Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a charming toy breed of the bichon type, with a rich cultural – though somewhat ambiguous – background. Originally bred as lapdogs for Russian nobility in Moscow and St. Petersburg, these small, affectionate companions were developed to thrive in urban settings, particularly in the small apartments of Soviet-era Russia.

They are friendly dogs, lively and great with children too. Their long, non-shedding coat also makes them a great companion dog for people that suffer from allergies.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is recognized by various international kennel clubs, including the Nordic Kennel Union (NKU) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the Miscellaneous Class. They are not currently recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) though.

Poor record keeping and the lack of a national club since the collapse of the Soviet Union are suggested reasons for this. But then the Russian Kynological Federation are working with the FCI for other breeds such as the Moscow Watchdog, so the exact reasons for their exclusion remain unclear. 

History and Origin of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The history of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is clear enough, but the origins of when these dogs became a recognized breed of their own are a bit more obscure. We know that the original Tsvetnaya Bolonkas date back to the 18th Century. Initially bred as gifts for Russian nobility, these small dogs soon became popular as companions in aristocratic circles. Their ancestors had been imported to Russia, first from gift dogs received from the French King Louis XIV, and later from the conquests of Napoleon. 

When the Aristocracy crumbled and the Soviet era came to be, the importation of dogs, particularly those of the non working type became meaningless. The environment was harsh and the Soviet focus was on breeding hard working, large breeds that could fulfil a useful role. With the devastation of the World Wars, this focus was only strengthened as working dog stocks had been decimated.

Breeding did continue, but it was restricted to the efforts of a few civilian breeders. The aim was to breed a companion dog well-suited for apartment living. With virtually no importing of foreign, small dogs, efforts continued by using stock already within the Soviet Union, particularly the old aristocratic capitals of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The breed’s lineage includes contributions from small dog breeds such as the Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frisé, French Bolognese, and Toy Poodle.

The AKC suggests that it was only as late as the 1950’s that a stable and uniform population of these dogs started to be established, and thus it was here that the breed can claim it’s origins. Until this time, breeding had often resulted in very different shapes, sizes and quality of offspring, and record keeping was notoriously poor.

Russia started to recognize the dog as a native breed at this time, but exportation was very strict, only relaxing into the 1970’s and 80’s. They have become a much more popular breed globally, since the collapse of the Soviet Union., leading to its recognition by various kennel clubs.

Quick Facts About The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

• Affectionate and Loyal – The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka forms deep bonds with its family, showing affection and loyalty that make them exceptional companions.

• Adaptable and Apartment-Friendly – Bred for urban living, Bolonka are perfectly suited to apartment life, thriving in small spaces with their moderate exercise needs.

• Non-Shedding Coat – Their long, wavy or curly, non-shedding coat is ideal for people with allergies, requiring regular grooming to maintain its beauty.

• Intelligent and Trainable – These dogs are quick learners, responding well to positive reinforcement and making training sessions enjoyable and effective.

• Playful and Friendly – Bolonka are sociable and playful, getting along well with children and other pets, making them great family dogs.

Characteristics Of The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is often compared to other small companion breeds like the Bichon Frisé and Havanese. It’s no surprise as they are indeed a toy breed of the bichon type, and likely have a shared ancestry. But while it shares similarities with these breeds, the Tsvetnaya Bolonka has unique traits and care needs, which we’ll explore in detail later.

In its native Russia, the breed is known by several names. The most recognized name is the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, which translates to ‘Russian Colored Lapdog.’ Sometimes this is just shortened to Russian Lapdog, but they are the same breed. Other names you might hear include Bolonka Zwetna and Franzuskaya Bolonka, and while similar, these are actually the German or French Lapdogs respectively. The French variety are always white.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Puppies

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka puppies usually come in quite small litters of three to four, but up to six. After the first few crucial weeks with their mother and siblings learning essential behaviors, they are ready to be rehomed. Usually around 8 to 10 weeks. Socializing beyond their family unit is best started as early as possible.

For those interested in adding a Tsvetnaya Bolonka to their family, the cost can vary significantly. In the United States, prices typically range from $1500 to $3000, depending on the line and demand. In Europe, prices generally range from €1,000 to €2,000 and in the UK where they are still very rare, prices are commonly over £2000.

Puppies here are usually registered with the Irish Kennel Club, as they are yet to be recognized by the UK’s Kennel Club (KC). Due to their rising popularity and relatively rare status outside Russia, prospective owners should expect a significant wait when registering their interest for a puppy with a breeder.

Appearance

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka has a small but sturdy build, typical of a toy breed, with an incredibly charming appearance. Typically standing between 7-10 inches tall and weighing 4-11 pounds, with males slightly larger than females as illustrated in the table below. The AKC advise in their breed standard, that any of these dogs over 11 inches tall does not meet the standard. They are well-proportioned, with a square body that is slightly longer than it is tall to the withers (shoulders).

The Bolonka’s face is expressive and endearing, with dark, round eyes and medium-length, floppy ears frame their face beautifully. One of the most distinctive features is its coat, which is long, wavy, or curly and non-shedding. The tail is bushy and gracefully curls over its back, enhancing its overall playful and elegant look.

In addition to their charming facial features and luxurious coat, Bolonka have strong, straight legs that support their agile movements, and compact, well-padded feet that contribute to their overall sturdy structure.

Coat

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka’s coat is one of its most distinctive features. It is long, preferably curly but sometimes wavy and non-shedding. The latter makes them a good choice for people with allergies. The undercoat should be soft and well developed too. Regular grooming is required to prevent matting and maintain its lush and fluffy appearance.

Color

There are 17 colors registered with the AKC, of which 9 are considered to be of the breed standard. These 9 standard colors are:

• Sable
• Black
• Brown
• Red
• Gray
• Wolfgray
• Fawn
• Cream
• Silver

The remaining colors that have a registration code are:

• Red Sable
• Golden
• Black and Tan
• Red, Black Overlay
• Brown, Black Overlay
• Grizzle
• Black Brindle
• Blue

Although these are all the colors with a registration code, the AKC standard does state that ‘All colors are permitted except solid white, spotted, parti-color or merle.‘

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka can also have several types of marking, including a black mask, tan points, or tan, silver or fawn markings. Spotted markings are not permissible.

Temperament

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is known for its affectionate and friendly temperament. They are very sociable and approachable dogs, that love nothing more than human companionship. They were intentionally bred to be companion dogs, so you should expect them to be even tempered, confident and friendly with everyone.

They enjoy being involved in family activities or just spending time next to you on the sofa, and form strong bonds with all members of the household. They are particularly good with children and other pets. Their size helps when it comes to younger children too. Tsvetnaya Bolonka will seek out opportunities to engage in games and interact with their loved ones.

Despite their social nature, they can be initially reserved around strangers but quickly warm up once they feel comfortable.  Proper training is essential to prevent them from becoming overly territorial or snappy, but they are not normally a ‘nippy’ breed, really only barking to alert.

Lifespan

Some sources suggest the life expectancy could be as low as 12 to 16 years, whereas the AKC advise they can live between 14 to 20 years. This would make them one of the longest lived breeds that I’ve certainly come across.

Known Health Issues

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Here are the most prevalent that any prospective owner should be aware of:

Patellar Luxation – This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position, which can cause discomfort and mobility issues.

• Treatment: Mild cases can often be managed with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require surgical intervention to realign the kneecap.

Hip Dysplasia – This is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis or lameness.

• Treatment: Management includes lifestyle modifications such as weight control and controlled exercise, along with anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgical options like hip replacement may be necessary.

Liver Shunts – These are abnormal blood vessels that bypass the liver, leading to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream.

• Treatment: Options include a specialized diet and medications to manage symptoms. In some cases, surgery is required to correct the shunt and restore normal liver function.

Hypothyroidism – This occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like lethargy, weight gain, and skin issues.

• Treatment: This condition is typically managed with daily thyroid hormone replacement medications and regular blood tests to monitor hormone levels.

Hyperthyroidism – Although less common, hyperthyroidism can occur when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite and hyperactivity.

• Treatment: Treatment usually involves medication to reduce thyroid hormone levels and in some cases, surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland.

Daily Life

Food and Diet

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, being a small breed, has specific dietary needs to maintain its health and energy levels. As a general guideline, an adult Bolonka requires about ½ to 1 cup of premium dry kibble per day, divided into two meals. Opt for high-quality kibble rich in protein and fats, as these nutrients are essential for their overall well-being. They also support the dogs playful and active nature.

It’s important to choose kibble with high nutritional value and minimal fillers, as fillers can contribute to obesity and other health issues. Look for dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient and includes wholesome grains and vegetables. Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as these can negatively impact your Bolonka’s health.

For puppies, their nutritional needs are higher due to their rapid growth and high energy levels. Feeding them three to four smaller meals per day is recommended to support their developmental needs. This frequent feeding schedule helps ensure steady growth and plenty energy for their play.

As Bolonka age, their activity levels and metabolic rates may decrease, requiring adjustments to their diet. For senior dogs or less active Bolonka, consider reducing the portion size and opting for a senior-specific formula that is lower in calories but still rich in essential nutrients.

Always ensure fresh water is available to keep your Bolonka hydrated, especially if they are primarily on a dry kibble diet.

Exercise

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, while small in size, benefits greatly from regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and playtime in a secure area are ideal. They enjoy interactive games like fetch and short, playful bursts of activity that help them burn off energy. Due to their compact size, 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise each day is typically sufficient. Say, two walks, morning and early evening should suffice, especially if they have a yard to play in too. They also adapt well to indoor activities, making them suitable for apartment living as long as they get their daily walks or runs.

For mental exercise, the Tsvetnaya Bolonka will love a good puzzle toy, but obedience training or interactive games like hide-and-seek are also a great way to keep their minds engaged. Keep an eye on their energy levels and provide them with ample opportunities to rest. They are always keen to take part in whatever you are doing, but they are small and don’t have the natural endurance of larger, working breeds.

Family Compatability

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka are great family pets. They get along great with children and other pets when properly socialized, making them a versatile addition to any household. They are affectionate dogs, and love to be included in family activitie. Especially when they are on the receiving end of plenty of attention. Their small size also makes them particularly suited to apartment living. This is after all, what the breed was originally designed for. 

They are a great breed for apartment and city living, but they do need regular interaction and should not be left alone for extended periods. As with lots of other breeds they can develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors, particularly if they are the only pet in the house. Bolonka are best suited for homes where someone is usually around to provide companionship and engage them in activities. Their friendly, playful nature and strong bonds with their human companions make them cherished members of any family.

Training & Socializing

Training a Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka can be both rewarding and challenging due to their intelligence and occasional stubbornness. They are very trainable, but they have an independent nature, quite unusual for their type, and they need early socialization training to work on this. 

Positive reinforcement methods work best and they need a firm but gentle hand. You might not think by their personality, but they perform pretty well in obedience, tracking and agility training, to a competitive level.

Proper socialization should start as soon as you take ownership of a pup. It’s particularly important with this breed, in helping them learn when its appropriate to bark and when its not. They can be a very vocal breed otherwise. It also ensures they grow up to be affectionate and sociable, enjoying the company of people and pets alike. This early investment in training and socialization will result in a happy, well-adjusted companion.

Grooming

While they are a hypoallergenic breed, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka does need very regular grooming to keep their coat in good order. Brushing at least three to four times per week with a comb is good, but you might also need to trim the hair round their face on occasion too. It’s really important to do this round their eyes in particular, as similarly to other small breeds like Shih-Tsu and Chihuahua they can get hair in their eyes causing scratches and painful ulcers. It’s not nice when this happens so don’t be afraid to trim, or get friendly with a groomer if you don’t have the confidence at first. 

Check the ears regularly too, cleaning out as and when required. Occasional baths will suffice and nails should be no problem to clip when required. The frequency of this will depend how active your dog is. 

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a delightful toy breed, and it’s quite attractive too. They typically have a very friendly and affectionate nature, with plenty of intelligence and an eagerness to please. As a companion breed, they are great dogs for  families, singles and seniors in most type of home, especially those living in apartments. With proper care, training and grooming, the long-lived Bolonka can provide many years of joy and companionship.

Related post: Dog breeds that begin with the letter T