In the US:

Ahavapicaro is delighted to be part of a group involved in introducing a rare Russian breed into the United States. Translated Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonkas means literally 'coloured lap dog'. A member of the bichon family [and thus related to the havanese] it came into its own as a separate and identified breed in the former Soviet Union in the 1960s.  Ladushki Kudrjashka aka "Pearl" and Ladushki Rostok AKA Neko were among the first Bolonkas imported into the United States. In a cooperative arrangement, Ahavapicaro, Faireland, Nor Ann, Sineade and RGang have joined together to bring in more of these delightful furballs as well as take puppies born here and show them on the Rare Breed Circuits. Through the efforts of Candace Mogavero of Faireland and Patricia McRae of Ahavapicaro, the breed is now recognized and entitled to show and earn their championships by the American Rare Breed Association [ARBA], Rarities, and Canine Kennel Club.  To learn more about the pleasures of showing in the Rare Breed Fancy, its pluses and minuses, go to Rare Breed Fancy.  

For now please enjoy our lovely Bolonkas as we learn more about them and watch them grow.  Below is a picture of one of the first Russian American Tsvetnaya Bolonka families. While not all the children are in the picture, this photo was taken the day of the ARBA show at the Cherry Blossom Cluster. To learn more about the TBs go to the North American Tsvetnaya Bolonka website.

Pearl came to me on an Aeroflot flight from Moscow in June 2001. She came as an adult and situated herself right away into my household with the havanese. She greets people readily but does have a decided "watchdog" or "guardian" mentality inasmuch as she seems to feel one of her jobs is to patrol and protect the perimeters. When I think of Pearl I think of elegance, grace and puckish charm. She is a very easy girl to live with.

Tsvetnaya Bolnka weighs from 8-10 lbs with its height of ranging from 8-10 inches.  Since this  is the newest Russian breed, there are still many questions regarding not just the conformation but the typical temperament as well.  These dogs are quite  social and become very attached to humans.  While every dog is an  individual, yet there are common typical traits such as loyalty, sociability and dependence from humans.

They are not dog aggressive and  are amazingly easy going when living with other breeds of dogs, cats and even guinea pigs.  Because the breed is so  young, there is limited uniformity.  Even littermates can vary in body type, coat  length, texture and color and other traits. 

Show grooming includes bathing, and  with minimal blow drying so that the  breed characteristic curls may reform.  The hair should be lifted off the eyes with a bow or a rubber band.

We shampoo, condition, towel dry till coat is damp then let air dry and then "pick" out the large looping soft curls.

Click this button to go to the Russian History of the Breed