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How much exercise does a Bolognese need?

Daily exercise minutes, the activities a Bolognese enjoys and signs of too much or too little.

About 30 to 45 minutes a day is plenty, split into two short walks and some indoor play. The Bolognese is a calm breed that enjoys a stroll around the neighborhood, a game of fetch down the hallway, or learning tricks on the sofa. Healthy adults can manage a few kilometers at an easy pace, but running and hiking are not needed.

This is a breed that under-exercises itself rather than bouncing off the walls, so watch for weight gain and stiffness in a dog that barely leaves its cushion. In cold, wet weather a light coat helps, because there is no undercoat for insulation. Rough play with large dogs is a real risk to a dog this small.

Bolognese exercise in numbers

Activity ranges are editorial planning estimates. The five-minutes-per-month puppy rule lacks scientific evidence. Adapt activity to the individual and seek advice for pain or exercise difficulty. PDSA puppy exercise guidance.

Editorial activity estimate

30 to 60 min

Puppy activity

Individual plan

adapt to age, health and development

Senior activity

Individual plan

adapt to comfort and ability

Size

toy

2 to 4 kg

Energy level

Playfulness

Handles heat

Handles cold

Exercise guides for similar-sized breeds