Shih Tzu vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison

Shih Tzu vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed ComparisonFranzuskaya Bolonka is originated from France but Shih Tzu is originated from China. Both Franzuskaya Bolonka and Shih Tzu are having almost same height. Both Franzuskaya Bolonka and Shih Tzu are having almost same weight. Both Franzuskaya Bolonka and Shih Tzu has almost same life span. Franzuskaya Bolonka may have less litter size than Shih Tzu. Franzuskaya Bolonka requires Low Maintenance. But Shih Tzu requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
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France
China
Height Male:
22 - 27 cm
8 - 11 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
18 - 24 cm
7 - 10 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 3
1 - 8
Size:
Toy
Toy
Other Names:
Bolonka Zwetna, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, , Russian Lapdogs
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Colors Available:
white
all often multiple colored
Coat:
curly, wavy
fine, straight, and silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

franzuskaya bolonkaThe Franzuskaya Bolonka in France is known as the Tsvetnaya Bolonka in Russia and in Germany as the Bolonka Zwetna. All of these translate to Colored Bolognese. It is known as the “Pride of Russia” and was rediscovered by the Russians following the thaw of the Cold War. It is also sometimes translated as a colored lapdog.

The Bolonka is a rare breed in the toy category with ancestors in the Bichon Friese line. This little dog looks very much like the national dog of Cuba – the Havanese. In addition to the Bichon other small dogs in this ancestral line include the Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Pekingese as well as the French, Italian and German Bolonka. They are often confused with the Bolognese as both breeds appear in various countries and have many similarities.

In all countries the common name for this dog is the Bolonka. They have a variety of names and nick names depending on the country. In addition to being the “Pride of Russia” he is called a Russian colored Bichon, Czechs call it the Bareyny Bolonsky, the Germans since 1980 have called it the Bolonka Zwetna but the Nordic Kennel Union does not recognize the Zwenta only the Russian Twetnaya.

The French version is seen to be the original with its ancestry dating back to the 18th century when Russian nobles were presented with a Bolonka by Louis XIV of France, and others migrated with the army of Napoleon to Russia. They were still known as the Bolonka of France. Small dogs were not popular in Russia due to the need for dogs that could work on farms and/or hunt. Particularly during the Soviet years, they were considered unnecessary. No Bolonkas were imported to Russia during the Soviet regime, so only localized breeding took place. The goal of breeders in the Soviet Union was to develop a toy dog, lap sized with an apartment living temperament.

During the cold war the Russians sent a pair of breeding Franzuskaya Bolonka to East Germany and they began to develop the breed there as well. At the same time the colored versions of the Bolonka were being bred. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is recognized by the Verband Dur Das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDF) while the other colored breeds are not. The white Bolonka is not recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale as a breed separate from the Bolognese but as simply another version. Individual clubs throughout the world recognized one or more versions of the Bolonka. They are thought to be the rarest within the Bichon family.

Today’s Bolonka is owed by Prince William and Princess Kate, giving the breed more publicity than it has had in many years.

shih tzuThe Shih Tzu is an Imperial Chinese breed developed by palace breeders hundreds of years ago with breed stock from the Tibetan lines. It is quite probable that the Shih Tzu was originally a cross between two Sino-Tibetan ancient dogs – the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Based on their looks, the Shih Tzu means the lion dog, but they were really very pampered palace dogs living with the Chinese emperors and families. The emperors were always gifting the breeders who developed the most affectionate, gentle and beautiful Shih Tzus.

Until the 1930’s the Shih Tzu was not known to the world outside the emperor’s palace. Once the breed did come out from behind the palace walls, they were immediately popular. Much debate went on about how to refine the breed as clubs began to spring up in Peking and then in England. It was not until 1969 the Shih Tzu was recognized and entered in the AKC Stud Book.

While the original Shih Tzu might have been a mix between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, today’s breed spread around the world after the second world war. In Europe in the 1930’s the breed was classified as Apsos. In 1935 the first Shih Tzu Club of Europe was formed, and the first standard was written, and the breed was categorized as the Shih Tzu.

Following World War II, soldiers brought the dogs to the States from Europe. By the 1950’s the breed was growing in popularity and the AKC recognized the breed in 1969 as members of the Toy Group. They are now recognized by all major kennel clubs throughout the western world. They are recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale in the Companion and Toy Group, among Tibetan breeds.

The Shih Tzu is a good watchdog, but it was bred to be a companion animal. It is a friendly, open breed that welcomes strangers. They are great with other animals and children as well as adults.

Description

franzuskaya bolonka puppy - descriptionThe Franzuskaya Bolonka is neither heavy boned nor fine boned. They are a toy breed with a moderate bone structure. The ears are neither long nor short and they have tails that touch the back at the tip. Like others in the Bichon family the Franzuskaya Bolonka does not shed. He is a sturdy little dog and the male has a distinct beard and moustache that the females of the breed do not. They have long coats that are wavy and curly. The Franzuskaya Bolonka is of course only white. The Russian version might be brown, red, black, wolf-gray, gray and of course white.

shih tzu puppy - descriptionThis is a breed of lively, sturdy and alert little dogs with a beautiful double coat that is flowing and long. In its full glory the Shih Tzu coat is touching the floor all the way around the dog. The dog’s bearing is as royal as its history, arrogantly carrying his head high and his tail curving over his back.

The Shih Tzu is a solid, compact breed with weight and substance. They may be a small dog, but they are a strong one. They have large dark eyes with a short muzzle and fur covered drop ears. They are just a little longer than they are tall with a distinct underbite.

There are a few differences between the European or UK Kennel Club standard and the American Kennel Club AKC standard. As opposed to the UK standard the AKC standard states that:

  • The head is round and large, and the face looks up or forward.

• The hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.

  • The eyes face the front and are very large.
  • The bod and neck are proportional and not exaggerated.
  • The shoulders are frontal.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

franzuskaya bolonka dog - characteristicsThe Bolonka is great with kids, just avoid too intense play.

Special talents

The Bolonka is a playful, lap dog with a lot of love to offer

Adaptability

Good adaptability great in the city in apartments and great in the country as well

Learning ability

They are very smart and love to learn. Being firm but beyond firm is also kind.

1.Children friendliness – they are very good with children.

shih tzu dog - characteristics2.Special talents – they were bred to be companion animals. They are friendly and loyal.

3.Adaptability Yes very much so. They can live in an apartment or on a farm. It doesn’t matter and they don’t need a yard.

4.Learning ability – intelligent but can be stubborn.

Health Problems

The Franzuskaya Bolonka is susceptible to dental issues as well as

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Can cause lameness and arthritis
  3. Hip Dysplasia
  4. Can cause lameness and arthritis
  5. Liver Shunts
  6. Serious and sometimes fatal bypassing of the liver by the circulatory system
  7. Thyroid Issues
  8. Difficult to diagnose but easy to treat with medication
  9. Corneal Abrasions

franzuskaya bolonka puppies - health problemsMedical issues are not fully documented because of the rarity of the breed and the years of isolation in the Soviet Union.

shih tzu puppies - health problemsFor many breeds that have the advantage of isolation like the Shih Tzu did with the emperors of China usually have very little genetic health issues. Most of the breed is indeed healthy but there are some issues.

• Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome due to the shape of their face and head causes them to have breathing issues. They cannot handle heat and they cannot swim. They can have an upper airway obstruction that makes it hard for them to breath. If this is bad enough, surgery may be required.

  • Hip Dysplasia and patellar luxation can both lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Hypothyroidism – thyroid does not produce the hormones necessary for metabolism to work effectively. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and muscle loss. It can be treated effectively.

• Issues of the eyes include – cataracts, corneal dryness and inflammation, progressive retinal atrophy, improperly closing eyelids and retinal detachment.

  • Portosystemic shunt of the liver.
  • Intervertebral disk disease – severe back pain.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Ear infections.
  • Immune mediated hemolytic anemia can be fatal.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

franzuskaya bolonka dogs - caringFeed at least 3 meals a day. Feed one fourth of a cup daily split into three meals of a high quality puppy food.

Feeding the adult

Feed at least 2 meals per day. Feed one half of a cup daily split into two meals of a high quality dry food.

Points for Good Health

Fairly healthy breed due to isolation during cold war

Games and Exercises

The Franzuskaya Bolonka is developed as a lap dog but that does not mean he doesn’t need daily exercise. He loves to play but play gently and not for any length of time. They like to chase balls, play hide and seek and any tricks you want to teach them.

shih tzu dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the puppy at least 3 times a day, maybe four in very small amounts, never more than ½ cup per day.

2.Feeding the adult - this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the adult once or twice a day in larger amounts than the puppy but never more than ¾ of a cup per day.

3.Points for Good Health - most Shih Tzu’s are hardy with exceptionally good health.

4. Games and Exercises

This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.

Comparison with other breeds

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