Bolognese

Exercise by Age

1. Puppy (under 1 year)

   5 min per month of age, twice a day

   Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.

2. Adult (1-11 years)

   8,500 steps

   Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.

3. Senior (11+ years)

   6,000–6,800 steps

   Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.

Exercise Needs

A moderately active breed that needs 45-60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy.

About the Bolognese

The Bolognese is a small and playful breed of dog that was originally bred in Italy as a companion dog. They are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal, and make excellent family pets.

Facts about the Bolognese

• Exercise

  Small body, big personality — 20–30 min walk plus indoor play covers toy breeds without overexertion.

  AKC

• Behavior

  Toy breeds need socialization early or they can become reactive to larger dogs. Puppy classes help.

  VCA

• Health

  Dental disease is the #1 toy-breed health issue — tooth-cleaning routine from puppy age is essential.

  VCA

• Training

  Don’t skip training thinking they’re “too small” — toy breeds need boundaries as much as any dog.

  The Kennel Club UK

• Did You Know

  Many toy breeds have ancient companion roots — Pekingese were Chinese imperial dogs for over 2000 years.

  AKC

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a Bolognese need?

A Bolognese needs about 8,500 steps a day. A moderately active breed that needs 45-60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy.

How big does a Bolognese get?

Adult Bologneses typically weigh 4–7 kg and stand 23–30 cm at the shoulder.

How long do Bologneses live?

A Bolognese usually lives 12–14 years.