Orlovia
He is small, elongated, curly, and very funny. The Bolonka Zwetna is a whirlwind and bullies that you simply have to like if you like dogs.
History & Origin
Like the dog, the name Bolonka Zwetna comes from Russia. Actually, this internationally unrecognized dog breed is called Tsvetnaja Bolonka and that simply means “colorful lapdog”. She is recognized by the Russian breeding association RKF (member of the FCI), and 2011 also by the VDH. Bolonka zwetnas existed in Russia and other parts of what later became the Soviet Union more than 100 years ago, and from the 1980s they were also very popular in what was then East Germany.
Today, the small colorful dogs are not very common in Germany, but they have been enjoying growing popularity for several years. Because no uniform breed standard was established for a long time, it is not entirely clear what a pure-bred Bolonka Zwetna should actually look like. That’s why today there is also (each slightly different) a Russian and a German breed standard.
The ancestors of today’s Bolonka Zwenta, like those of the pure white Bolonka Franzuska breed, were the Bichons, small long-haired or curly lap dogs that were kept by the ladies of French, Spanish and Italian society as early as the 16th century. In the broadest sense, the descendants of the Bichons or Barbichons include the Maltese, the Havanese, the Bolognese, the Bichon Frisé, and the Petit Chien Lion as well as the Bolonkas. In addition, the Shih Tzu, the Lhasa Apso, and the Pekingese were also very likely involved in the development of the breed. In 1951, Leningrad began selectively breeding the Bolonka Zwetna as its own national dwarf dog breed.
Numbers, Data, Facts
- Country of origin:
- Life expectancy:
- Weight males: > kg
- Weight bitch: > kg
- Males: cm
- Bitches: cm
Use
The Bolonka used to be a pampered and spoiled lap dog. He was constantly combed and coiffed, perfumed, and carried around by most of the owners and their respective servants. Today he is a really great family dog, playmate, and comforter, leisure companion for hiking and sports as well as driving a car, but despite his small size, he is a very robust and resilient dog.
Classification, breed standard & breed standard
The Character & The Essence
The Bolonka Zwetna is a cheerful, very lively, and playful small dog. He learns quickly and is easily steerable and very curious. He is simply the ideal family dog, but also suitable for singles and seniors, fits effortlessly into every household, and adapts to every situation. He wants to be with you everywhere and given his small size, that is of course easier to do than with a very large dog. The Bolonka fits in the bicycle basket as well as in a carrier bag, but it is still quite sporty, loves long walks and races in the park, romping around with fellow dogs and wild games with children. But it can also adapt well to the rather quiet everyday life of an elderly or disabled person. There’s just one thing the Bolonka doesn’t like at all: staying alone.
Dealing with family & children
The Bolonka Zwetna is a very pleasant dog. He shows no aggressiveness and has a high threshold. Nothing fazes him. He is also very cuddly and needs a lot of support. He should come to people who have a lot of time for him and also give him a lot of affection. This dog breed is suitable for smaller apartments, but also for the property with a garden. In addition, the Bolonka is also a perfect beginner dog.
In dealing with strangers
Even if the Bolonka Zwetna is of course not a real guard dog, he already strikes when a stranger approaches his territory. Despite this, he is generally not a barker and is friendly towards strangers.
When dealing with other dogs
The Bolonka is also extremely accommodating towards other dogs. Every foreign dog is extensively sniffed and waved around. The little guy knows fear not, but he is also not a nuisance to other dogs and is not quarrelsome.
When dealing with other pets
The Bolonka Zwetna is just as nice to other pets. In fact, he’s generally an outspoken cat lover. Many owners of such a dog even experience that the animal sleeps with the house cat in a basket or peacefully together on the sofa.
Urge to move
In addition to regular leisurely walks, the Bolonka Zwetna also loves short, quick sprints. Then he suddenly rushes off and can easily keep up with the pace of much larger dogs. But he also likes to lie lazily on the sofa and let himself be petted or take his nap.
The hunting instinct
The Bolonka Zwetna does not have a hunting instinct or herding instinct and it can of course also be safely unleashed in safe terrain. You just have to know that the little bundle of fur sometimes just storms off in a sudden rush and works itself out. Of course, this should never happen on the side of a street or in the city center.