Bolognese

The Bolognese is one of those quiet, refined little luxuries you don’t know you need until you’ve lived with one. Hailing from Bologna, Italy, they were bred solely for companionship among nobility, no hunting, herding, or guarding in their DNA. That shows.

These dogs don’t just want to be near you, they need it. You’ll find them parked under your desk while you work, tucked beside your legs on the couch, or gently nudging your hand for attention the second it goes still. They’re deeply affectionate, scoring a 5/5, and thrive on human connection.

Day to day, they’re calm indoors but not lazy. Their energy level is a solid 4/5, but it’s the kind of energy that expresses itself in short bursts, a zoomie after a nap, a playful tug with a stuffed mouse, a happy spin when you pick up the leash. They don’t need miles of exercise.

A couple of 15-minute walks and some indoor playtime are plenty. Don’t expect a jogging buddy though, this isn’t the dog for an active lifestyle outdoors. Grooming is where reality bites.

That soft, cottony coat? It’s low-shedding (1/5), great for allergy sufferers, but it mats easily. You’re looking at daily brushing and professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.

Skipping it means tangles that turn into painful felt-like mats. It’s not high maintenance just for looks, it’s a health and comfort issue. Health-wise, they’re generally sturdy with a 12 to 14-year lifespan, but watch for patellar luxation, hip issues, eye conditions, and dental disease.

Daily tooth brushing isn’t optional. They’re not fragile, but they’re not rugged either. They’re perfect for apartment dwellers, seniors, or anyone working from home who wants a velcro dog.

Kids? They’re only a 3/5. Not aggressive, but they prefer gentle handling and can be startled by chaos.

If you're gone for 10 hours a day, skip the Bolognese. They don’t do solitude well. And here’s the real talk: most people underestimate how much a Bolognese wants to be involved in your life.

They’re not accessories. They’re tiny, fluffy emotional partners who notice when you’re sad, anxious, or distracted, and they’ll stay glued to you until it passes. That’s their job.

That’s what they’re brilliant at.