Bolonka

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Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Other names	Bolonka Zwetna, Franzuskaya Bolonka, Russian Lapdog
Origin	Russia
Breed status	Not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club.
Traits Height Males 22–27 centimetres (8.7–10.6 in) Females 18–24 centimetres (7.1–9.4 in) Weight Males 3.5–5 kilograms (7.7–11.0 lb) Females 2–4 kilograms (4.4–8.8 lb) Coat Curly or wavy Color Black, Brown, Gray, Red, Wolf-Gray (Tsvetnaya/Zwetna) White (Franzuskaya) Litter size 1–3 Life span 12–16 years
Dog ( domestic dog )

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka (

Etymology

"Tsvetnaya Bolonka" is translated as "Russian Colored Lapdog" ^[1].The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka has several different nicknames. In Germany, the dogs have been known as Bolonka Zwetna or Deutscher Bolonka since the 1980s. The Tsvetnaya and the Zwetna have the same bloodlines; however, the Nordic Kennel Union officially recognizes the Russkaya Tsvetnaya and not the Zwetna. In the Czech Republic, the breed is called the Barevny Bolonsky Psik (Bolognais color). Sometimes they are mistakenly called Bolognese. The common name of the breed in all countries is Bolonka (plural: Bolonki). The Franzuskaya (French) Bolonka is the white variety.

History

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka had its beginnings as far back as the early 18th century.

Similarly, through the connection between the Russian and French aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries, a dog similar to the Bichon Frise or Bolognese of today was brought to Tsarist Russia. These little white dogs were favorites of the fashionable ladies of the period in both countries. After the Russian Revolution, the Russian dogs were isolated from the French dogs. The little dogs began to be taken seriously as a native Russian breed in the 1950s, and grew in popularity. Export of the dogs was strictly regulated. In 1978, a breeding pair of Franzuskaya Bolonka was sent as a diplomatic gift from the Soviet Union into the GDR. From these and a few others, the white Franzuskaya Bolonka began to be developed as a breed in Germany in the 1980s. Eventually it was recognized by the VDF (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) as a variation of the Italian Bolognese. This was at the same time as the coloured variety was being developed, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka (bunte Schoßhündchen, Bolonka Zwetnaya, Deutscher Bolonka). These dogs are not yet recognized, although they have active breed clubs in several countries.^[2]

Appearance

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki are 18 – 27 cm high at the withers and 2-4 or 5 kg in weight. The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka body formation resembles a square, with a long coat that has big wavy curls. The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is moderately boned and should never appear fine-boned. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is white, while the Tsvetnaya Bolonka and Zwetna Bolonka are black, brown, gray, red or wolf-gray. The breed is known for its soft, wavy to curly coat in a variety of colors. They have ears that are neither too long nor too short. Male Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki have a distinct beard and moustache that sets them apart from their female counterparts. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki tails are supposed to have the tip touching the back. Similar to other Bichon breeds, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki do not shed. Daily brushing of the coat helps to prevent matting. If a Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka's coat gets severely matted, it may develop a hematoma. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki are considered suitable for people with allergies, as they are bred to be hypoallergenic.^{[citation needed]} Breeds that do not shed are more likely to be hypoallergenic, since the dog's dander and saliva stick to the hair and are not released into the environment.^[3] The frequent trimming, brushing, and bathing required to keep the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka looking its best removes hair and dander and controls saliva. It is important to note that how hypoallergenic a particular dog is for a particular person may vary with the individual dog and the individual person.^[4]

Temperament

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is even-tempered, very intelligent, friendly to all, and should never be shy or show aggression in any way. The Russian Tszvetnaya Bolonka was specifically developed as a companion dog and is prized for its sociable, easy-going and affectionate temperament. Its specimens will avoid exuberant games and will not appreciate any extent of physical abuse during playing. The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka usually perceives all unfamiliar people as potential playmates and without timely socialization, it can grow into an inappropriate greeter. However, this breed was bred with strong tendency to defend its territory and its favorite humans, so it can become a fairly good watchdog. The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka will not be able to apply to necessary aggression when the situation calls for it, and should not be tasked with the responsibilities of a guardian.

Recognition

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonki are popular in Germany.

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  A wolf-gray Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
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  A red Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka female
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  A 14-week old Bolonka
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  Bolonka Zwetna

See also

• Bichon
• Lap dog
• Toy dog
• Russian Toy
• Bolognese dog

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bolonka.

• Bolonka at
  Curlie