Bolognese grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Bolognese: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
Grooming is where Bolognese ownership takes genuine effort. The open, fluffy coat sheds very little, so loose hair stays trapped in the locks and turns into mats unless you comb right through to the skin. Plan on a thorough comb-out with a metal comb and a pin brush three or four times a week, working in small sections from the skin outward, and daily during the adolescent coat change.
Many pet owners keep the coat trimmed to 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) all over, which is far easier to manage and still looks soft. Bathe every three to four weeks with a gentle shampoo and dry fully with a blower so the coat stays fluffy rather than felting. Wipe tear stains daily with a damp cloth, keep hair short around the eyes and between the pads, check the ears weekly, and trim nails every three weeks.
Bolognese grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | 4 to 5 times a week |
| Bathing | Every 3 to 6 weeks |
| Shedding | Minimal |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
A single, pure white coat of long, fluffy, open locks that stand away from the body rather than lying flat, with no undercoat.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling