Bolosilk

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6-11 lbs
9-12"
Unknown
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The Bolosilk is not a recognized breed in its own right; instead, it is an intentional cross between two other breeds, a hybrid of the Bolognese and the Silky Terrier breeds. The resulting dog is generally an affectionate and entertaining animal with a higher energy level but moderate exercise requirements due to their small size. They tend to do well in most environments, although their single layer coats may not be enough protection against extreme cold and interactions with small or rough children and larger dogs should be closely monitored. The Bolosilk does require regular grooming to look and feel their best, and as these dogs are quite intelligent, adequate mental stimulation is a must. 
Purpose
Companion
Date of Origin
Unknown
Ancestry
Bolognese, Silky Terrier

Bolosilk Health

Average Size
Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 6-11 lbs
Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 6-11 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Urolithiasis
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Skin Allergies
  • Diabetes
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Liver Ultrasound
  • Blood And Urine Protein Screens
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination

Bolosilk Breed History

The Bolosilk is a newly developed dog, a hybrid of the small white companion dog known as a Bolognese and the small Australian Terrier called the Silky Terrier. The Bolognese breed of dog is a little Bichon variety of dog that can be traced back to at least the 13th century in Italy. The ruling class of the area prized the little white dogs, and they were bred by both the Gonzaga and Medici families. Bolognese puppies were sometimes given as valued gifts to visiting royal families and dignitaries. The breed fell out of favor during the industrial revolution, and many of the little dogs were killed with their royal families during revolutions, but breed fanciers in Europe began an effort to restore the Bolognese breed in the 1970’s, and Bolognese dogs were brought to the United States from Russia for breeding purposes in 1986. The Silky Terrier is a somewhat newer breed than the Bolognese; it wasn’t until the late 1800s that Yorkshire Terriers were imported into Australia in order to cross them with the larger Australian Terrier in an attempt to improve their coat quality. By 1906, the Silky Terrier was breeding true to type, and in 1926 a comprehensive breed standard was able to be set. Originally known as the Sidney Silky, these tiny dogs with long, silky hair are Terriers and they are quite adept at hunting and killing mice, rats, and snakes and can be fearless in their pursuit. The resulting crossbreed is a highly intelligent small dog with a single, silky layer of medium to long hair that typically has an energetic and outgoing temperament.

Bolosilk Breed Appearance

The Bolosilk is a mix of two breeds, the Bolognese and the Silky Terriers, both of which are small dogs with single layer silky coats. Measuring only nine to twelve inches tall, this crossbreed is slightly longer than it is tall and may have either the long, flowing coat of the Silky Terrier, or the shorter, fluffier coat of the Bolognese, or anything in between. Its head shape may tend toward the oval shape of the Bolognese or may lean more towards the wedge shaped head of the Silky Terrier. The muzzle will typically be slightly shorter than the length of the skull, and the dog’s eyes will be dark and round. The ears will be medium-length to long and are likely to hang down, although the Bolosilk dogs that take after the Silky Terrier will have ears that are set higher up on the head than those that resemble the Bolosilk, and they may occasionally stand upright.

Bolosilk Breed Maintenance

This combination of breeds is certain to require regular grooming to keep its coat shiny and healthy. If the Bolosilk in question has a coat that is more reminiscent of the Silky Terrier, it will require more frequent bathing, at least once a month, due to its human hair-like characteristics. If the Bolosilk is a closer match to the Bolognese, then it will only require bathing a few times a year to keep it dirt and odor free. The fur of their coat can occasionally get quite long, and it may be slightly more prone to tangling than some of the other breeds, so they will need regular brushing to remove any mats and tangles that have formed and hopefully to prevent further tangles from occurring.

Bolosilk Temperament

The two breeds are similar in temperament in many ways, but can also differ in a few ways. Both breeds are affectionate, entertaining, and intelligent, but the Silky Terrier is more energetic and independent that the Bolognese. Both breeds tend to get along well with family members of all ages, and your Bolosilk should as well, although interaction with smaller children or with larger dogs should be supervised to avoid injury to your pet. Although the Bolognese is generally quite friendly towards strangers and other dogs, the Silky can be wary of strangers and may react defensively around unknown or larger dogs. In most cases, your properly socialized Bolosilk should be agreeable with most animals although they may take after their Terrier parentage on occasion. Both canines are very attentive to their owners and can be quite adept at obedience and agility training, although they may get bored with repetitive commands and they may have a tendency to chase smaller animals.

Bolosilk Activity Requirements

These dogs can be rather energetic, but much of their energy is easily expended with indoor play. Walks can be brisk, but many Bolosilks may find jogging to be too taxing as most of these dogs measure in at under a foot tall, which means that each of your steps is likely to be several of theirs. These dogs can be rather energetic, but much of their energy is easily expended with indoor play, and several short play sessions are often ideal for these little canines. Although a low key game of indoor fetch or a walk outside is generally welcomed by most dogs, they are not the only option available for the Bolosilk. Many Silky Terriers thoroughly enjoy swimming and are able to do so in a relatively small area, and your Bolosilk may also relish this activity. This hybrid may also enjoy and excel at games of hide-a-treat and at agility training. Along with having exercise and space requirements that are relatively easy to meet, these dogs are usually fairly quiet as long as they are not bored or lonely, and they tend to make excellent apartment dwellers if they are not left alone for long stretches of time. 

Bolosilk Owner Experiences