The Lagotto Romagnolo is generally a healthy, robust breed with a lifespan of 15–17 years when well cared for — one of the longest life expectancies of any medium-sized breed. However, like all purebred dogs, the Lagotto carries certain hereditary health conditions that prospective owners and responsible breeders need to understand. This comprehensive guide to Lagotto Romagnolo health covers the most important conditions, recommended health tests, preventive care, and what to expect from a Lagotto’s health over its lifetime. For everything else about this breed, visit our Lagotto Romagnolo breed page.
Lagotto Romagnolo Lifespan
The Lagotto Romagnolo has an exceptional lifespan for a medium-sized breed. Well-bred individuals from health-tested parents routinely live 15–17 years, and there are documented cases of Lagotti reaching 18–19 years. This longevity reflects the breed’s generally sound genetic health and its origins as a working dog selected for physical endurance.
Factors that most influence lifespan:
- Health testing of the breeding pair: the single most important factor for long-term health
- Maintaining healthy body weight: obesity is one of the biggest threats to longevity in all dogs, reducing lifespan by 2+ years
- Regular veterinary care: annual check-ups, dental care, parasite prevention
- Appropriate exercise: sufficient daily activity without over-stressing developing joints in puppies
- Quality nutrition: a life-stage appropriate diet from a reputable manufacturer
For guidance on care throughout life, see our Lagotto Romagnolo care guide.
Benign Juvenile Epilepsy (Lagotto Romagnolo Type)
This is perhaps the most well-known hereditary condition in the breed. Benign Juvenile Epilepsy (BJE) in the Lagotto Romagnolo is caused by a specific genetic mutation and is characterised by seizures that typically appear between 5 and 9 weeks of age and spontaneously resolve by approximately 8–13 weeks.
Key points:
- The condition is self-limiting — puppies almost always outgrow it completely without lasting neurological damage
- Affected puppies may show focal or generalised seizures during the sensitive window
- A DNA test is available to identify carriers and affected dogs
- Responsible breeders test both parents before breeding to avoid producing affected litters
- A dog carrying one copy of the mutation (carrier) is healthy and shows no symptoms but can pass the gene to offspring
Breeding protocol: Breeders should avoid pairing two carriers, which risks producing affected (two-copy) puppies. Carrier status is not a disqualification from breeding — a carrier paired with a clear dog produces no affected offspring and maintains genetic diversity.
At Woefkesranch, all breeding Lagotti are tested for BJE. Ask your breeder to provide the DNA test certificates for both parents of any litter you consider.
Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD)
Lagotto Storage Disease is a severe, progressive neurological condition caused by a different specific genetic mutation. Unlike Benign Juvenile Epilepsy, LSD is not self-limiting — it is fatal.
Affected dogs (carrying two copies of the mutation) develop progressive neurological deterioration, typically beginning with behavioural changes and ataxia (coordination problems) between 4 months and 4 years of age. The condition progresses to severe disability and death.
Key points:
- LSD is an autosomal recessive condition — two copies of the mutation are required to produce an affected dog
- Carriers (one copy) are entirely healthy and show no symptoms
- A reliable DNA test is available; responsible breeders test all breeding stock
- The mutation frequency is relatively low in the breed’s population but not negligible
- Pairing two carriers risks producing 25% affected offspring — this must be avoided
This is one of the most critical reasons to buy from a health-testing breeder. A breeder who cannot provide LSD test results for both parents should be avoided. At Woefkesranch, LSD testing is a mandatory part of our breeding programme.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development of the hip joint that leads to arthritis, pain, and mobility problems. It occurs in the Lagotto Romagnolo at moderate frequency — higher than some breeds, lower than others. Unlike the genetic mutations for BJE and LSD, hip dysplasia has a complex, polygenic inheritance influenced by both genetics and environmental factors (diet, exercise intensity during puppyhood).
Signs of hip problems:
- Difficulty rising from rest, especially in the morning
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or engage in activities previously enjoyed
- “Bunny hopping” gait (moving both rear legs together when running)
- Muscle wasting in the hindquarters
- Pain when the hip joint is manipulated
Prevention and management:
- Buy from parents with clear hip scores (OFA “Good”/”Excellent” or HD-A/HD-B by the European BVA/FCI scheme)
- Keep puppies lean and avoid over-exercise on hard surfaces until growth plates close (approximately 12–14 months)
- Maintain healthy adult weight — every extra kilogram increases joint load
- Surgical options (FHO, TPO, THR) are available for severe cases; medical management with anti-inflammatories and joint supplements helps in milder forms
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia (a collective term for several developmental elbow conditions) is less commonly discussed in Lagotti than hip dysplasia but does occur. Responsible breeders screen elbows alongside hips. Signs are similar: lameness in the forelimb, particularly after exercise or rest.
Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD/CLND)
Also known as Canine Laryngeal Neuropathy Dystrophy in some literature, this is a progressive neurological condition that has been described in the Lagotto Romagnolo. Affected dogs develop neurological signs including ataxia, muscle weakness, and ultimately inability to stand. The condition is distinct from LSD but equally serious.
Genetic testing for NAD is available through some specialist laboratories. Ask your breeder whether they test for this condition in addition to BJE and LSD.
Eye Conditions
The Lagotto Romagnolo can be affected by several hereditary eye conditions:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): gradual degeneration of the retina leading to night blindness and eventually total vision loss. DNA testing is available for the variants known to affect Lagotti.
- Hereditary Cataract (HC): lens opacity developing at a younger age than typical age-related cataracts. May progress to significant vision impairment. DNA test available.
- Distichiasis: extra eyelashes growing from abnormal locations on the eyelid, potentially irritating the cornea. Managed surgically if causing discomfort.
Annual eye examinations by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended throughout the Lagotto’s life, particularly if the parents were not tested.
Skin Conditions
The dense, curly double coat creates conditions that, without proper grooming, can lead to skin problems:
- Pyoderma (skin infections): bacterial infections of the skin, often developing under matted coat. Prevention is straightforward — maintain regular grooming. See our Lagotto Romagnolo grooming guide for details.
- Allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis): itchy, inflamed skin triggered by environmental or food allergens. Lagotti can be affected, manifesting as paw licking, face rubbing, and recurring skin infections. Managed through allergen identification, dietary adjustments, and veterinary treatment.
- Follicular cysts: fluid-filled sacs under the skin, sometimes found in the Lagotto’s dense coat. Usually benign but should be monitored by a vet.
Ear Health
The Lagotto’s floppy ears reduce air circulation to the ear canal, creating warm, moist conditions that favour bacterial and yeast infections. Ear infections are among the most common health complaints in Lagotti and entirely preventable with routine care.
Prevention:
- Weekly ear inspections
- Thorough drying after bathing and swimming
- Regular cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner
- Discuss ear hair management (plucking vs. leaving) with your vet
Signs of infection: dark or foul-smelling discharge, head shaking, scratching at the ear, redness, or pain when the ear is touched. See your vet promptly — untreated ear infections become progressively harder to manage.
Dental Health
Dental disease is extremely common in dogs and the Lagotto is no exception. By age 3, the majority of dogs have some degree of periodontal disease if dental care is not provided. Dental disease causes pain, tooth loss, and — critically — systemic inflammation that has been linked to organ damage.
Dental care protocol:
- Daily toothbrushing from puppyhood using dog-specific toothpaste
- Raw meaty bones (appropriate size, supervised) provide mechanical cleaning
- Annual professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia from approximately 3–4 years of age
- Dental check at every annual vet visit
Health Testing Checklist for Breeding Lagotti
Before purchasing any Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, request the following health test results for both parents:
- ✓ Benign Juvenile Epilepsy (BJE) — DNA test: Clear or Carrier (not Affected×Affected pairing)
- ✓ Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) — DNA test: Clear or Carrier (not Carrier×Carrier pairing)
- ✓ Hip scores — OFA or BVA/FCI, ideally both parents HD-A or HD-B
- ✓ Elbow scores — OFA or BVA/FCI
- ✓ Eye examination — current certificate from veterinary ophthalmologist
- ✓ NAD/PRA DNA testing — where available
A breeder who cannot or will not provide these documents should not be trusted. At Woefkesranch, all these tests are conducted as standard practice. If you are looking for a responsibly bred Lagotto, see our Lagotto Romagnolo breeder near me page for guidance on finding reputable breeders in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Lagotto Romagnolo live?
Well-bred Lagotti from health-tested parents typically live 15–17 years. This is one of the longest lifespans of any medium-sized breed. The key factors are: buying from health-tested stock, maintaining healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and keeping up with routine veterinary care.
Is the Lagotto Romagnolo a healthy breed?
Generally yes — the Lagotto is considered a healthy breed with fewer major hereditary conditions than many other breeds of similar popularity. However, two serious genetic conditions (Benign Juvenile Epilepsy and Lagotto Storage Disease) require DNA testing of all breeding stock. Buying from a health-testing breeder is essential.
What are the most common health problems in Lagotto Romagnolos?
The most clinically significant conditions are: Lagotto Storage Disease (genetic, fatal), Benign Juvenile Epilepsy (genetic, self-limiting in puppies), hip dysplasia (joint condition), ear infections (very common but preventable), and dental disease (extremely common, preventable). Responsible breeding and routine preventive care address most of these risks effectively.
What is Lagotto Storage Disease and how do I avoid buying an affected puppy?
Lagotto Storage Disease is a fatal progressive neurological condition caused by a genetic mutation. Affected puppies carry two copies of the faulty gene. The only way to avoid buying an affected puppy is to buy from a breeder who DNA tests both parents for LSD. If both parents are tested and neither is pairing two carriers, no affected puppies will be produced. Always ask to see test certificates before purchasing.
Does Benign Juvenile Epilepsy mean I should avoid the breed?
No. BJE in the Lagotto is a self-limiting condition — affected puppies typically outgrow the seizures completely by 13 weeks with no lasting damage. It is, however, a reason to insist on DNA test documentation from your breeder. A responsible breeder will never pair two BJE carriers, ensuring no affected puppies are produced. The existence of this condition in the breed gene pool does not make the Lagotto an unhealthy breed.
Conclusion
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a fundamentally healthy breed with an excellent lifespan — but like all purebreds, it carries specific hereditary risks that require awareness and proactive management. The combination of DNA testing by breeders, routine preventive care by owners, and regular veterinary oversight keeps the vast majority of Lagotti healthy and active well into their teens.
If you are considering a Lagotto, prioritise health testing above all else when evaluating breeders. Visit our Lagotto Romagnolo puppies for sale page to learn about our health-tested litters, or read the complete Lagotto Romagnolo breed guide at Woefkesranch.
