History of the Bolognese
This antique breed finds it origin in Bologna, Italy. But it is uncertaion how iexactly it al started. What we do know is that in ancient times, 400 years B.C., the Bichon was already known. Some Greek and Roman writers wrote about this small dog. Plinius called it: ‘Catulus Melitaeus’. Tombstones and vases with a small white dog and description ‘Melitae’ were found. Long time ago Melitae was the name for the island Malta.
Origin
There was an ancient breed called: ”Barbet”, which means ”with a beard”. The diminitive is Barbichon, which will actually lead to the breed Bichon. It was in 1860 that the Bolognese was recognized as a different breed within the Bichon group. Until then it existed as a variety of the Maltese, the only difference being the curled fur instead of the silky straight hair the Maltese have.
World Travelers
An other piece of history we know is that the Bolognese were used as rat killers on ships. This probably enabled them to spread around the world. Something must have changed their position because in the renaissance they became very valuable. They were given as presents to many rich people. We know that Cosimo de Medici (1349-1464) brought eight Bolognese to Brussels as a gift to Belgian noblemen. The Duke d’Este gave Philipe II (1527-1598), King of Spain, two Bolognese as a present. Philipe II thanked him by saying: ”These two little dogs are the most royal gifts one can make to an emperor”.
The Start
In the Netherlands, the breed can be traced back to the first registered dogs in 1955 from kennel „vom Markussee“
Imported as bolognese from France to Germany, Bremen in 1955 to Tilly Machatius.
Female „Dodine de Steren Vor“ bred by Abadie and the male „ Degourdi de la Valmasque“ bred by Schlumberger. They had 3 litters. 18-01-1956, 03-10-1956 and one in 1960 with the new owner at “Vom Lindenhaus” kennel. In 1963 the German kennelclub changed the registration of offspring from these dogs to “Bichon Frisé.
Dutch Influences
Some breeders in The Netherlands and Belgium that helped develop and preserve the breed were the Kennels Tabula Rasa, Van ‘t Lierenhof, Van de Flevomare, Van het Vogelpark, de Chaponay and A Maiden Effort. The bolognese nowadays are, in general, a bit smaller in body with a more sweet looking face.
Our Little White Wonder kennel is registered with FCI since 2005.
