HISTORY OF THE  TSVETNAYA BOLONKA  

Historically, Russia was never known for toy breeds of dogs.  The reason for this is primarily  because of the older  Russian  attitudes of utilitarianism where the merchants and farmers would never keep an animal that was not a "working dog" of some kind. The Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a new breed of Toy Dog discovered after the Iron Curtain fell but can possibly be dated back to the early 18th century. A small sized Maltese type dog from the courts of Louis IV  were presented to Russian nobility as gifts . A curly coated breed evolved similar to the present day  Bichon Frise except it is very small and became known  as Fransuka.The ancestors of today's Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka migrated to the Russian Empire with Napoleon's army and were known as French Bolonka.  After Napoleon's army retreated, a few of the breed left and became the foundation stock of the future French Bolonkas. Their wonderful temperament is what distinguishes them from most other toy breeds. They are very easy going, not easily excitable making them a wonderful companion for children as well as senior citizens.  They live amicably with animals exhibiting little aggression unless they are first agressed against.  They are quite social animals bonding hard and fast to their humans and are quick to alert to a stranger approaching.After  World War II, there was a surge of interest in new breeds of dogs,  which expanded to include the non-sporting and toy breeds. During the Soviet regime it was almost impossible to import dogs from other countries.  Gradually, the new breeds of dogs were developed by selection from already existing breeds.  Whenever there was a hobby-breeder in any one particular town who was interested in selection, new populations of dogs were created.  This is how the Russian toy breeds came into existence.Today, Russian Toy Breeds include the Russian Toy Terrier, both smooth and long-coated(also known as the Moscow long-haired toy-terrier) and the Tsvetnaya Bolonka.  The standards for these breeds were confirmed by RKF in the summer of 1997.  At one time, the Russian Bolonka (also known as French Bolonka or Franszuskaya Bolonka), was also considered a Russian breed, but as of July 6, 1997 it is considered an Italian Bolognese.Tsvetnaya Bolnka weighs up to 1.54kg, with its height of 20-25cm.  Since this is the newest Russian breed, there are still many questions regarding not just the conformation but the typical temperament as well.  These dogs are quite social and become very attached to humans.  While every dog is an individual, yet there are common typical traits such as loyalty, sociability and dependence from humans.They are not dog aggressive and  are amazingly easy going when living with other breeds of dogs, cats and even guinea pigs.  Because the breed is so young, there is limited uniformity.  Even littermates can vary in body type, coat length, texture and color and other traits. Tsvetnaya Bolonkas are close to square.  Their coat is long, shiny and wavy with big curls with rich undercoat.  The coat should not be too soft or too long like a Yorkshire Terrier.  The ears are down, tightly attached to the head or slightly protruding, but not too short or too long. The tail set is very important  it should be completely over the back with its tip touching the back.  The hair on the head and muzzle should be the same as all Bolognese.Tsvetnaya Bolonka is fairly big boned compared to other toy breeds.  Because of its wide chest and rounded rib cage, its weight is two times more than the weight of a Yorkshire Terrier of the same height.  These dogs are known for robust health but they require extra care because of their coat, eyes and ears.  Daily brushings of the beard and the mustache, ears and the tail are recommended.Show grooming includes bathing, and  with minimal blow drying so that the breed characteristic curls may reform.  The hair should be lifted off the eyes with a bow or a rubber band.

GENERAL APPEARANCE Small, sturdy, balanced  dog, slightly longer than tall at withers. The breed appears disheveled due to the profuse hair.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS* Length of body slightly longer than height at withers, closer to square rather than long rectangle.  Muzzle a little shorter than skull.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT * Even-tempered, lively,  friendly.
HEAD* In proportion with the dog, of medium size.
CRANIAL REGION
Skull* Moderately broad, slightly rounded.
Stop * Pronounced

 

FACIAL REGION   Nose * Not protruding. Black or in harmony with the   different colors of coat.
Muzzle* Lean, straight, a little shorter than the skull, slightly tapering to the nose.
Lips * Tight.
Jaws/Teeth * A scissor bite is desirable. Level bite is accepted. Slight undershot is tolerated.
Eyes* Of medium size, roundish, dark brown or hazel colored, set a little bit obliquely. Eyelids are thin, lean, tight,  eye rims black or in harmony with the different colors of coat.
Ears* Small, set on high, carried drooping or folded; the tips of the ears are close to the skull.
NECK * Of medium length, lean, carried high.

 

BODY  Compact.
Withers * Moderately developed.
Back* Straight, strong, broad, well muscled.
Loins* Short, slightly arched.
Croup* Broad, a little bit slanting.
Chest* Deep, moderately broad, oval shaped.
Belly* Slightly tucked up.
TAIL* Of medium length, high-set, carried gaily with curve over back or to either side.

LIMBS FOREQUARTERS Seen from front, the front legs are straight, vertical and parallel, in good proportion and of good   length in relation to the body.
Shoulders* The angle at the shoulders joint varies between 90° and 110°.
Elbows * Turned neither in nor out.
Pasterns * Strong, almost upright.

HINDQUARTERS  Seen from the back, the hind legs are straight and parallel, set a little bit wider than the forequarters. Angulation of the rear limb must be such as to produce a level back.
FEET** Small, arched, tight, slightly oval shaped.
GAIT - MOVEMENT * Light, free.

COAT    HAIR: Dense, thick, profuse, silky, soft and supple, forming large curls or very wavy. Large curls are preferred. Undercoat well developed. Not forming a parting in the back. Head has well developed beard and moustaches.
COLOR* Any colors overall except white: black, black and tan, brown, brown and tan, grey (wolf, silver), red,  fawn, cream, saddle, brindle. A little white on the fore chest and/or the toes is tolerated.
SIZE* Desirable height at withers 24-26 cm (9.5 inches-10.5 inches .

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS Overshot.
Highly pronounced undershot.
White markings more 20% of surface overall.
Lack of beard and moustaches.
Tailless, short tail.
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.