Lagotto Romagnolo grooming is one of the most distinctive aspects of owning this breed — and one that surprises many new owners. The Lagotto’s thick, curly, woolly coat is stunning, but it requires specific care to stay healthy, tangle-free, and in good condition. Unlike many breeds where grooming is a monthly visit to the salon, the Lagotto needs a consistent, ongoing coat care routine at home. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from daily brushing to professional clipping, whether you’re a current Lagotto owner or considering a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy from our kennel.

Understanding the Lagotto Romagnolo’s Unique Coat

Before diving into grooming routines, it helps to understand what makes the Lagotto’s coat distinctive.

The Lagotto Romagnolo has a double coat that consists of:

• A thick, curly outer coat: the ringlets or waves you see on the surface, which can range from tight curls to looser waves depending on the individual dog and bloodline.
• A dense, woolly undercoat: an insulating layer that traps air for warmth and water resistance — a feature inherited from the breed’s waterfowl-retrieving history.

This coat is classified as low-shedding (not non-shedding). Dead hair tends to get trapped in the curls rather than falling out onto furniture, which is why regular brushing and clipping are essential. Without it, the coat mats — and serious matting causes skin problems, pain, and sometimes requires a full shave.

The coat is also described as hypoallergenic in the sense that it produces less airborne dander than many breeds. However, “hypoallergenic” does not mean allergen-free. For more on this topic, see our dedicated guide on Lagotto Romagnolo hypoallergenic properties.

The Lagotto coat comes in several colours — from off-white to orange-roan, brown, and brown with white patches. Colour does not affect grooming requirements.

How Often Should You Brush a Lagotto Romagnolo?

The honest answer: 2–3 times per week minimum, and daily during heavy activity seasons (autumn/winter when dogs roll in leaves and mud). The curly coat tangles faster than you might expect, particularly behind the ears, in the armpits, between the thighs, and around the collar.

Tools you’ll need:

• Slicker brush: for surface detangling and fluffing the curls
• Wide-tooth metal comb: for working through the undercoat and checking for hidden mats
• Dematting comb or mat splitter: for dealing with any mats before they worsen
• Detangling spray: a light leave-in conditioner to make brushing easier and prevent static

Brushing technique:

1. Work in sections, starting at the legs and moving up the body
2. Use the slicker brush in the direction of curl growth — don’t brush against the coat
3. Follow with the metal comb to confirm there are no underlying tangles
4. Pay special attention to “hot spots” for matting: behind the ears, armpits, under the collar, between hindleg thighs
5. Use detangling spray on stubborn tangles before working through with the comb

Never brush a dry, dirty coat. Always spray lightly with a detangling spray or water first, particularly if your Lagotto has been in mud or wet vegetation. Brushing a dry, dirty coat damages the coat and causes unnecessary pain for the dog.

Bathing the Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotti need bathing every 4–6 weeks, or when genuinely dirty (a post-truffle-hunting Lagotto can be quite muddy). More frequent bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils and alter its texture. Less frequent bathing allows odour and dead skin to build up in the dense undercoat.

Choosing a shampoo: Use a high-quality dog shampoo formulated for curly or woolly coats. Avoid human shampoos — they have the wrong pH balance for dog skin. A gentle moisturising conditioner applied after shampooing helps maintain curl definition and prevents post-bath matting.

Bathing steps:

1. Brush thoroughly before bathing — matted coat is nearly impossible to work with when wet, and wetting mats causes them to tighten
2. Wet the coat thoroughly, working water through the curls to the skin
3. Apply shampoo and massage gently through the coat — do not scrub in circles, as this encourages matting
4. Rinse extremely thoroughly — any remaining shampoo causes skin irritation
5. Apply conditioner and leave for 3–5 minutes before rinsing
6. Towel dry by squeezing — do not rub vigorously, which tangles curls
7. Either air-dry in a warm environment or use a low-heat blow dryer while finger-drying the curls

The Lagotto’s dense coat takes time to dry fully. Make sure the undercoat is completely dry before the dog sleeps or goes outside in cold weather, as a damp undercoat can lead to skin infections.

Clipping and Trimming

Unlike some breeds where grooming is optional, the Lagotto Romagnolo requires regular clipping (typically every 8–12 weeks) to prevent the coat from becoming unmanageably long and matted. You have two options: professional grooming or learning to clip at home.

Professional Grooming

A professional dog groomer familiar with curly and woolly coats (and ideally with Lagotti specifically) can perform a full clip, bath, ear clean, and nail trim in a single session. For most owners, this is the most practical approach, especially for the body clip. Expect to visit a professional groomer every 2–3 months.

When briefing a groomer:

• Show them photos of the traditional Lagotto trim (curls maintained, body coat clipped to 2–4 cm)
• Confirm they are familiar with woolly/curly coats (not all groomers are)
• Ask them to avoid de-shedding tools designed for straight-coated breeds, which can damage the Lagotto curl

Clipping at Home

With the right tools and practice, many Lagotto owners learn to manage coat maintenance at home between professional visits. You’ll need:

• A quality pair of curved scissors or thinning shears for face and paw tidying
• Professional-grade dog clippers with a blade suitable for thick curly coats (size 4F or 5F blade)
• A grooming table or non-slip mat to keep the dog steady

Home clipping takes practice. Start by watching professional Lagotto grooming videos before attempting it yourself. The Lagotto is patient about grooming when introduced to it correctly from puppyhood — see our full Lagotto Romagnolo care guide for tips on grooming habituation for puppies.

Ear Care

Lagotti have floppy ears that reduce airflow to the ear canal — a combination that creates ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria if not managed. Lagotto ear care is an important part of the grooming routine.

Weekly ear checks: Look inside the ear for redness, dark discharge, unusual odour, or excessive wax. A small amount of light brown wax is normal. A dark, smelly discharge or the dog scratching/shaking their head indicates infection — consult your vet.

Hair in the ear canal: Many Lagotti grow hair inside the ear canal, which traps debris and moisture. Many groomers pluck this hair gently to improve air circulation. This is a subject of some debate — ask your vet or experienced Lagotto breeder for guidance on whether to pluck or not for your individual dog.

Cleaning: Use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution, applied to a cotton ball (never insert cotton buds into the ear canal). Clean the visible outer ear only — never probe inside the canal.

After swimming or bathing: Always dry the ear canal area gently and thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the ear canal is the primary cause of ear infections in floppy-eared breeds.

Nail Care

Lagotto nails grow relatively quickly and need trimming every 3–4 weeks. Overgrown nails cause discomfort, affect the dog’s gait, and can lead to foot problems over time.

Trim with sharp dog nail clippers or a nail grinder, taking care to avoid the “quick” — the blood vessel inside the nail. On pigmented nails, the quick is invisible; trim small amounts at a time and look for a grey or pink circle appearing at the centre of the cut nail surface, which signals you’re approaching the quick. On white nails, the pink quick is visible through the nail.

Regular handling of paws from puppyhood makes nail trimming stress-free. Include brief paw-touching sessions in your daily routine from day one.

Dental Hygiene

Dental disease is one of the most common and most preventable health problems in dogs. The Lagotto Romagnolo is not particularly prone to dental issues compared to flat-faced breeds, but regular dental care is still essential.

Daily toothbrushing is the gold standard — use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which contains xylitol toxic to dogs). Start from puppyhood: let the puppy lick the toothpaste off the brush first, then gradually introduce the brushing motion.

Dental chews, raw meaty bones (appropriate to the dog’s size), and water additives can supplement brushing but do not replace it. Annual professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia may be recommended by your vet from around 4–5 years of age.

Seasonal Coat Changes

The Lagotto Romagnolo does not have a dramatic seasonal shed like many double-coated breeds. However, coat texture and density can change through the year:

• Spring/Summer: the coat may thin slightly, feel softer, and lose some curl definition — this is normal. A trim at this time of year keeps the dog comfortable in warm weather.
• Autumn/Winter: the undercoat thickens for insulation. Matting risk increases, particularly in hunting and outdoor dogs that get wet and muddy frequently. Increase brushing frequency during this period.

Lagotti who spend time in forests or fields — particularly those doing truffle work — require more frequent post-activity checks for burrs, seeds, and plant matter trapped in the curls. These, if left, form the seed of serious mats.

Starting Grooming Habits from Puppyhood

The Lagotto puppy coat (soft, less curly, and lighter) is far easier to groom than the adult coat that develops between 9 and 18 months. Use this window to build positive associations with every aspect of grooming.

Puppy grooming checklist:

• Touch and gently handle paws, ears, mouth, and tail daily from the first day home
• Introduce the brush to the puppy’s face (let them sniff it) before using it on the body
• Begin very short, positive grooming sessions (2–3 minutes) with treats and praise
• Introduce the sound of clippers at a distance before using them near the dog
• Take the puppy to a professional groomer early — even for just a face tidy and paw trim — so the environment becomes familiar

A Lagotto that is comfortable with grooming from puppyhood is a lifelong pleasure to maintain. A Lagotto that was never properly habituated can become extremely difficult and stressful to groom as an adult. For more puppy care guidance, see our Lagotto Romagnolo care guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a Lagotto Romagnolo need to be groomed?

Brush 2–3 times per week at minimum, bathe every 4–6 weeks, and professionally clip every 8–12 weeks. Ear checks and nail trims should happen every 3–4 weeks. The total grooming commitment is significant — factor this into your decision when considering the breed.

Does the Lagotto Romagnolo’s coat make grooming easier for allergy sufferers?

The Lagotto’s low-shedding coat means less airborne hair in the home, which many allergy sufferers find helpful. However, regular grooming (brushing, bathing) is still essential to remove dead hair from the coat and reduce the dander that accumulates over time. Bathing your Lagotto every 4–6 weeks significantly reduces allergen levels in the home.

What haircut is correct for a Lagotto Romagnolo?

The traditional Lagotto trim maintains the breed’s characteristic ringlets while keeping the coat at a practical, manageable length (2–4 cm on the body). The face is typically lightly trimmed to keep the eyes clear while preserving the beard and eyebrows. Avoid shaving the coat too short — this can damage the curl structure and expose the skin to sun damage. Ask your groomer for a “breed standard” Lagotto trim.

Are Lagotto Romagnolos prone to matting?

Yes — without regular brushing, the curly double coat mats readily, especially in the armpit, ear, and thigh areas. Matting is the number one grooming challenge for Lagotto owners. Prevention through consistent brushing is far easier than dealing with established mats. Severe mats require shaving and are painful for the dog — avoid by maintaining a regular routine.

Can I groom my Lagotto Romagnolo myself at home?

Yes — many owners maintain their Lagotto’s coat successfully at home between professional grooming sessions. Daily maintenance brushing and between-session tidying of paws and face are very manageable. For a full body clip, most owners prefer a professional for at least the first few times to learn the correct technique. Invest in good quality tools — cheap brushes and clippers make home grooming much harder.

Conclusion

Lagotto Romagnolo grooming is not a casual commitment — it requires consistent effort and the right approach. But for owners who invest in building good grooming habits from puppyhood, maintaining a Lagotto’s coat becomes a routine part of the bond with this extraordinary breed. A well-groomed Lagotto is a healthy, comfortable, and beautiful dog.

Ready to welcome a Lagotto into your life? Explore our available Lagotto Romagnolo puppies or visit the main Lagotto Romagnolo breed page at Woefkesranch. For everything else you need to know about caring for this breed, read our comprehensive Lagotto Romagnolo care guide. If you’re looking to find a breeder, our Lagotto Romagnolo breeder near me page can help you find responsible breeders in your region.