Lagotto Romagnolo

Breed Snapshot

• Weight range: 11-16kg
• Height range: 41-48cm
• Breed size: Medium
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Dog breed group: Sporting
• Shedding level: Low/Non Shedding

Description

A well-proportioned small to medium sized dog, the Lagotta Romagnolo has a dense curly woolly coat that can vary between white, brown, rust or a combination of some or all colours. They have a sturdy, muscular build with a broad head and expressive, round eyes that give them an intelligent and alert appearance. Their ears and hang down to the sides of their head, and their tails are typically docked to about one-third of their original length.
The Lagotto Romagnolo breed originated in the Romagna sub-region of Italy where they were initially bred to work as water dogs, helping to retrieve nets and catch fish. Later, they were trained to hunt truffles.

Characteristics

A working dog with a natural gift for searching and a very good sense of smell, this breed is generally calm and adaptable, making them great pets for families with children or other pets. They tend to be loyal and affectionate with their owners, and may sometimes exhibit a protective nature towards their family. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them great for obedience training and agility competitions.

Health Problems

Like all breeds, the Lagotto Romagnolo is prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy. Lagotto Romagnolos may also be predisposed to certain skin conditions and ear infections.

Exercise

The Lagotta loves to search for things and has a natural instinct for retrieving, so it needs a lot of regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid it getting bored. They also love to swim.

Grooming

As a hypoallergenic breed, Lagotto Romagnolo sheds very little hair. However, their curly, woolly coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it tidy. Brushing at least once a week and regular trimming is required. The coat needs stripping or clipping every few months. Cleaning ears and trimming nails is also necessary

Living Environment

Because it’s fairly small, the Lagotta will do okay in an apartment as long as it enjoys regular exercise. They thrive on human attention and affection, so they do best in homes where they can be close to their owners. A Lagotta loves to dig holes all over the garden, so fence in your flowers.

Did you know...

... that the Lagotto Romagnolo is the only dog breed that was bred specifically for truffle hunting? These pups are seriously talented at finding truffles that are buried deep down in the dirt. And the coolest part - They're super gentle with their mouths, so they can retrieve those tasty fungi without damaging them one bit.