The Lagotto Romagnolo, often simply called “Lagotto,” is an ancient Italian breed with a rich history dating back to at least the 16th century. Originally bred as water retrievers in the marshlands of Romagna, Italy, these versatile dogs later became renowned for their exceptional truffle-hunting abilities when the marshes were drained for agricultural use.
The name “Lagotto” derives from the Italian term “cane lagotto,” which translates to “water dog” – a fitting description for this breed’s historical purpose. Despite their long history in Italy, Lagottos only gained international recognition relatively recently, with the American Kennel Club officially recognizing the breed in 2015.
Lagotto Romagnolos are medium-sized dogs characterized by their distinctive curly, waterproof coats that resemble the texture of sheep’s wool. They typically stand between 16-19 inches tall and weigh between 24-35 pounds, making them substantial yet manageable companions.
Their expressive eyes and alert, intelligent expression reflect their keen awareness and problem-solving abilities. Temperamentally, Lagottos are affectionate, loyal, and deeply devoted to their families, forming strong bonds with their human companions. They combine an energetic work ethic with a gentle, loving disposition that makes them excellent family pets.
These intelligent and trainable dogs possess a natural curiosity and enthusiasm that serves them well in various activities, from obedience and agility to their traditional truffle-hunting work. Their keen sense of smell is among the best in the canine world, making them exceptional scent workers.
While generally friendly, Lagottos can be somewhat reserved with strangers, though rarely aggressive. Their moderate energy levels require regular exercise, but they’re equally content to relax at home once their activity needs are met.
Proper care for a Lagotto Romagnolo encompasses several key areas, including specialized grooming for their unique coat, appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and preventative healthcare. Understanding the specific needs of this breed is essential for ensuring their physical health, emotional well-being, and longevity.
With proper care, Lagottos typically live 15-17 years, providing their families with many years of companionship and joy.
As working dogs with a strong desire to please, Lagottos thrive when given purpose and direction. Their intelligence and trainability make them adaptable to various living situations, though they do best in homes where they receive ample attention and engagement.
Whether as a family companion, a working truffle hunter, or a canine athlete, the Lagotto Romagnolo excels when provided with appropriate care tailored to their unique characteristics and heritage.
Grooming Requirements
The Lagotto Romagnolo’s most distinctive feature is undoubtedly its dense, curly coat, which requires specialized grooming to maintain its health and functionality. Unlike many other curly-coated breeds, the Lagotto’s coat is designed to be waterproof and protective, with a texture more similar to human hair than fur, complete with an undercoat that provides insulation.
This unique coat doesn’t shed seasonally like many other breeds; instead, dead hair remains trapped within the curls, necessitating regular grooming to prevent matting and skin problems. The coat continues to grow throughout the dog’s life, requiring trimming every 8-12 weeks to maintain a manageable length of approximately 1-2 inches.
Proper brushing technique is crucial for Lagotto coat maintenance, as incorrect methods can damage the natural curl pattern or create a frizzy appearance. Owners should use a wide-toothed metal comb or slicker brush to work through the coat section by section, starting from the skin and working outward, being particularly attentive to areas prone to matting such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.
Many Lagotto owners find that misting the coat with water or a detangling spray before brushing helps minimize discomfort and makes the process more effective. A thorough brushing session should be conducted at least weekly, with more frequent attention to problem areas as needed.
Bathing a Lagotto should be approached with moderation – typically once every 4-6 weeks unless the dog becomes particularly dirty during outdoor adventures. Over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils, leading to dry skin and a less water-resistant coat.
When bathing is necessary, use a mild dog shampoo specifically formulated for curly or wool coats, and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent product buildup that can irritate the skin. After bathing, the coat should be towel-dried and then allowed to air dry or dried with a blow dryer on a low, cool setting while being brushed to maintain the curl pattern and prevent matting as it dries.
The Lagotto’s distinctive appearance is achieved through proper trimming, which traditionally maintains the rustic, natural look characteristic of the breed rather than the sculpted appearance sometimes seen in poodles. Professional grooming every 2-3 months is recommended, especially for owners new to the breed, though many experienced Lagotto owners eventually learn to perform maintenance trims at home.
When selecting a professional groomer, it’s advisable to find one familiar with the breed standard or willing to follow specific instructions about maintaining the authentic Lagotto appearance, which includes a rounded head, moderately short muzzle, and an overall natural, rustic look rather than an overly manicured style.
Beyond coat care, Lagotto grooming includes regular attention to ears, which should be checked weekly and cleaned as needed due to their drop-ear structure that can trap moisture and debris. Their nails should be trimmed every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and splitting, and teeth should be brushed several times weekly to prevent dental disease.
The hair between the paw pads should be trimmed regularly to prevent matting and the collection of debris, which can cause discomfort and affect the dog’s gait. Eye care is also important, with gentle cleaning around the eyes to prevent staining and irritation from the surrounding facial hair. With consistent attention to these grooming needs, a Lagotto Romagnolo will not only look their best but also enjoy better overall health and comfort.
Nutrition and Dietary Needs
Proper nutrition forms the cornerstone of health for the active and energetic Lagotto Romagnolo, requiring a balanced diet that supports their moderate to high energy levels and maintains their distinctive coat quality. As a medium-sized breed with an athletic build, Lagottos typically require approximately 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals, though this amount should be adjusted based on the individual dog’s age, weight, activity level, and metabolism.
Protein should constitute approximately 25-30% of their diet, preferably from quality animal sources like chicken, turkey, fish, or lamb, which provide the essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and overall health. Healthy fats, comprising about 15-20% of their diet, are crucial for maintaining their water-resistant coat, supporting brain function, and providing sustained energy for their active lifestyle.
Complex carbohydrates from sources such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oats can provide sustainable energy for active Lagottos, though the carbohydrate content should be moderate rather than excessive. These dogs generally thrive on a diet that includes fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support digestive health and immune function.
Blueberries, apples, carrots, and leafy greens can be excellent additions to their diet, either incorporated into their commercial food or offered as healthy treats. Some Lagotto owners opt for raw or home-prepared diets, which can be appropriate when properly balanced with guidance from a veterinary nutritionist to ensure all nutritional requirements are met.
Hydration is particularly important for this active breed, especially during periods of increased exercise or in warm weather. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times, with bowls refreshed at least twice daily.
Some Lagottos can be particular about their water, preferring it very fresh, so pet fountains that circulate and filter water can be beneficial for encouraging adequate hydration. During hot weather or after strenuous exercise, adding ice cubes to their water or offering frozen treats made from diluted bone broth can help ensure they remain properly hydrated while providing enrichment.
Food allergies and sensitivities are not uncommon in the breed, with some Lagottos showing reactions to common proteins like chicken or beef, or to grains such as wheat or corn. Signs of food sensitivities may include persistent itching, ear infections, gastrointestinal upset, or poor coat quality.
If these symptoms occur, working with a veterinarian to implement an elimination diet can help identify problematic ingredients. Many Lagotto owners find that limited-ingredient diets or novel protein sources such as duck, venison, or rabbit can be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities. Regardless of the specific diet chosen, transitions between foods should always be gradual, typically over a period of 7-10 days, to prevent digestive upset.
Maintaining appropriate weight is crucial for the long-term health of a Lagotto Romagnolo, as excess weight can contribute to joint problems, reduced stamina, and other health issues. Owners should be able to feel but not see their dog’s ribs, and the Lagotto should have a visible waist when viewed from above.
Treats should constitute no more than 10% of the dog’s daily caloric intake, with preference given to healthy options like small pieces of lean meat, vegetables, or commercially prepared treats specifically formulated for training purposes. As Lagottos age, their metabolism typically slows, necessitating adjustments to their food intake to prevent weight gain while still providing adequate nutrition for their changing needs. Regular body condition assessments, either at home or during veterinary visits, can help ensure the Lagotto maintains an ideal weight throughout all life stages.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
The Lagotto Romagnolo, with its working dog heritage, requires consistent physical exercise and mental challenges to maintain optimal health and prevent behavioral issues stemming from boredom or excess energy. Daily exercise requirements typically range from 60-90 minutes, ideally split between morning and evening sessions to provide regular energy outlets throughout the day.
This exercise should include a combination of structured activities like leashed walks or jogging alongside free play and exploration in secure areas where the dog can engage its natural instincts for sniffing and investigating. The intensity and duration of exercise should be adjusted based on the individual dog’s age, health status, and energy level, with puppies requiring shorter, more frequent exercise periods and senior dogs often benefiting from gentler activities that maintain mobility without stressing aging joints.
As natural water dogs, Lagottos typically excel at and thoroughly enjoy swimming, which provides excellent low-impact exercise that builds strength and endurance while being gentle on joints. Access to safe swimming areas such as pools, lakes, or beaches can be a tremendous asset for Lagotto owners, particularly during warmer months or for dogs with joint issues that benefit from non-weight-bearing exercise.
When introducing a Lagotto to swimming, owners should ensure the experience is positive and supervised, starting in calm, shallow water and using flotation devices if necessary until the dog demonstrates comfort and proficiency. Even Lagottos that haven’t been exposed to water from a young age can usually develop swimming skills with patient introduction, though individual preferences may vary.
Beyond physical exercise, Lagottos require substantial mental stimulation to satisfy their intelligent, problem-solving nature. Scent work is particularly well-suited to this breed given their history as truffle hunters, with activities ranging from formal nose work classes to informal scent games at home where treats or toys are hidden for the dog to find.
Puzzle toys that dispense treats when manipulated correctly can provide excellent mental exercise, especially on days when outdoor activities might be limited due to weather. Rotating through different types of puzzle toys helps maintain interest, with options ranging from simple treat-dispensing balls to complex puzzles requiring multiple steps to solve. Many Lagotto owners find that feeding at least one meal daily through puzzle toys or snuffle mats helps satisfy the dog’s natural foraging instincts while slowing consumption and providing mental engagement.
Training sessions, even brief 5-10 minute periods scattered throughout the day, serve the dual purpose of mental stimulation and reinforcing desirable behaviors. Lagottos excel at learning new commands and tricks, with their eager-to-please nature making them responsive to positive reinforcement training methods.
Advanced obedience, agility, rally, tracking, and scent work competitions can provide structured outlets for their physical and mental energy while strengthening the bond between dog and owner. Even Lagottos not participating in formal competitions benefit from learning the basic skills involved in these activities, with backyard agility courses easily created using household items and tracking games improvised in parks or yards.
Social interaction constitutes another important aspect of mental stimulation for this generally people-oriented breed. Regular positive interactions with other dogs through playdates, dog parks (for appropriately socialized individuals), or group training classes help satisfy their social needs while providing physical exercise.
Similarly, controlled exposure to new environments, people, and situations helps prevent the development of fearfulness or reactivity while providing mental enrichment through novel experiences. A well-exercised Lagotto, both physically and mentally, typically displays a balanced temperament at home – active and engaged when appropriate but able to settle calmly when needed, demonstrating the adaptability that makes this breed such a rewarding companion for active households committed to meeting their exercise and stimulation needs.
Health Considerations
The Lagotto Romagnolo is generally considered a robust breed with good longevity, but like all purebred dogs, they have certain health conditions that occur with higher frequency in the breed and warrant monitoring. Epilepsy represents one of the more significant health concerns, with juvenile epilepsy particularly noted in the breed, typically manifesting between 5-9 months of age with seizures that may eventually resolve or require lifelong management with anti-seizure medications.
Hip dysplasia, while not as prevalent as in some larger breeds, does occur in Lagottos and can range from mild cases requiring minimal intervention to severe cases necessitating surgical correction or long-term pain management. Elbow dysplasia similarly affects some individuals, with both conditions potentially influenced by genetics, nutrition during growth periods, and appropriate exercise during development.
Eye conditions requiring vigilance include cataracts, which can develop at various ages and potentially progress to affect vision, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative condition that can eventually lead to blindness. Regular ophthalmological examinations can help detect these conditions early, allowing for appropriate management strategies.
Lagottos may also experience benign juvenile polyps, particularly in the ear canals, which typically appear in young dogs and often resolve spontaneously but sometimes require surgical removal if they cause persistent problems. Storage diseases such as Lysosomal Storage Disease (LSD) have been identified in the breed, though responsible breeding practices including genetic testing have significantly reduced their incidence in well-bred lines.
Preventative healthcare forms the foundation of maintaining Lagotto wellbeing, beginning with a vaccination schedule determined in consultation with a veterinarian based on the dog’s age, health status, and risk factors associated with their geographic location and lifestyle. Core vaccines typically include those protecting against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, with non-core vaccines such as those for Lyme disease, leptospirosis, or Bordetella considered based on individual risk assessment.
Parasite prevention constitutes another crucial aspect of preventative care, with year-round protection against heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks recommended for most Lagottos, using products specifically recommended by a veterinarian based on the dog’s weight, age, and local parasite prevalence.
Regular veterinary examinations, typically scheduled annually for young and middle-aged adults and semi-annually for seniors or dogs with chronic conditions, allow for early detection of developing health issues before they become serious. These visits should include thorough physical examinations, dental assessments, and appropriate laboratory testing based on age and risk factors.
For Lagottos over seven years of age, comprehensive senior panels including complete blood counts, chemistry profiles, urinalysis, and thyroid testing provide valuable baseline information and can detect subtle changes indicating early disease processes. Dental health requires particular attention, as the breed can be prone to periodontal disease which, beyond causing oral pain and tooth loss, can contribute to systemic health problems affecting the heart, kidneys, and other organs when bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream.
Weight management represents one of the most significant yet often overlooked aspects of preventative healthcare, with obesity increasing risks for numerous conditions including diabetes, arthritis, respiratory difficulties, and reduced lifespan. Regular body condition scoring, maintaining appropriate portion control, ensuring adequate exercise, and limiting treats all contribute to weight management success.
Emergency preparedness also constitutes an important health consideration, with owners advised to identify 24-hour veterinary facilities in their area before emergencies occur, maintain a pet first aid kit, and consider learning basic canine first aid techniques for addressing minor injuries or stabilizing more serious conditions while seeking veterinary care. With attentive preventative care, prompt attention to emerging health concerns, and selection of puppies from health-tested parents, many Lagotto Romagnolos enjoy healthy lives well into their teen years, often reaching 15-17 years of age with good quality of life.
Routine Care
Establishing consistent daily routines provides Lagotto Romagnolos with the structure and predictability that contributes significantly to their sense of security and overall wellbeing. Morning routines typically begin with a bathroom break followed by breakfast, with meals ideally served at approximately the same times each day to maintain digestive regularity and establish clear expectations.
Feeding should occur in a quiet location free from distractions or competition from other pets, with fresh water always available nearby. Many Lagotto owners find that elevated feeding stations promote better posture during eating and can reduce the risk of bloat, particularly for adult dogs. After morning meals, a moderate walk or play session helps stimulate digestion and provides an opportunity for mental refreshment before the day’s activities begin in earnest.
Dental hygiene represents a crucial aspect of routine care that is frequently overlooked until problems develop. Ideally, a Lagotto’s teeth should be brushed daily using dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which contains potentially toxic xylitol), though realistically, a minimum of three times weekly provides significant benefits in preventing periodontal disease.
The introduction of tooth brushing should begin gradually, first accustoming the dog to having their muzzle and lips handled, then to the taste of the toothpaste, and finally to the sensation of brushing, using a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush designed for canine dental care. Supplemental dental care may include dental chews, water additives, or dental diets recommended by veterinarians, though these should complement rather than replace mechanical plaque removal through brushing.
Ear care demands particular attention in Lagottos due to their drop ears and hair-filled ear canals, which can trap moisture and debris, potentially leading to infections if not regularly maintained. Weekly ear checks should become routine, with cleaning performed as needed using a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner applied to a cotton ball (never cotton swabs, which can damage the ear canal).
The cleaning solution should be gently massaged into the base of the ear before allowing the dog to shake their head, followed by wiping away loosened debris from the visible portions of the ear canal. Redness, unusual odor, excessive wax production, or evident discomfort during ear handling warrants veterinary attention, as these may indicate developing infections requiring medical intervention.
Nail care constitutes another essential routine maintenance task, with overgrown nails potentially causing discomfort, affecting gait, and even leading to long-term skeletal issues if left unaddressed. Most Lagottos require nail trimming every 3-4 weeks, though individual growth rates vary based on activity level and the surfaces on which the dog regularly walks.
Proper nail trimming technique involves using appropriate dog nail clippers or grinders to remove small portions of the nail at a time, being careful to avoid cutting into the quick (the sensitive inner portion containing blood vessels and nerves). For dogs with dark nails where the quick isn’t visible, conservative trimming and frequent sessions are preferable to aggressive cutting that risks painful injuries. Many Lagottos benefit from gradual desensitization to nail handling and trimming from puppyhood, making this necessary routine care less stressful throughout their lives.
Evening routines typically mirror morning activities, with a substantial exercise session before dinner helping to expend energy and promote better sleep quality. The final bathroom break of the day should occur as late as possible to ensure comfort throughout the night, with consistent bedtime routines signaling to the dog that it’s time to settle down.
Whether the Lagotto sleeps in a crate, on a dog bed, or with family members, the sleeping location should remain consistent and comfortable, with appropriate temperature regulation and minimal disturbances. Many Lagotto owners find that providing a stuffed Kong toy or similar long-lasting chew at bedtime helps their dog settle more quickly and provides mental stimulation before sleep. Throughout all routine care activities, maintaining a calm, positive approach helps the Lagotto associate necessary handling and grooming with pleasant experiences, building trust and cooperation that makes these essential tasks easier and less stressful for both dog and owner.
Training and Socialization
The Lagotto Romagnolo’s intelligence and eagerness to please create an excellent foundation for training, though their independent thinking and problem-solving abilities sometimes manifest as creative interpretations of commands rather than strict obedience. Effective training begins with establishing clear, consistent expectations and communication channels between dog and handler, ideally starting from the moment the puppy enters the home.
Positive reinforcement methods yield the best results with this sensitive breed, using rewards such as treats, praise, play, and other resources the dog values to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. Harsh corrections or punishment-based training approaches typically backfire with Lagottos, potentially damaging the trust relationship and creating anxiety or avoidance behaviors rather than reliable responses to commands.
Early training should focus on essential life skills including house training, crate training, appropriate chewing behaviors, and basic manners such as sitting politely for attention rather than jumping. House training typically progresses relatively quickly with consistent scheduling, vigilant supervision, positive reinforcement of appropriate elimination in designated areas, and prevention of accidents through management strategies like crate training when direct supervision isn’t possible.
The natural intelligence of the breed often allows them to understand house training concepts quickly, though consistency remains important through the juvenile period when distractions might temporarily override their understanding of expectations.
Basic obedience commands including sit, down, stay, come, and walking politely on leash should be introduced using short, engaging training sessions of 5-10 minutes several times daily rather than longer sessions that might exceed the dog’s attention span. Training should occur in progressively more challenging environments as the dog demonstrates reliability, beginning in quiet indoor settings with minimal distractions before gradually advancing to more stimulating environments like parks or areas with other dogs present.
This progressive approach builds the dog’s understanding that commands apply universally, not just in specific contexts or locations. Many Lagotto owners find that incorporating training into daily routines, such as requiring a sit before meals or a wait at doorways, helps reinforce obedience while making training a natural part of the dog’s life rather than an isolated activity.
Socialization represents a crucial aspect of Lagotto development, ideally beginning during the critical socialization period between 3-14 weeks of age and continuing throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Proper socialization involves exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, animals, environments, surfaces, sounds, and experiences in a positive, controlled manner that builds confidence rather than overwhelming the dog.
Particular attention should be paid to creating positive associations with handling and grooming procedures, as the Lagotto’s coat requires significant maintenance throughout life. Puppy socialization classes conducted by qualified trainers in clean environments provide valuable opportunities for supervised interaction with other puppies and exposure to novel stimuli in a controlled setting where appropriate play and interaction can be facilitated and inappropriate behaviors redirected.
Advanced training opportunities abound for this versatile breed, with many Lagottos excelling in activities that engage their natural abilities and intelligence. Nose work and scent detection capitalize on their exceptional olfactory capabilities and historical truffle-hunting purpose, often providing immense satisfaction for dogs and handlers alike.
Agility training channels their athletic abilities and problem-solving skills, while rally, obedience, and trick training showcase their trainability and desire to work cooperatively with their handlers. Many Lagotto owners find that incorporating elements of these activities into regular training routines, even without competitive aspirations, provides valuable mental stimulation and strengthens the working partnership between dog and handler.
Regardless of the specific training activities pursued, maintaining a positive, patient approach that respects the Lagotto’s sensitivity while channeling their intelligence and work ethic typically results in a well-adjusted, responsive companion capable of learning throughout their lifetime.
