Bolognese (dog breed)

A calm, faithful little Italian relative of the Bichon, the Bolognese weighs about 3 to 4 kg and is content to potter beside you and then settle at your feet. A small UK study found a median lifespan of almost 15 years. Its woolly single coat sheds little but needs brushing a few times a week. The catch is rarity: outside Italy you may wait a long time for a well-bred puppy, so contact breed clubs early.