Dorgi vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The 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.

The Dorgi is a designer crossbreed whose origins are not entirely known, however it is a popular breed, being a mix between a Dachshund and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Dorgi itself is new breed and therefore has a short history, but both dogs used to develop the Dorgi – the Dachshund and the Corgi – have their own unique histories.

The Dachshund originated in Germany in the 1500s and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in the United Kingdom centuries ago.

Like 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.

The Dorgi is known for his long body, short legs and the erect ears of the corgi. He is a small dog, measuring roughly 20-30cm in height and weighing in the region of 6 – 12kg.

Many people also refer to him as the sausage dog. The look of your Dorgi can depend quite a bit on whether he looks more like a Corgi or a Dachshund, so for instance the coat can be short and smooth, or thick and coarse.

They can surprise you with their looks, and some are born with long tails while others are born with bobtails. The coat comes in many colors too, from tan to brown to black and white or a mixture of these colors.

Temperament:

The Dorgi is full of the joys of life, just loving all the attention he gets from his human family. Of course, in return for this affection, he offers love, loyalty and plenty of fun and games.

He is an energetic breed too and is always ready to join in any games with the children in the home as well as with cats and dogs living in the home too.

Training and socialization will also be needed for the Dorgi who is intelligent and easy to train. He has wonderful behavior when trained, being obedient and relaxed around visitors to your home.

Social and sweet, this is one little dog who is guaranteed to make a wonderful pet and companion, as he loves human companionship and never wants to be left alone for too long. He is alert too, so while he is small and no real threat to an intruder, he is willing to do what it takes to protect his human family and to bark to alert you.

These 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.

The Dorgi is such a sweet little designer breed of dog that happens to also be low maintenance. Apart from being a little dog full of energy and attitude, he is loving and loyal as a family pet too, being gentle around children and making a splendid pet.

He isn’t going to eat you out of hearth and home either and he is a fairly healthy breed as well.

When you bring a Dorgi into your home, you’re bringing in a whole lot of happiness as he is an awesome family member who wants to be counted in on everything the do.

Like 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.

Because the Dorgi is a hybrid breed, he promises to be quite healthy, but on the other hand, it could be that he inherits some of the common health problems associated with either the Corgi or the Dachshund.

Obesity is always a problem with a small dog, as they’re so sweet, you just want to be popping treats into their mouths all the time. It is important to follow a healthy diet for your pet however if you want to stave off common dog disorders.

Obesity:

An obese dog faces a shorter life expectancy, and some of the major health issues that an obese Dorgi has to contend with is diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and cancer among others. Certainly better, healthier pet food choices can help save you money on vets fees.

Diabetes:

Diabetes in canines is just as serious as in humans and its a glucose-insulin complication where the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin.

Sugars build-up in the blood and these can cause damage to your dog’s eyes, heart and kidneys. You may notice your pet gaining weight, being more thirsty, being tired and having cloudy eyes which could be indicative of cataracts. Take your pet to the vet as insulin shots may be required.

Feeding

Like 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.

Grooming:

Your Dorgi’s coat will be shortish, and shedding is minimal so a good brush twice a week will be perfect for this pet of yours, and he will love the attention you give him while doing so.

Exercise:

He is an active breed so he will require regular exercise. Take him with you on your walks. Even if you have a small garden, he’ll love fetching a ball for you.

Diet:

If you give your Dorgi commercially manufactured dog food, remember to be guided by the feeding recommendations to avoid obesity.

Its always a good idea to add in some raw meat to his diet to keep his nose wet and his skin free from being dry and itchy. You can also add in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken for variety.

Always ensure that a bowl of fresh water is constantly available.