Bolonka Zwetna (Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka)

The Russian Tszvetnaya Bolonka (Bolonka Zwetna) is a distinctive Russian toy breed, which was developed from the French Bolonka and various other miniature breeds. This loving and cheerful dog possesses truly fabulous personality and bonds intensely to its humans. Grooming of its rather long curly coat can be quite time consuming, which is probably the only disadvantage of this breed.

The progenitors of the modern Russian Tszvetnaya Bolonka arrived to the Russian Empire with Napoleon’s troops and were referred as «French Bolonka». After Napoleon was forced out from Russian territories several specimens of the breed were left behind and served as the foundation for the development of the Bolonka Zwetna. Despite the fact that the early version of this breed had already existed in the XIX century its systematic breeding and selection was initiated only after the Second World War.

The post-war years were marked with revived interest to new breeds, including non-sporting and toy dogs. Nonetheless during the Stalin era it was barely possible to develop any dog’s variety of non-working purpose. Once Khrushchev took over the reins in the 60s of XX century this kind of restriction was slightly loosened and the demand for exclusively companion breeds grew.

The present-day Russian Tszvetnaya Bolonka appeared as the result of mixing the French Bolognese with such foreign breeds as the Lhasa-Apso, the Toy Poodle, the Shi Tzu, the Pekingese as well as local small fluffy non-pedigreed dogs. Thanks to its compactness and easy-going nature the breed soon acquired numerous fanciers among city dwellers. Moreover it was considerably less fragile than other toy dogs and possessed well-developed territorial instinct. Despite its guarding talents currently this breed is kept exclusively for companionship in its homeland.

The Bolonka Zwetna became firmly established in the United States only 2002 although some of its specimens were imported in this country in previous decades. However the breed still has a long way to go towards AKC’s (American Kennel Club) recognition. Today it is an active participant of the Rare Breed Circuit’s events and it’s officially recognised by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) and Rarities. Nevertheless its population remains fairly limited outside its native Russia.

The Russian Tszvetnaya Bolonka was specifically developed as a companion dog and has all characteristics to becoma an ideal pet. It is prised for its sociable, easy-going and affectionate temperament as long as for its endless devotion to all family members. Be prepared that this dog will virtually shower you with its love and attention. It’s not as overly fragile as other toy breeds so it will be an excellent four-legged friend for a considerate child. At the same time its specimens will avoid extremely 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 socialisation 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. Naturally this friendly dog 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.

This breed was created to live a small city apartment alongside with other species of family pets. That’s why in most cases it will get on well with a household cat if they have been introduced to each other with proper caution. This dog will be grateful to have one or several canine companions preferably of similar size and temperament. Although the Bolonka Zwetna has few issues with strange dogs it should always wear a leash while being walked. It will provide necessary protection against aggressive stray dogs.

The most common problems for the breed include:

• patellar luxation;
• canine hip dysplasia;
• liver shunt;
• heart diseases;
• eyes problems.

The Russian Tszvetnaya Bolonka has rather extensive grooming requirements. Its lavish curly or wavy coat should be carefully combed several times a week to prevent any tangles and mats from developing. This breed needs monthly bathing, which should be performed with mild dog’s shampoo and conditioner. After its coat dries a bit it should be gently combed with a wide-tooth comb.

The rest includes such common care practices as nail clipping, teeth brushing and ear cleaning. It’s important to regularly trim excessive hair between the pads of the dog’s feet as well as in the area around its nails. This operation should be done with a round-tipped pair of scissors. Bolonka Zwetna sheds little to nothing so this breed can be ascribed to the hyper-allergic one.

The Russian Tszvetnaya Bolonka is a highly intelligent little dog, which demands reasonable investment of time and efforts in its training. It’s notable with well-developed willingness to please and natural curiosity.

In order to avoid any issues with obedience the handler should be viewed by this breed as a strong and confident pack leader. The training regimen should be based solely on food rewards and encouraging words because forceful methods are truly irrelevant with this obedient and good-tempered dog.

As majority of toy breeds the Russian Tszvetnaya Bolonka is rather unpretentious as far as it concerns its physical activity. It will be fully content with a daily long and vigorous walk although it will be happy to have an occasional chance to explore in a safely fenced territory.

However in most cases active indoor games will be fairly sufficient to satisfy this breeds’ exercise needs. Being a lap dog to its core the Bolonka Zwetna can nonetheless suffer from the lack of physical stimulation, which will be expressed in various behavioural problems including hyper activity, excessive barking and disobedience.