How tall is a Bolognese?

An adult Bolognese stands about 11 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Bolognese considered a small dog?

Yes — at 11" / 8 lb, the Bolognese falls into the small-breed size class (shoulder height 11–15"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #211 tallest.

How does a Bolognese compare to a person?

At 11" tall, a Bolognese stands about 17% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Bolognese Size Compared to a Person

A Bolognese stands 11″ at the shoulder and weighs about 8 lb — that puts it at 17% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #211 by shoulder height and falls into the small-breed size class (Small breeds, 11–15").

Bolognese next to a person at scale — 11-inch shoulder height, 8 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Bolognese at 11″ / 8 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Bolognese compares

	Bolognese	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	11″	64″	-53″
Weight	8 lb	135 lb	-127 lb

Save the chart

💾 Download PNG

About the Bolognese

The Bolognese is a charming small dog from the Bichon family, originally bred as a companion in the Italian city of Bologna centuries ago. With their distinctive fluffy white coat, expressive dark eyes, and devoted personality, Bolognese dogs have been treasured by European nobility since the Renaissance. They are calm, loyal, and form incredibly strong bonds with their owners, making them ideal lap dogs and family companions.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Small size class with shoulder height closest to the Bolognese.

American Eskimo — 11″ / 8 lb (same height)
Australian Terrier — 11″ / 18 lb (same height)
Bichon Frise — 11″ / 15 lb (same height)
Bichpoo — 11″ / 12 lb (same height)
Boston Terrier — 11″ / 19 lb (same height)
Coton de Tulear — 11″ / 12 lb (same height)
Doxiepoo — 11″ / 18 lb (same height)
Doxle — 11″ / 22 lb (same height)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Bolognese?: An adult Bolognese stands about 11 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Bolognese considered a small dog?: Yes — at 11" / 8 lb, the Bolognese falls into the small-breed size class (shoulder height 11–15"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #211 tallest.
How does a Bolognese compare to a person?: At 11" tall, a Bolognese stands about 17% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Bolognese

Bolognese dog names & full breed page · All small-size breeds · Visual atlas (Small section) · Size comparison home