Tsvetnaya Bolonka - Charming, Jolly and Devoted Dog with Lots of Power
07.10.2022 - Reading time: 4 minutes
The Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a lively, jolly and devoted dog that likes nothing better than being with its owners all day long. It does not like being left on its own – it needs its “pack”, or at least the person to whom it is closest, to be around at all times. The intelligent Bolonka is happy to sing for its supper and it needs lots of exercise. This little ray of sunshine is equally friendly and well-disposed towards other people and dogs.
NewsletterTsvetnaya Bolonka
Breed | Tsvetnaya Bolonka |
Origin | Russia |
Classification | Society dog and companion |
Size | small, height up to 26 centimetres at the withers |
Weight | 3 to 4 kilograms
|
Physique | compact, moderately broad body, straight upper profile; back, shoulders and upper thighs well muscled; light on its feet |
Eyes | round, medium-sized eyes; colour dark but lighter in brown dogs |
Ears | set high and medium sized |
Coat and colour | silky, thick and curly coat; all colours up to pure white and piebald |
Special features | no seasonal moult |
Nature | friendly, devoted, intelligent, eager to learn, jolly, good natured |
Care | regular coat care with brush and comb |
Health | Hereditary diseases rare |
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From the court of the Russian Tsars to Germany
The Bolonka was originally extremely popular as a lapdog at the court of the Russian Tsars. The ancestor of the current breed, the white Bolonka Franzuskaya, was a popular gift for the ladies of the court. From the middle of the last century the Tsvetnaya Bolonka was bred to create a unique miniature dog breed with fur in different colours. To achieve this, the Bolonka Franzuskaya was crossed with other breeds, such as the Lhasa Apso and the Shi Tzu. In Russian the breed is known as the Bolonka Zwetnaja, which translated means the “coloured lapdog”.
Up until the 1980s, this tiny whirlwind was most popular in the Soviet Union and other eastern countries. In 1986, it made its way to Germany, by first conquering the hearts of dog owners in the former DDR. This breed is not recognised by all kennel clubs outside Russia. In Germany in 2011, the VDH officially recognised the Tsvetnaya Bolonka.
The character of the Tsvetnaya Bolonka
The lively Tsvetnaya Bolonka is extremely friendly, affectionate and intelligent. It is devoted to its owner and loves having a cuddle together. However, do not underestimate its need for exercise. This little bundle of energy needs a lot of exercise and entertainment in the form of walks and games.
Training and husbandry of the Tsvetnaya Bolonka
As for all dogs, time spent at an obedience school is to be recommended for the Bolonka. This happy little dog learns quickly and will enjoy it there. It is outgoing towards other dogs and friendly and careful with children. Make sure that you occupy this dog sufficiently and give it enough exercise. This is even more important if you live in an apartment. The ideal environment for this dog is a house with a garden, where it can romp around and play to its heart’s content.
The Tsvetnaya Bolonka does not enjoy being left on its own and is best suited to families where someone is almost always at home or can take the dog with them. If you work you should take the Bolonka with you if at all possible. Your colleagues will be sure to love its friendly and uncomplicated nature. Since it is not a yapper and, if properly socialised, does not exhibit any aggression, you can easily take the Tsvetnaya Bolonka with you wherever you go.
Care of the Tsvetnaya Bolonka
This charming dog has a long, curly and thick coat with a generous undercoat. However, it needs little maintenance. As a rule, regular brushing and combing of its silky coat will be sufficient.
Special features of the Tsvetnaya Bolonka
The Tsvetnaya Bolonka does not moult or shed, or only sheds minimal amounts of hair. This has the advantage that your apartment, clothes and sofa generally remain hair free.
The breed has a slight tendency to develop joint disease such as patellar luxation (a condition in which the patella, or kneecap, dislocates) and hip dysplasia. Some eye diseases can also occur, including progressive retinal atrophy, that results in blindness. Make sure you contact a reputable breeder who is highly conscious of the health of his dogs. The VDH will be happy to provide you with addresses.
