What is the Bolonka Zwetna or Tsvetnaya Bolonka? A Bichon type dog it’s bloodline is relative to the Bolognese. The breed is well known for its soft, wavy, curly coat. Originally gifted to a Russian Czar by a French ambassador direct from the court of Louis IV, the breed was not seen in the west until the latter years of the Cold War. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is white, while the Tsvetnaya and Zwetna are black, brown, grey, red or wolf-grey.
Facts about the Bolonka Dog
There are three basic breeds of Bolonka known by the names Franzuskaya Bolonka (white), Tsvetnaya and Zwetna (black, brown, grey, red or wolf-grey).
Lifespan of a Bolonka
They live for 12 – 16 years
Height of a Bolonka at the Withers
Male 24 to 37cm or 9 to 11 inches (10 and 1/2 for competition).
Female 18– 24 cm or 7 to 9 inches
Weight of a Bolonka Dog
Males 3.5 – 5 kg or 8 to 11lbs
Females 2 – 4 kg or 5 to 9lbs
What Breed group is the Bolonka?
KC Recognised as a Toy Size
Is a Bolonka Hypoallergenic?
Yes, this dog is ideal for those who suffer from allergies as it is Low-Shedding, dander-retaining and doesn’t drool. It does require constant grooming though to avoid Knots.
Average price of a Bolonka
In the USA they vary from just $1500 to $2500
What Does The Bolonka Look Like?
Bolonki are 18 – 27 cm high at the withers and 2-4 or 5 kg in weight. The Bolonka bodily formation resembles a square, with a long coat that has big wavy curls. The Bolonka is moderately boned and should never appear fine-boned. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is white, while the Tsvetnaya and Zwetna are black, brown, grey, red or wolf-grey. 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, hanging to the side of its small round head. Male Bolonka’s have a distinct beard and moustache that sets them apart from their female counterparts. Bolonka tails are supposed to have the tip touching the back.
Similar to other Bichon breeds, Bolonki do not shed. Daily brushing of the coat helps to prevent matting. If a Bolonka’s coat gets severely matted, they may develop a hematoma.
Bolonka dogs are considered suitable for people with allergies, as they are bred to be hypoallergenic. Breeds that don’t 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.
The frequent trimming, brushing, and bathing required to keep the 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.
Temperament of the Bolonka
The Tsvetnaya Bolonka is even-tempered, intelligent, friendly to all, and should never be shy or show aggression of any kind. 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 won’t appreciate any extent of physical abuse during playing.
The Bolonka Zwetna usually perceives all unfamiliar people as potential play mates 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 favourite humans, so it can become a fairly good watchdog. The Bolonka won’t be able to apply to necessary aggression when the situation calls for it and shouldn’t be tasked with the responsibilities of a guardian.
History of the Bolonka
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka was originally discovered by western breeders after the fall of the Iron Curtain in Russia (1989), but its history can be traced back to as early as the 18th century. A small Maltese-like breed were presented as gifts to Russia by the French court of Louis IV. Eventually, a breed similar to the Bichon Frise emerged.
Until the fall of the iron curtain, Russia never allowed the dog to be bred outside of its borders and renamed it the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka meaning Russian Coloured Lapdog.
