Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a companion dog created in the former Soviet Union after the Second World War. According to the AKC standard, enthusiasts in Leningrad developed it from small silky-coated dogs without pedigrees, aiming for an ideal apartment companion, and introduced breeds such as the Maltese, Shih Tzu and Bolognese to improve the coat. The first breed standard was approved in 1966. The Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) maintains the breed standard in its country of origin, but the FCI does not recognise the breed. The AKC has recorded it in its Foundation Stock Service since 2015 and has published an official standard. The coat is long, dense and soft, in large curls or strong waves, with a beard and moustache. Any colour is allowed except solid white, spotted/parti-colour and merle, with small white markings on the chest and toes tolerated. It is cheerful and affectionate and friendly to people and other animals. The US breed club requires patella, eye and cardiac evaluations and a DNA test for PRA in breeding stock, and the AKC advises not letting puppies jump from heights. A small number of breeders produce it in Japan and it is rarely available.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka lives 14-20 years.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka grows to Height up to 26cm / Weight 3-4kg.

The RKF standard gives a desired height of up to 26cm (over 28cm disqualifies) and a weight of 3-4kg.