Bichon Bolognese vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Bichon Bolognese vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonAmerican Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States but Bichon Bolognese is originated from Spain. American Cocker Spaniel may grow 36 cm / 15 inches higher than Bichon Bolognese. American Cocker Spaniel may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Bichon Bolognese. Both American Cocker Spaniel and Bichon Bolognese has same life span. Both American Cocker Spaniel and Bichon Bolognese has almost same litter size. American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance. But Bichon Bolognese requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Toy dog
undefined
United States
Spain
Height Male:
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
3 - 4 cm
1 - 2 inches
Height Female:
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
2 - 3 cm
0 - 2 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
27 - 30 kg
59 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
25 - 28 kg
55 - 62 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
the Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bolognese, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo
Colors Available:
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
white
Coat:
Long, fine, shiney
the Bolognese Toy Dog, the Bolognese, Bolo, the Botoli, the Bottolo
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american cocker spanielDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

bichon bologneseThe 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.

Description

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

bichon bolognese puppy - descriptionLike 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.

Characteristics

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

bichon bolognese dog - characteristicsThese 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.

Health Problems

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

bichon bolognese puppies - health problemsLike 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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

Feeding

bichon bolognese dogs - caringLike 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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Cocker Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. American Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. American Cocker Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Cocker Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Cocker Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Cocker Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Cocker Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Cocker Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Cocker Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Cocker Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Cocker Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Cocker Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Cocker Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Cocker Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Cocker Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Cocker Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Cocker Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Cocker Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. American Cocker Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. American Cocker Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. American Cocker Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. American Cocker Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. American Cocker Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. American Cocker Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Bichon Bolognese vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bichon Bolognese vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bichon Bolognese vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bichon Bolognese vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bichon Bolognese vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bichon Bolognese vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bichon Bolognese vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bichon Bolognese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bichon Bolognese vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bichon Bolognese vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bichon Bolognese vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bichon Bolognese vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bichon Bolognese vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bichon Bolognese vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bichon Bolognese vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bichon Bolognese vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bichon Bolognese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bichon Bolognese vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bichon Bolognese vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bichon Bolognese vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bichon Bolognese vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bichon Bolognese vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bichon Bolognese vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bichon Bolognese vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bichon Bolognese vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison