Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an older breed, developed in Italy to hunt waterfowl in the 1600s (possibly dating back to Etruscan civilization before the 2nd century BC). The breed was later trained to hunt truffles and is the most well-known purebred specialized for truffle hunting. The Lagotto even showed up in Renaissance paintings of daily Italian life.

A lively, energetic breed, the Lagotto still searches for truffles. Its truffle-hunting nose is also useful for scent work, search-and-rescue operations, and detecting medical conditions.

Woolly, curly, and double-coated, the Lagotto makes an affectionate, playful, and loving family dog.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Lagotto Romagnolo 

The Best Dog Food for Lagotto Romagnolo

As a sporting dog, the Lagotto needs more than quick bursts of activity. They benefit from training, walking, and playing for more than 30 minutes a day. This activity requires sustained energy and muscle development based on a diet high in protein and fat.

Lagotto Romagnolo Size and Weight

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog that stands 16 to 19 inches at the shoulder and weighs 24 to 35 pounds, though their fluffy coats make them appear slightly larger. Males are larger than females.

Lagotto Romagnolo Common Health Issues

This breed is sturdy with a potentially ancient history, dating back to the 1600s, if not back to the Etruscan civilization in the 8th through 2nd centuries BC. As such, they are generally healthy dogs. There are, however, a few issues to check for. This is easier with a reputable breeder.

One such issue is juvenile epilepsy. This genetic condition can begin to show up at around five to nine weeks, but generally resolves itself by about the 13th week. A responsible breeder will ensure that they only breed one canine parent carrying this gene.

Another genetic condition, limited to the Lagotto, is Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD). This is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that can ultimately result in the death of a dog. A reputable breeder will not breed carriers of this gene.

Apart from these two particular conditions, these dogs are susceptible to hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. These traits are genetically inherited, and breeders should not breed dogs that carry them.

Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament

They are affectionate, family-loving dogs with intelligent and playful personalities. They love puzzles and challenges and are always up for a romp. Though Lagotti are not prone to severe separation anxiety, they are afraid of loud or unexpected noises. On the other hand, they are good with other dogs and with children as long as they are correctly socialized not to exhibit possessive or territorial behavior from a young age.

How To Take Care of a Lagotto Romagnolo  

Maintenance and Grooming 

Trim their waterproof double coat regularly. Only bathe the dog every one or two months. Brush the coat every week or two. All of this will keep the coat from matting.

Clip the nails every other week to prevent problems. Also, brush the dog’s teeth twice a week at least. Finally, check the dog’s ears frequently and clear them of wax and debris to avoid infection.

Training

This breed is very intelligent and trainable; it thrives on pleasing its owner. The first stage of training should, of course, involve house training and socialization. Redirect the Lagotti away from territorial and possessive tendencies early to make for the best experience with this dog.

The Lagotto is a working dog that loves the mental stimulation of training. The dog’s love of water makes it ideal for dock diving competitions. Their excellent noses make them fit for scent work and search and rescue.

Try to make training sessions short and entertaining. Reward the pup with treats and plenty of praise.

Exercise

Playful and energetic dogs that love work and other activities, Lagotti are intelligent and adept at learning new games. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise, like walking, playing, or training each day. They also love to spend time playing in the water.

Puppies

Puppies are capable of learning from an early age. Begin socialization as soon as they get home and enroll them in doggy kindergarten as soon as their vaccination statuses allow. Lagotti are very trainable but can be territorial, so it’s essential to socialize them early on.

Lagotto Romagnolo And Children

Well-adjusted Lagotti are gentle with children. Socialize the dog early to avoid possessiveness and other issues. Teach children how to behave around dogs, as well as how to read the dog’s behavioral cues. Of course, a roughhousing dog can knock a small child over, even if it’s well-behaved. Never leave small children alone with a dog, trained or otherwise, and children of any size should not be left alone with an untrained dog.

Dogs Similar to Lagotto Romagnolo

• Portuguese Water Dog: This medium-sized, curly-haired companion works and almost lives in the water. The Portuguese water dog was bred to do all kinds of water work, including herding fish into nets.
• Spanish Water Dog: The Spanish Water Dog also has a tight coat of dense curls. Like the Lagotto, this dog was bred to hunt waterfowl.

Famous Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotti has been included in numerous works of Renaissance art. The ubiquity of the dog in Renaissance Italy meant that the dog was included in scenes of family life and daily public life in the Italian countryside and towns.