Lagotto Romagnolo

Sep 19, 2024

Introduction to the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian dog breed that originated in the Emilia-Romagna region. Originally bred as a water dog, the Lagotto later became known primarily as a truffle hunter. Its exceptional sense of smell and love of work make it an excellent companion for truffle hunting, but it is now also very popular as a family dog. Its charming, friendly nature and unique appearance make it an exceptional pet that is gaining more and more fans.

Appearance of the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog with a robust and compact build. It has a square build, meaning its body length is approximately the same as its height at the withers. The head is broad with a well-developed jaw and a square muzzle. The eyes are large, round and lively in appearance, ranging in colour from hazel to dark brown, depending on the coat colour. The ears are medium-sized, triangular and slightly drooping. The Lagotto has harmonious and elegant movement.

Coat and colours of the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo's fur is dense, woolly and curly, which gives it its characteristic appearance. It is water-repellent and protects the dog from adverse weather conditions, which underlines its original function as a water dog. The coat colours vary from white, white with brown or orange spots to various shades of brown or orange. Often the colours are speckled or have a marbled pattern. A slight lightening (so-called ‘roan’ pattern) is also common in this breed.

How big can a Lagotto Romagnolo get?

A fully grown Lagotto Romagnolo reaches a shoulder height of about 41 to 48 cm for males and 38 to 46 cm for females. The weight is usually between 11 and 16 kg, with males being slightly heavier than females. This size makes it an ideal dog for people who are looking for a medium-sized but still active companion.

The character of the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is known for its friendly and even-tempered character. It is lively, curious and extremely devoted to its owners. Its intelligence and eagerness to learn make it a versatile dog that excels both as a family dog and in sporting activities. It has a keen sense of smell and a good sense of direction, which makes it particularly suitable for search games and other activities that involve using its nose. It is also alert but not aggressive, which makes it a good watchdog that does not bark excessively.

Training the Lagotto Romagnolo

Training a Lagotto Romagnolo requires a loving but consistent hand. Due to its high level of intelligence, it learns quickly and willingly, but can also be stubborn. Early socialisation and clear, positive training are important to make it a well-behaved companion. You should make sure to challenge them mentally and physically enough, otherwise they may tend to seek out tasks themselves, which can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviour.

Who is the Lagotto Romagnolo suitable for?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ideal dog for people who enjoy spending time in nature and enjoy activities with their dog. It is suitable for both individuals and families and, due to its size and character, is well suited to life in an apartment, provided it gets enough exercise and stimulation. Since it forms a close bond with its humans, it is less suitable for people who often have to leave it alone.

Is the Lagotto Romagnolo a family dog?

Yes, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an excellent family dog. It is child-friendly, playful and affectionate. Its patience and adaptability make it a good companion for children and it is usually also compatible with other pets. Since it is very attached to its family, it enjoys being part of family life and taking part in all activities.

Grooming the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo's thick, curly coat requires a little more grooming than other dog breeds. The coat should be brushed regularly to avoid matting. The fur should be trimmed every two to three months to keep it in shape. Since it hardly sheds any hair, the dead hair must be removed by brushing. The ears should also be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections.

Nutrition of the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo's diet should be balanced and adapted to its needs. High-quality dog food, which can include both dry and wet food, is recommended. The amount should be adjusted according to the dog's activity and age to avoid obesity. Since Lagottos can have sensitive stomachs, you should be careful when changing food or introducing new foods.

How much do Lagotto Romagnolo shed?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is one of the breeds that hardly sheds at all. This makes it a popular choice for people who suffer from allergies or don't want a dog with heavy hair. However, this does not mean that it is low maintenance, as its coat needs to be brushed and trimmed regularly to avoid tangles and skin problems.

How old does a Lagotto Romagnolo live to be?

A Lagotto Romagnolo has an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, with good care, a balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups, they can live longer. As with all breeds, genetic health is an important factor in life expectancy.

Typical diseases of the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is generally a robust breed, but there are some typical health problems to watch out for. These include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and some hereditary eye diseases such as cataracts or progressive retina atrophy (PRA). Epileptic seizures can also occur in rare cases. Therefore, it is important to buy puppies from a reputable breeder who pays attention to the health of the parent animals.

How much does a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy cost?

A Lagotto Romagnolo puppy usually costs between CHF 1500.00 and CHF 2500.00, depending on the origin and the breeder. Well-bred dogs from recognised breeding lines or with excellent show results can be even more expensive. It is important to take your time when choosing a breeder and to make sure that the puppies grow up in a healthy and species-appropriate environment.

What should you pay attention to when buying a Lagotto Romagnolo?

When buying a Lagotto Romagnolo, you should make sure that the breeder is reputable and that the puppies are raised in a clean, loving environment. The breeder should be able to show all relevant health tests of the parent animals, especially with regard to hip dysplasia and hereditary eye diseases. It is worth visiting the puppies several times and paying attention to their behaviour and how they interact with their mother. A good breeder will also be available as a point of contact after the purchase.

Characteristics of the Lagotto Romagnolo

Origin: Italy (Emilia-Romagna)
Height: males 41-48 cm, females 38-46 cm
Weight: 11-16 kg
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Coat: Dense, woolly, curly, water-repellent
Colours: White, white with brown or orange spots, brown, orange, speckled or marbled
Character: Friendly, intelligent, affectionate, alert
Care: Regular brushing and clipping required
Typical illnesses: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye diseases
Suitable for: families, individuals, active people
Cost: CHF 1500.00 - CHF 2500.00 for a puppy