Lagotto Romagnolo Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

If you’re looking to add a puppy to your family, the adorable Lagotto Romagnolo is one that you definitely want to consider. While they aren’t as popular in the United States, these purebred dogs are found throughout Europe. They originated in Italy and were bred as a truffle hunter. Lagotto Romagnolos are considered water dogs and need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

They are small or medium dogs, often getting to between 25 and 35 pounds as full-grown adults. They have curly hair, which makes them look extra cuddly and fluffy. Their curls serve a purpose, however, and help keep water out of their coats. These dogs were bred to go into the water often. Lagotto Romagnolos are known for being very affectionate and loving. They are also easily trained and eager to please their owners.

How Much Does a Lagotto Romagnolo Puppy Cost?

A purebred Lagotto Romagnolo puppy can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 in most cases. The price can vary based on availability as well as the lineage of the dog, starting with their parents. If you plan to show your dog, you’ll likely already know that puppies from prize-winning parents are often more expensive than those from just average parents or parents who don’t have a lot of show titles under their belts. If the parents have highly desirable show qualities, however, that can make the puppies more valuable even if the parents aren’t active in dog shows.

Highly desirable physical qualities for Lagotto Romagnolos include a muscular build, dense curls, and a square body. The American Kennel Club says the ideal Lagotto Romagnolo should “give the impression that he has the strength and endurance to work all day in difficult and challenging terrain.” The American Kennel Club recognized these dogs as a distinct breed in 2015. They are relatively new to the game when it comes to dog shows.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Lagotto Romagnolo

Other factors that can make the cost of a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy more (or less) expensive include training. If the puppy has gone through some training and knows basic commands, the puppy will likely be on the upper end of the price range. The same is true for puppies who have been housebroken. Because these steps require an investment of time or money (or both), it makes sense that puppies who have already mastered these skills cost a little bit more.

The Lagotto Romangnolo has two coats: a thick, wooly outer coat and a lighter undercoat. Ideally, you should be able to see both when you brush them. This combination keeps water from soaking their hair, a feature of the breed. They can be off-white with or without brown or orange patches, brown roan, orange roan, brown, orange, or sable. Lagotto Romagnolos can also have tan patches, which might fade to silver. According to the American Kennel Club, black or grey patches in their coat is not a desirable trait. Coat color can have an impact on the price, with more desirable colors costing more than less desirable ones.

One important factor that can make the cost of a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy much higher is availability. Because this breed is not widespread in the United States yet, you might need to travel some distance to get one. You could either travel to the puppy, which adds travel expenses for you or pay to import the puppy, which can also be pricey. Remember that if you travel to get the puppy, you’ll need to have a way to bring the puppy home. Depending on how and how far you need to go, this might include everything from their own plane ticket to fees and registration paperwork in your state.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Lagotto Romagnolo

A new puppy will need a check-up at the vet and vaccinations. Most breeders take care of the initial medical needs but you’ll need to budget for ongoing veterinary care for your new dog. Routine checkups aren’t super expensive. Pet insurance often covers preventative care. Expect to pay between $50 and $250, depending on your area. If your dog needs special treatments, such as flea collars or other oral or topical options, these add to the overall cost. But for the most part, veterinary care typically stays under $1000 per year for most dogs.

Unless you plan to breed your dog, it’s a good idea to get them spayed or neutered. Not only does this reduce the chance of an unplanned pregnancy (and then more puppies to care for or adopt out), it will also ensure your dog does not have to fight against their natural urges to breed. Spaying and neutering may require an overnight stay at the vet, depending on the recommendation for your dog and how to respond to the procedure. Fortunately, this is a routine procedure for most vets and they can go over expected costs ahead of time.

If your dog has ongoing health issues, gets injured, or needs to stay at the vet overnight, these costs can increase. This is one reason why some pet owners opt to pay for insurance for their pets.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Lagotto Romagnolo

As small-medium dogs, Lagotto Romagnolos don’t eat quite as much as a large breed dog but they do still need high-quality kibble or another food. Puppy food tends to cost a bit more, often between $30 and $60 per month. You can get good quality dog food within that range. But for those who want to treat their dog to a specialty diet, costs can be as much as $300 per month.

One area that may need more attention for Lagotto Romangnolo owners is landscaping. These dogs need to be outside and staying active is important for their overall health. Because they were bred as truffle hunters, they often dig in flower beds or other landscaping. They are also quite good at it and can make giant holes very quickly. If your landscaping is important to you, try to block it off from your dog’s explorations or plan to replace it periodically.

It’s important to brush your Lagotto Romagnolo often and keep their coat trimmed. Trips to the groomer are a necessity for this breed and can cost between $30 and $90, depending on your area, your dog’s size, and how much work the groomer needs to do. They have hair rather than fur and do not shed as much as some other breeds.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolos are one of the more reasonable breeds to insure. Because they don’t suffer from some of the chronic health issues that other types of dogs do, especially large breed dogs, most insurance companies don’t charge a higher premium for a Lagotto Romagnolo. Costs typically range from $60-$100 per month. Of course, premium costs vary based on age, location, and other factors. You might also opt for a lower premium plan that has a higher deductible.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Lagotto Romagnolo

These dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and easily trained. They were bred to seek out truffles, making digging one of their natural behaviors. They also come when called and will respond to commands. In most cases, you can train your Lagotto Romagnolo at home without too much trouble. If you want them to do specialized commands or if they aren’t responding how you’d hoped, however, it might be a good idea to take an obedience class or other training class. The costs of training classes vary greatly. Your location and training covered impact the cost. Some classes meet for just a few sessions while others offer ongoing classes. Most classes are between $30 and $100. You might get a better deal if you register for an ongoing or boot-camp-style class.