The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, or Bolonka for short, is a member of the Bichon family that was almost extinct until after the Cold War. It is a small companion dog that is hypoallergenic, funny, clever beyond words and intensely loyal to its family. Some are excellent mimics; others are content to sit by the door and monitor who is allowed in or out. Spirited, yet easy-going and sociable, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is great with children. Although they are quick to alert, they will not be a constant barker with early training on appropriate behavior. They are fairly independent for a toy breed and require early socialization with people. However, Bolonki do get along well with dogs and other animals. Very clever and smart, they do well in formal training such as obedience, rally, tracking and agility when trained with a firm, but gentle, hand.
Top-quality protein is needed for toy breeds like the Bolonka, as they only eat small amounts. However, be aware that too much protein can cause Pancreatitis. Small amounts of meat, eggs, yogurt and cottage cheese are enjoyed. Safe things to chew on will help keep their teeth clean.
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka requires regular brushing and routine care for eyes, ears, teeth and nails. Brush or comb the coat with a wide-tooth comb on a regular basis several times per week to prevent mats from forming. Dogs kept in full coat may need their face, mustaches, and beard washed daily. For show purposes, no other trimming other than the feet is permitted, and the coat on the back should fall naturally and should not be deliberately parted. The eyes and ears should be checked frequently for foreign matter, injury, and irritation. Keeping the eyes clean will help avoid infections. Hair in the eyes can cause irritation leading up to painful corneal scratches and ulcers. Drop ears are prone to infection, particularly after bathing or swimming, so be sure to keep ears clean and dry.
As classic lapdogs, Bolonki enjoy walks and playtime, but do not require a great deal exercise. They can be very energetic and play driven, however, and should have a good romp at least twice per week. In addition to walks, exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks.
More independent than is usual for a toy breed, Bolonki require early socialization with people. However, they are very friendly with children and other animals, though supervision is always a good idea. In addition, Bolonki may like to alert you to everything that is happening around them, so training them to understand when vocalizations are appropriate may be necessary. This breed is very clever and smart and do well in obedience, rally, tracking and agility when trained with a firm, but gentle, hand.
Routine health checks should include eye, patella, and heart examinations. To avoid patella injuries, young dogs should not be encouraged to jump until they are adults. Keeping topknots tied up will help to prevent corneal abrasions to the eyes. Although not found frequently in Bolonki, other health issues known to have appeared in the breed are Liver Shunt, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease and PRA.
