The lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient breed that originated in the Romagna region of Italy. It was later used to hunt and retrieve waterfowl from Italy’s northern marshlands and lowlands during the 1500s. By the 1800s, the dog’s duties came to include searching for truffles. In 1993, the lagotto Romagnolo was finally a recognized breed by the Italian Kennel Club. The lagotto Romagnolo has the distinction of being the world’s sole purebred that is recognized officially as a truffle dog.
The Lagotti Romagnoli is a medium-sized dog breed that is almost square in proportions. They are well-muscled and athletic. Lagottos have round heads and broad muzzles. Their ears are medium-sized and pendant. They can come in a variety of colors and have curly coats that are woolly and dense. Taking care of the coat requires some attention. Some people say the Lagotti Romagnoli should only be clipped, others say they should be brushed. Consult an expert for further information.
Personality
Lagottos are sweet-natured, alert and hard-working dogs. They form close bonds with their masters and are fond of children. They need regular exercise and especially love playing games or swimming. Lagottos are friendly towards other dogs and strangers. They are also very obedient.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 13-16 Years |
| Nicknames: | Lagotto Romagnolo, Lagotto, Romagna water dog |
Lagotti Romagnoli Build Information
The medium-sized lagotto Romagnolo stands 16 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 24 to 25 pounds. The dog is clad in a thick, wooly coat that is water-resistant. The coat is curly, and the color can change throughout the dog’s lifetime. The coat’s color may be brown, brown and white, off-white, orange, orange and white or brown roan. The top of the muzzle is covered with curly locks, and the topknot appears as a crown of curls. The long tail and the short ears all hang downward. The Lagotti Romagnoli is a medium-sized dog breed that is almost square in proportions. They are well-muscled and athletic. Lagottos have round heads and broad muzzles. Their ears are medium-sized and pendant. They can come in a variety of colors and have curly coats that are woolly and dense. Taking care of the coat requires some attention. Some people say the Lagotti Romagnoli should only be clipped, others say they should be brushed. Consult an expert for further information.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
The lagotto Romagnolo is active, intelligent and adaptable to most home settings as long as it receives ample exercise and mental stimulation. Lagotti Romagnoli have a high level of endurance and stamina. The breed is playful and displays an amusing sense of humor. Traditionally a duck hunter and truffle seeker, the lagotto Romagnolo loves to swim and fetch in the water, and the dog also makes an excellent hiking partner. It is also a good candidate for lure coursing, agility and other canine sports activities. These dogs love to dig. The Italian lagotto Romagnolo is an excellent companion choice for active families that enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Lagottos are sweet-natured, alert and hard-working dogs. They form close bonds with their masters and are fond of children. They need regular exercise and especially love playing games or swimming. Lagottos are friendly towards other dogs and strangers. They are also very obedient.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The thick, curly coat of a lagotto Romagnolo needs extensive grooming. The coat does not shed, but it matts easily. Most owners opt to enlist a professional groomer to clip the coat down twice a year to keep it manageable and to keep hairs from covering the eyes. In between these trims, check the coat daily for mats. They should be gently and carefully pulled apart to prevent tearing the coat. The ears should be checked every week, and they should be kept clean and dry to prevent occurrences of ear infections. Brush the teeth at least every other day to keep tartar accumulation under control and prevent periodontal disease.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Lagotti Romagnoli Common Health Conditions
Lagotti Romagnoli are hardy. They live average lifespans of roughly 15 to 16 years, and they have few inherited health conditions. Two noted problems to be aware of include hip dysplasia and juvenile epilepsy.
Lagotti Romagnoli Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The lagotto Romagnolo originated in Italy’s Romagna region. The lagotto Romagnolo is also called a lagotto or a Romagna water dog. The plural of lagotto Romagnolo is lagotti Romagnoli. The lagotto Romagnolo is a good-natured and hard working dog that loves children and makes a loyal family companion. The lagotto Romagnolo stands 16 to 19 inches tall and weighs 24 to 35 pounds. Lagotti Romagnoli have moderate energy levels. Lagotti Romagnoli require extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a lagotto Romagnolo is 15 to 16 years.
| Training: | Very easy to train |
