Schipperke vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison

Schipperke vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed ComparisonBichon Bolognese is originated from Spain but Schipperke is originated from Belgium. Bichon Bolognese may grow 29 cm / 11 inches shorter than Schipperke. Bichon Bolognese may weigh 21 kg / 47 pounds more than Schipperke. Both Bichon Bolognese and Schipperke has same life span. Both Bichon Bolognese and Schipperke has almost same litter size. Both Bichon Bolognese and Schipperke requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Companion dog
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Spain
Belgium
Height Male:
3 - 4 cm
1 - 2 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
2 - 3 cm
0 - 2 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 30 kg
59 - 67 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 28 kg
55 - 62 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
2 - 7
Size:
Toy
Small
Other Names:
the Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bolognese, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo
Spitzke
Colors Available:
white
Solid colors - chocolate to apricot to black.
Coat:
the Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bolognese, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo
Shortish and thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

bichon bologneseThe Bichon Bolognese is one of 4 types of Bichon breeds the others being the Havense, the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. The Lowchen and the Coton de Tulear are also listed in this grouping at times. The Bolognese was developed in Italy and is a small, companion animal. They are named after the city of Bologna in Northern Italy. The Bichon Bolognese is considered a toy dog and are considered an ancient breed that lived with Italian nobility. Their precise ancestry is not known and the Maltese is considered its closest relative. They have been known to exist since at least 1200.

The Bichon Bolognese is found in many works of art throughout the centuries. They were the favorite of many an Italian artist since the 17th century including Titian, Watteau, Gosse and Goya. They were known to be owned by Duke Frederico Gonzaga, Madame De Pompadour, Catherine the Great of Russia and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Cosimo de Medici gave eight Bolognese to Belgian noblemen. The Duke d’Este was given two as a gift.

Of all the Bichon group – the Bolognese is the hardest to find and the best problem solver. They read body language amazingly well, stick with their owners and are attentive and devoted. Liz Stannard brought them to England in 1990 and they were entered in the breed registry that same year and joined the show ring cycle in 2001. By 2002 they were shown at Crufts, England’s International Dog Show.

schipperkeThe Schipperke is a small dog which hails from Belguim and where he is known as a Spitz.

There are however different theories regarding the Schipperke’s origin. It was however during the late 1800s, that Belgian Schipperke fanciers set a standard for the breed.

It was in 1888 that the first Schipperke was imported to the United States and a specialty club for the breed founded in 1905.

Description

bichon bolognese puppy - descriptionLike the other members of the Bichon group, the Bolognese is a compact, little white dog. It is considered a member of the toy group and is stocky in its build. It is a muscled, square dog of medium length with an ovoid skull and large, square, black muzzle. The jaw is well developed, and they have black lips, black nose and black eyelids. They have a straight muzzle with a strong, aligned bite and its eyes are round and wide. They have long, high set ears that hang down to a rigid base. The coat is white, long and shorter only at the muzzle. The coat is fluffy but not fringed.

schipperke puppy - descriptionThis little Belgian dog stands at between 25 and 33cm in height and weighs between 3 and 9kg.

The double coat of the dog is fairly short, but thick and it comes in a range of colors, but always solid, from chocolate to apricot to black.

A typical characteristic of his is the longer-haired ruff around his neck. He also has this longer hair around the hind legs. He has sharp, erect ears and the tail is a natural bobtail or long. Most people choose to have the tail docked.

Temperament:

These little dogs are no pushover. He is stubborn, strong-willed and confident. They are lively, intelligent, curious and energetic and will require plenty of exercise.

Small though he is, he will certainly need training and socialization, otherwise he just goes his own way. Training him will ensure he is obedient and not so strong-willed. They get on well with children, but they tend to be aggressive with other dogs that they haven’t grown up with.

Bring him up the right way and he makes a splendid pet.

Characteristics

bichon bolognese dog - characteristicsThese little white dogs with the shaggy hair are intelligent, loving, playful, loyal, and happy to do whatever you ask them to. They are more reserved than their relative the Bichon Frise. They are great at obedience training and seem to love it. They learn quickly and love to please you, yet they can also be very stubborn. Like the Bichon Frise, they are difficult to housebreak. They need to be with their people who they will develop bad habits and a bad attitude. They are bred to be companion dogs. If socialized when young they are great with strangers after you have indicated that the strangers are ok. They are barking watchdogs but not continuous barkers. They get along with other dogs but are ok by themselves as well. They do get separation anxiety when their people are gone for extended periods of time. They can be very serious and docile, but they love to be with people. They are very loyal and very bonded to their family.

Be sure you are the pack leader as they can acquire Small Dog Syndrome. With this syndrome the dog comes to believe he is the alpha and the humans are his pack. This causes many kinds of problems with behavior including howling when not getting attention, their separation anxiety and destructiveness can also come from this.

schipperke dog - characteristicsWith his bright little face, the Schipperke dog is a surprising dog, being fearless, confident, protective and devoted – everything people looking for in an excellent pet want.

His small size makes him able to slot into life in the city or the countryside. He is also looked upon as low maintenance. Add to this the fact that he is intelligent too. He is a feisty dog, and that’s why we say he is surprising because while he can be your sweet companion dog, he can turn into a robust, feisty, daring little panther. He’s got everything going for him to make you a splendid pet.

Health Problems

bichon bolognese puppies - health problemsLike others in the Bichon group, they have moving kneecaps (luxating patella’s). They also have some eye conditions. They should be tested for any genetic issues, although the breed is a very healthy one and they do not usually have major health issues.

schipperke puppies - health problemsThe Schipperke has no real health problems that he specifically gets, and he can live to be 13 years or older.

Over-feeding, bad food choices and lack of exercise are going to shorten the lifespan of this dog. Some dog illnesses to be aware of with the Schipperke is cancer, bloat, epilepsy, dental problems and luxating patella.

Luxating Patella:

This is a condition where the knee cap of the dog moves out of its natural position. The patella moving out of the normal groove of the thigh bone can be because of genetic or traumatic reasons.

The symptoms of luxating patella include limping, skipping along as well as an abnormal sitting posture. Arthritis can also set in. Strangely, many small dogs live all their lives with luxating patella and they live like that free of pain. However for many other dogs it can mean pain and it can require surgery.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bichon bolognese dogs - caringLike other toy breeds do not overfeed the Bolognese. Feed them ¼ of a cup of high quality dry food once a day. Treats are often used for training just be judicious with them.

Health issues

They are very healthy with a propensity toward: Moving kneecaps (Luxating patella)

Hip Dysplasia

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – This causes the thigh bones to shrink due to a loss of blood supply. It can be repaired surgically.

Periodontal Disease due to their small mouth size.

Exercise and games

They need to walk everyday but they can be couch potatoes. One long 20-minute walk will do or a couple 10-minute walks.

While Bolognese are perfectly happy to lounge around the house, they should also have a daily walk.[7] A suitable walk would be around 20–25 minute a couple of times a day or substitute 10-minute walks a few times a day. They love to play off-lead, whether its in the house or in a fenced in yard or dog park.

Diet:

schipperke dogs - caringDry kibble is always a good choice for dogs as its helps to keep the dog’s teeth clean. You want to make sure you buy one of the best quality foods, full of minerals and vitamins as opposed to fillers, colorants and preservatives. The food you give your Schipperke can have a huge impact on his health.

Your puppy will require 4 meals a day but later this becomes 2 bowls of food. To add some variety to your pet’s diet, feed him some home made food occasionally which can be added to his dry kibble twice a week.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your Schipperke.

Try and include some raw meat into the diet as this can help in fighting off horrible skin diseases. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

General care:

Ensure regular vet checks for your dog, particularly when he is showing signs of being sick.

Check your pet for ticks and fleas. Parasites can be very bad for your pet’s health. Your dog will need all his vaccines to stave off deadly canine illnesses.

Brush your Schipperke twice a week to make sure you get rid of loose hairs. A Schipperke doesn’t shed a lot.

Keep his nails trimmed. If you are unsure on how to do this, professional groomers can do this for you.

Ears and eyes should also be checked.

He’s an energetic little dog so make sure that he gets lot of excellent forms of exercise from walking to hikes to ball games, frisbee – you name it, you won’t tire him out easily.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Bichon Bolognese vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bichon Bolognese vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bichon Bolognese vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bichon Bolognese vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bichon Bolognese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bichon Bolognese vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bichon Bolognese vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bichon Bolognese vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bichon Bolognese vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bichon Bolognese vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bichon Bolognese vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bichon Bolognese vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bichon Bolognese vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bichon Bolognese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bichon Bolognese vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bichon Bolognese vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bichon Bolognese vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bichon Bolognese vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bichon Bolognese vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bichon Bolognese vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bichon Bolognese vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bichon Bolognese vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison