OFFICIAL RUSSIAN STANDARD

The RKF, the Russian national all-breed club, approved the current standard for the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka in 2010. The current standard was put into FCI format about two years ago and is published, with an English translation, on the RKF site under Breeds Not Approved by the FCI.

The official Russian standard is somewhat difficult to find, and there are many unapproved standards and translations on the internet, as well as rumors about changes to the standard. This is unfair and confusing to judges and breeders and hurts the breed. We are providing the official Russian standard here because The AKC has not yet approved a standard, and, with the Bolonka having been accepted into the FSS program as a Russian breed, we expect the Russian standard will be the basis for The AKC's eventual standard.

Download a printable copy of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka standard in English and Russian.

Standard, translation of the original

At RKF Presidium session on 11/24/2010 was accepted the standard of Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka. The following standard becomes valid from the moment of its publication in the RKF Bulletin №5/2010/

FCI-RKF Standard 11.24.2010/Russia
Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
ORIGIN: Russia
UTILIZATION: Companion

CLASSIFICATION: Group 9, Companion and Toy Dogs

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: In originating of RUSSKAYA TSVETNAYA BOLONKA were involved the following breeds –French Bichon, Shih-tzu, Lhasa-apso. Creation of the breed started in 1951 in Leningrad. The principal breed’s attributes were small size (20-24 sm), rich one-colored coat. In 1962 there was written for the breed group “tsvetnaya bolonka”. In 1966 the standard for the “tsvetnaya bolonka” was confirmed by Ministry of Agriculture. Active breeding work and cooperation with cynologists of Leningrad approved MGOLS the basic center of genetic work with the breed “tsvetnaya bolonka”. In 80’s as popularity of the breed grew, there were organized clubs and kennels. National Breed Club “Tsvetnaya Bolonka” was founded in 1999.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: small, body slightly longer than height, harmonious construction. Looks lovable due to the bright colors of rich coat. Sweet and nice eye expression. Tsvetnaya bolonka shouldn’t be in type of shih-tzu or poodle.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: Body length does not exceed height at withers by more than 15%. The depth of the chest should be 50% of the height at withers. The length of a muzzle is little more than one third of length of a head.

BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT: Tender dog with lively temperament and steady character.
HEAD: The head must be in proportion and harmony with the rest of the body.
CRANIAL REGION: Skull is rounded, slightly prominent, the occiput is faintly defined, supraciliary arches are moderately defined with well-defined short stop. FACIAL REGION:
Nose: small, vertical in profile, nostrils are well opened; nose is black or similar to the tone of color, preferably dark.
Muzzle: rather short, dry, lightly tapering to a nose. Nasal bridge is straight, wide at base. Lower jaw is rather wide.
Lips: tight, the edges of lips are black or similar to the tone of the color, preferably dark.
Jaws/teeth: scissor bite. Level bite and slight undershot are tolerated. Teeth are white, strong. Incisors set square to the jaw, presence of all incisors and canines is desired.
Cheeks: Cheeks are lightly rounded.
Eyes: Medium size, dark, round, set on a same frontal plan. Brown colored dogs can have lighter eyes; eyelids rightly fit to the eyeball, black or in accordance with the color. Expression is friendly playful.
Ears: Moderate size, V-shaped, with slightly rounded point. Set on moderate height. They are garnished with beautiful hairs.
Top line: level.

Withers: moderately defined.
Back: Straight, strong, broad, muscular, moderately long.
Loin: Short, slightly arched.
Croup: Rounded, medium length, rather broad, slightly sloping, muscular.
Chest: Moderately broad, oval shaped, long, brisket should reach to the elbows.
Lower line: Belly is moderately tucked up.
TAIL: medium length, set at moderate height, curled over the thighs, laid on the back. End of the tail close to the body. The tail is completely covered by coat.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS:
General appearance: straight and parallel, when viewed from the front stay moderately wide.
Blades: Well sloped, pulled back, with good muscles, angulation with a shoulder is 100-110 degrees.
Shoulders: The length of shoulder is equal to the length of the blade.
Elbows: Are directed strictly back.
Forearms: Medium length, upright.
Wrists: Continue a vertical line of a forearm.
Pasterns: Strong, almost upright.
Forefeet: Small, round form, toes are closed. Pads and nails are dark.

HINDQUARTERS:
General appearance: straight and parallel when viewed from rear, moderately wide.
Hips: Of moderate length, with the developed muscles, slightly laid back.
Stifle: Round, angles are moderately defined.
Thighs: of moderate length.
Hocks: Dry, strong, moderately angulated.
Rear pasterns: of medium length, upright.
Hind feet: are little smaller than forefeet, of oval shape, the toes are closed. Pads and nails are dark.

MOVEMENT: easy, free.
SKIN: elastic, without wrinkles, its pigmentation corresponds to the color of the coat.
COAT: Long, silky, shining, thick, with developed undercoat, covers the whole body. Hair is dense, heavy. The large curl is preferable, wavy coat is tolerated.
COLOR: Any color, except white and spotty. Small white marks on the chest and fingers are tolerated.
SIZE AND WEIGHT: Height at the withers: preferable size (male and female)—up to 26 sm.
Weight: The ideal weight of males and females – 3-4 kg.

FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

FAULTS:

1. Square or too long body. Too long or too short legs.
2. Flat scull, not enough defined stop, long muzzle.
3. Absence of one incisor.
4. Straight coat.
5. Fine hair.

MAJOR FAULTS:

1. Semi-erect or erect ears.
2. Bulging eyes.
3. Absence of 2 and more incisors.
4. Undershot with break.
5. Absence of undercoat.
6. Kinked tail.
7. Short not parallel forearms.
8. Large white spot on chest, white paws.

DISQUALIFICATION FAULTS:

1. Non-standard coat color.
2. Absence of coat on a head.
3. Overshot, wry mouth.
4. Size in withers more than 28 sm.
5. Aggressive or vicious behavior.
6. Blue eyes, partially blue colored iris.
7. Abnormally short (bob) tail.
8. Signs of nanism.

N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.