LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO

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Temperament: Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 99 of 197

Height: 17-19 inches (male), 16-18 inches (female)

Weight: 28.5-35 pounds (male), 24-31 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 15-17 years

Group: Sporting Group

ABOUT THE LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO

Lagotto Romagnolo means “lake dog from Romagna,” which is a good name for this breed, considering these dogs originally helped hunt waterfowl through the wet marshlands of Romagna in Italy.

When you first look at Lagotto Romagnolos, you’ll probably notice their beautiful, curly coats. They are good with children and other pets when they have been properly socialized.

Although uncommon in the United States, the Lagotto Romagnolo is growing in popularity around the world. Even canine lovers with a low to moderate level of experience with dog ownership would likely find the Lagotto Romagnolo to be a suitable household pet, and they are known to be affectionate, dedicated, and eager-to please dogs that love their humans.

PERSONALITY

Lagotto Romagnolos were originally bred as hunting companions, and they haven’t lost their ability to retrieve, even if it means jumping joyfully into bodies of water to do so.

They have sharp senses, especially when it comes to using their noses to sniff things out. That is why they are bred as truffle hunting dogs today. They are easily trained for nose work, though they can also perform well in other tasks such as agility and obedience training.

When it comes to being a family pet, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an affectionate and laid-back dog, so long as exercise is provided in the form of at least one good, long walk per day, and preferably a game of fetch.

NUTRITION

The Lagotto should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.

Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level.

Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity.

HEALTH

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a generally healthy breed, though there are a few conditions that they are predisposed to:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Storage disease
• Juvenile epilepsy
• Cerebral ataxia
• Neuroaxonal dystrophy

CARE

As with most sporting breeds, the Lagotto requires an active, engaged lifestyle to keep him happy. They are not hyper and do not require a great amount of exercise, but they do need both mental stimulation and physical activity.

While a Lagotto will enjoy and benefit from time outside, the breed will not do well if left to live outdoors without family interaction. The Lagotto needs to spend time with his family in order to be well adjusted and content.

GROOMING

The Lagotto’s rough-looking, waterproof coat forms thick, tight curls that cover the entire body except for the head.

They have a double coat of hair rather than fur and shed only minimally, although they may leave little tufts of hair once in a while. The coat needs to be trimmed on a regular basis. Some Lagotto coats mat more than others, and it is important to groom regularly to prevent this.

The ears should be checked weekly for buildup of wax or debris, or any signs of infection.

Source: dogtime, akc.