make it all the more adorable!

Bolonoodles are said to be more like their Bolognese parent when it comes to temperament: intelligent, extremely loyal and remarkably desirous of doing whatever their humans are doing. About the only thing they don't like is being left alone. They are easy to train but will quickly get bored if the training is repetitive. Positive reinforcement and patience along with consistency is the best way to train them; otherwise, they may hide from you.

With a good diet and lots of love and attention, your Bolonoodle should live to be about 12-15 years old. Still, he may inherit some concerns such as joint problems, obesity and eye ailments. Even though hybrids are generally healthier than their purebred predecessors, it is important to research the possible health issues of both parent breeds. Regular trips to the veterinarian should help detect and possibly prevent major health issues.