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It is thought that some dogs from the
Bichon group were brought from Egypt to Italy on trading ships.
Some of these may have become excellent traveling companions
with their love for water, ability to entertain, and devotion
to their master. Dogs and puppies may have then been given
as special gifts to establish trade with wealthy merchants
and noblemen.
The “true Bolognese”
we are familiar with comes from Bologna, Italy. The Bolognese
became very popular and was transported into other capitals
of Europe. It is said that, Cosimo de Medici (1389 –
1464), a de facto ruler in Florence during the Renaissance,
bred Bolognese and brought eight dogs to Belgium as gifts
for noblemen. The Duke d'Este gave King Philipe II of Spain
(1556 to 1598) two Bolognese as gifts. The King thanked the
Duke in writing saying “that these two little dogs are
the most royal gifts one can make to an emperor”.
It was not until 1986 that the
Bolognese breed was finally brought to the United States.
Bert and Dorothy Goodale imported a pair of Bolognese from
Denmark and later from Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.
The Goodales were well respected and did much in their lifetime
to establish the Bolognese breed including founding the Bolognese
Club of America. (boloclubofamerica.org) |
