Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

11-24 kg

Height

43-48 cm

Lifespan

15-17 years

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About the Lagotto Romagnolo

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Although Australia is one of the four main truffle producers in the world after Italy, Spain, and France, there are no true wild truffles to be found Down Under.

While a Lagotto Romagnolo in Australia cannot hunt the mushrooms they were originally bred to find, the island offers plenty of rivers, lakes, and muddy puddles to entertain this energetic retriever dog.

What is the history & origin of the Lagotto Romagnolo?

The Romagna Water Dog is an ancient Italian breed that worked alongside villagers and hunters in the countryside of Comacchio and Ravenna over 600 years ago.

The poet Erasmo Di Valvasone first mentions this “rough and curly-haired breed of dog that does not fear the sun, ice, or water that climbs mountains, fords rivers and runs onto steep rocky places” in his 1591 poem La Caccia.

Over the centuries, the marshes and lowlands were drained to make way for farmland, and the Lagotto Romagnolo adapted from a waterfowl retriever breed to the world’s first dog breed developed especially for hunting truffles.

The breed has been recognised by the American Kennel Club as a sporting breed since 2015.

What is a Lagotto Romagnolo breed?

Also known as a truffle dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo is classified as a retriever or flushing dog breed of small to medium size.

This water dog is often compared to the poodle because both curly-haired breeds have similar intelligence and training potential and have the French Barbet as an ancestor.

Who is a Lagotto Romagnolo best for?

A Lagotto Romagnolo will thrive in an active, outdoor-loving family with older dogs and children. As this family pet reaches adulthood, they may become somewhat impatient with puppies, children, and other young excitable pets. Always supervise interactions with children and other pets.

As you can imagine, these dogs are just as good at dog sports as they are at hunting truffles in a forest.

Lagotto Romagnolo Grooming & Shedding

Lagotto Romagnolo pups sport a dense coat of curly, woolly hair, as opposed to fur. The thick topcoat is semi-rough with an abundant waterproof and water-repellent undercoat.

You don’t need to groom this lake dog on a daily basis; however, you should comb your pup’s curly coat regularly with a wide-tooth metal comb to prevent matting.

Also, pay special attention to your best friend’s nails and ears as they require maintenance between groomer’s visits to prevent infections and cankers.

Restoring a neglected Lagotto Romagnolo’s coat to its former glory can be an intensive, time-consuming process.

To groom a Lagotto Romagnolo pet or show dog, you’ll need the following items:

a grooming table with an H-bar
neck and belly straps
nail clippers
metal combs
pin brushes
ear plucking powder
large professional standard grooming scissors

Get your puppy used to being handled from an early age, as it will make grooming and bathing less stressful and more enjoyable for both of you.

Do Lagotto Romagnolos bark a lot?

While this dog breed is not prone to excessive barking, you’ll notice your furry friend’s watchdog instincts when they try to warn off strangers.

Your Lagotto will confidently protect you and your family from outside threats, so make sure to socialise your puppy early. This is essential around other pets and small children.

What is the average weight & height of a Lagotto Romagnolo dog?

According to the breed standard, males are between 43 and 48 cm tall at the withers. Female Lagotto Romagnolo stands between 41 and 46 cm tall.

Truffle dogs are not large, and they should weigh between 11 and 24 kg.

Are Lagotto Romagnolos easy to train?

Compared to other dogs, this breed is highly intelligent and easily trained by combining play and exercise to engage and stimulate them. You can start training a dog as young as seven weeks old with a clicker, some treats, and some patience.

It’s important that you remain consistent, fair, and clear when training your little furball to achieve a well-adjusted and confident companion.

Your Lagotto may no longer hunt truffles, but according to the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain, they’ll excel at agility training.

Swimming also provides your dog with excellent mental stimulation but remember that even a retriever puppy must first be taught to enjoy the water.

How do Lagotto Romagnolos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

This sporting group breed needs human companionship by nature. Their friendly, playful, and curious traits make these pups ideal companions.

These dogs’ hunting ancestry also makes them focused and observant watchdogs. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a dog that enjoys the mental stimulation provided by scenting and searching exercises.

This affectionate sporting group dog is territorial and will grow protective of you and your family members.

Does the Lagotto Romagnolo have any common health issues?

The Lagotto is a pure breed that is remarkably free from major health problems in comparison to other dogs of pedigree.

Whether you adopt from rescue groups or a reputable breeder, it’s vital to your pup’s health that your vet or the breeder screen for Juvenile Epilepsy (JE) and Lysosomal Storage Disease (LSD).

Juvenile Epilepsy can be diagnosed in puppies as young as five weeks of age, and symptoms include seizures and ataxia.

Lysosomal Storage Disease is a rare condition but can lead to “developmental delay, movement disorders, seizures, dementia, deafness, and blindness”.

Lagottos can also experience Canine Hip Dysplasia, a painful condition that affects the hip joints. An early Hip Dysplasia diagnosis is ideal for treatment outcome, so schedule regular vet visits during puppyhood as undiagnosed dysplasia can lead to arthritis in older dogs.

What is the lifespan of a Lagotto Romagnolo?

Bar any health problems; you can expect your Lagotto Romagnolo to live for as long as 15 to 17 years.

How much does a Lagotto Romagnolo need to be fed?

The Lagotto Romagnolo dog is generally not a fussy eater. Work with your trusted veterinarian and a canine nutritionist to figure out your dog’s ideal diet.

Whether you feed dry dog food or choose to feed a raw dog food diet to your best friend, make any changes slowly. Introduce new foods over time and turn these taste tests into playful bonding sessions for you and your Lagotto.

Look out for signs of allergic reactions or digestive issues, and quickly remove the offending food. The Lagotto is very smart and will clearly let you know when a food or treat is not to their liking.

Maintain a regular feeding schedule and provide a variety of balanced, nutritious food to keep your Lagotto happy and healthy.

How much can you expect to pay for a Lagotto Romagnolo in Australia?

A purebred Lagotto Romagnolo puppy can cost between $1,500 and $2,500. This initial cost decreases by a lot if you choose to adopt an abandoned Lagotto from a shelter or rescue. The adoption fee should guarantee that your new furbaby is neutered or spayed and vaccinated.

Puppies of any breed need to remain with their dog parent for the first few months of their lives, and you should not accept, adopt, or purchase any puppy that is younger than eight weeks. You should also ensure that the breeder you choose is registered with a breed club.

Patience is key before you find your little Lagotto puppy. Thoroughly research breeders, and ask questions when considering their litters.

Lagotto Romagnolo FAQs

How many puppies are in a Lagotto Romagnolo litter?

An average Lagotto Romagnolo litter has four to six puppies.

How long can a Lagotto Romagnolo be left alone?

A sociable and sensitive Lagotto loves being around their human family to be left alone for more than a few hours.

If you must leave this affectionate dog alone at home, be sure to implement crate training from your dog’s first day in your home to avoid separation anxiety and destructive behaviour like excessive barking and inappropriate chewing and biting.

With the correct training, a crate acts as a den or a safe space for your dog away from loud noises and children and as a self-soothing tool during stressful and anxious times.

Place some chew toys in the crate with your pup to redirect any frustration or excess energy more appropriately.

The breed also gets along well with other animals.

Will a Lagotto Romagnolo get along with a cat?

A Lagotto will usually get along with a cat as long as you socialise with them when your puppy is still young. Puppy classes and obedience training are essential during your dog’s formative period.

If you introduce your teen or adult Lagotto to strange cats, you can expect a slightly aloof but relaxed dog. Lagottos are not aggressive by nature.