Lagotto Romagnolos are medium-sized dogs know for their beautiful, curly coats that cover their whole bodies. The Lagotto Romagnolo also features a beard, eyebrows, and whiskers. Standing at the height of 19 inches, these dogs are like cute and cuddly teddy bears. But despite their appearance, they are very athletic.
The Lagotto Romagnolo is known to be a very adaptable breed. So whether you’re an inexperienced dog owner, you might appreciate the love and affection of this dog breed. They also do well in any living conditions, as long as they are given enough physical and mental stimulation.
Lagotto Romagnolo Breed Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Sporting |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | 17-19 inches (male); 16-18 inches (female) |
| Weight | 28.5-35 pounds (male); 24-31 pounds (female) |
| Lifespan | 15-17 years |
Lagotto Romagnolo Breed Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Lagotto Romagnolo History
The Lagotto Romagnolo dog’s origin can be traced back to Renaissance Italy. These dogs were originally bred as hunting companions to retrieve waterfowls from marshes and lagoons.
The name of the breed came from the place Romagna, and the “Lagotto” part of their name came from the words “Can Lagot,” which means “water dog.” The coats of the Lagotto Romagnolo are made to protect them when diving into cold waters.
By the late 1800s, the marshlands in this region of Italy were drained. The dogs were almost out of work, but thanks to their keen sense of smell, they became fit to do truffle hunting. They are also the only dog breed who can hunt truffles.
When the 1970s came, the popularity of the breed slowly declined. However, thanks to the efforts of some Italian breeders, the dog breed was preserved, and by 1988, the Club Italiano Lagotto was founded.
Since then, Lagotto Romagnolos started to become known in other parts of the world, including the US. However, it was only in 2015 when the American Kennel Club recognized the dog.
Now, Lagotto Romagnolo ranks 99th as the most popular dog breed in the US today. They remain to be the finest truffle hunting dog, but they are also great human companions.
Temperament
The American Kennel Club describes the Lagotto Romagnolo as affectionate, keen, and undemanding dogs. As hunting dogs, these dogs have boundless energy and active spirits.
You shouldn’t purchase a Lagotto Romagnolo because you think it’s a convenient size to fit your home. You should also have the time to give them exercises that will help stimulate their physical and mental needs. Make sure to keep them entertained because these dogs can be destructive once bored.
They need companionship, too. Don’t leave them alone at home for long periods. It’s great if you have other pets they can play with.
If you can meet these needs, the Lagotto Romagnolo becomes a laid-back pet inside the house. They are usually mild-mannered and will fit an apartment-style living.
These dogs love their families. They also make great playmates for kids and other pets. Though they are not aggressive dogs, they will bark at any suspicious person who comes to your home, which makes them excellent watchdogs.
Early socialization is needed, just like for any other dog breed. This will help make them more well-rounded dogs. This will also control unwanted temperaments towards new people or animals.
Training may not be as hard, especially if it’s for scent work. They also love to learn and please you. Give them a lot of praise and shower them with positive reinforcements to help build their confidence.
Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Lagotto Romagnolo needs a high-quality and well-balanced meal to support his daily needs. You need to be careful of the amount of food you feed him in a day, as this might cause your dog to get overweight. Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins are only some of the essential nutrients your dog needs. Ensure that you only get these from high-quality ingredients such as animal meat, fish oils, chicken oils, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. If you’re going to give him dog food, choose those that are of high-quality too. Ensure that it doesn’t contain fillers and additives that can harm your dog’s digestion and overall health. If your dog has allergies on anything, stay away from those ingredients.
- Grooming: The Lagotto Romagnolo has a rugged, waterproof, curly coat that covers its entire body. It sheds minimally but may require proper maintenance to keep it beautiful and healthy. Brush the coat often to prevent mats from forming. You can also trim the coat regularly to keep it neat looking. As for baths, you can give it occasionally or only when it’s needed. Regularly clean the ears to prevent ear infection. Do the same for the nails. Keep it short to avoid any pain and discomfort to your dog.
- Exercise: Lagotto Romagnolos are sporting dogs, which means that they are generally active. They need to be regularly engaged in activities to keep them healthy and happy. Nothing strenuous or high-impact is needed, as long as they get exercised regularly. You can take them on long walks on-leash, or let him run around a secured fence. You can also create some activities that you can do together so he’ll enjoy it more. You can also take him for a swim. You can do all sorts of activities for these dogs.
- Health: Lagotto Romagnolos are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. However, like any other dog breeds, they too are prone to some health conditions. Being aware of what these are might help your dog from getting them. Some diseases you need to note are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, storage diseases, juvenile epilepsy, cerebral ataxia, and neuroaxonal dystrophy. These diseases are usually genetically transferred, so meeting at least one of your dog’s parents will help identify what health condition your dog might get.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Lagotto Romagnolos is 15-17 years.
Fun Facts about Lagotto Romagnolos
- Lagotto Romagnolos are ancient dogs from Italy.
- They have been around since the 7th century BC.
- These dogs are believed to be ancestors of all water dogs.
- Their name means “Lake Dog from Romana.”
- They have extremely thick, curly, waterproof coats that protect them when they dive into cold waters during hunting.
- They are expert truffle hunters.
- They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015.
Check Out Other Sporting Dog Breeds:
American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Brittany, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Kooikerhondje, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Pointer, Spinoni Italiani, Sussex Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Wirehaired Vizslas