Mary Allen
Hunting dog, truffle dog, family dog… is there anything the Lagotto Romagnolo can’t do? Not that we know of! And he has a damn good haircut!
He is very curly, fluffy, and NOT a poodle. Is that possible? And how! Because the Lagotto Romagnolo only looks roughly like a poodle or maybe even more like a Labradoodle. However, the dog belongs to a completely independent breed of dog that is only distantly related to the classic poodle with curly hair.
The breed from Italy belongs to the group of water dogs and was previously used primarily for hunting on and around the water. Today, the Lagotto Romagnolo counts in its homeland as a lovable and friendly family dog, which is also becoming increasingly popular in this country.
We introduce you to the dog with the curly hair and the loyal look in our profile and tell you about the appearance, posture, care, and health of the Lagotto Romagnolo.
What does a Lagotto Romagnolo look like?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is particularly noticeable because of its very curly, woolly, and soft to rough coat with a visible undercoat. This fur structure is typical for water dogs because it is considered to be particularly water-repellent and protects the dogs from the cold. Even ice-cold water hardly bothers the water dogs.
The curly coat hardly sheds at all. The four-legged friend with curly hair is one of the dogs that are also suitable for allergy sufferers. There are many permissible coat colors and breeders often specify them in Italian:
- Bianco: solid dirty white
- Chestnut: solid brown
- Bianco Marrone: White with brown spots
- Roano Marrone: brown mold
- Arancio: solid orange
- Bianco Arancio: off-white with orange spots
Her curly fur runs all over her body and is also very dense on her face.
The dogs have a well-proportioned and strong physique. Their ears droop and their long tail tapers towards the tip.
How big is a Lagotto Romagnolo?
The Lagotto Romagnolo belongs to small to medium-sized dog breeds. Males reach an average height at the withers of between 43 and 48 cm and females between 41 and 46 cm.
How heavy is a Lagotto Romagnolo?
You probably don’t really see it under the thick fur, but the dogs aren’t particularly heavy. Males weigh on average between 13 and 16 kg and females between 11 and 14 kg.
How old does a Lagotto Romagnolo get?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is generally one of the healthy and robust dogs breeds. Its average life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years. With good care and health, some water-loving dogs can even live up to 17 years.
What is the character or nature of the Lagotto Romagnolo?
The water dogs are considered to be very lovable, alert, and people-related. Dogs usually have a very close bond with their mistress or master as well as with the rest of the household. The dogs are not only very playful as puppies, but also as adult animals. They are easily motivated by their humans for fun and practical jokes.
Although they were originally used as hunting dogs, today their hunting instinct is only rudimentary. With a good upbringing and socialization, this can be handled well. Aggressiveness is rather foreign to the dogs. Rather, the dog only announces unknown visitors or perceived danger by barking loudly. One, two, or five treats later and the Lagotto Romagnolo will quickly take even strangers to their hearts.
The Water Dogs require reasonable physical and mental exercise. As retrievers and working dogs, they are always enthusiastic and eager to work when it comes to the right activities.
The history of Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is one of the oldest dog breeds in Italy. The first records of the eager curly hair date back to the 17th century. The dogs’ ancestors came from Romagna in northern Italy. There they would accompany their humans to hunt in the lagoons and swamps of the lowlands and would help hunt coots.
They are also said to have been used by fishermen as retrievers and working dogs. The dog also gets its name from Romagna: In the region’s old dialect, “Càn Lagòt” means something like a water dog.
The Italian water dog is considered a close relative of many other water dog breeds, including the Portuguese and Spanish water dogs.
After more and more swamps were drained in Romagna up to the 19th century, the Lagotto Romagnolo needed a new job. Luckily, truffles were already in high demand back then. With a fine nose, the breed proved to be an excellent truffle hunting dog and a new career began, some of which continues to this day.
Due to its many lovable and positive qualities, many breeders began breeding the Lagotto Romagnolo as a pure family dog at the latest in the 1970s.
Lagotto Romagnolo: The right attitude and training
Because of its friendly, open-minded, and affectionate character, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an ideal family dog. He gets along well with children, other dogs, and neighbors. Appropriate socialization is of course also important here. Like adults of this breed, puppies are very playful, alert, and inquisitive, which makes training the dogs relatively easy. The curly water dog is therefore also a good match for novice dogs.
As a diligent working dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo needs, as mentioned, a corresponding physical and mental workload. Luckily, the dog is (mostly) available for all adventures and games, making it a really fun companion. (In a pinch, some food in the bag will help.) However, walking several times a day is not enough for this breed. The best thing to do is to register your curly hair for various dog sports, such as agility, dog dancing, flyball, or track work. Taking your puppy to dog school is also a good idea.
You also have to reckon with getting wet: As a water dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo still loves the water. For him, jumping into cool water is the best feeling in the world. So it is best to get used to the fact that you will be shaken up here and there when your water-loving four-legged friend comes back to you from the lake, the sea, or the river.
What care does the Lagotto Romagnolo need?
Because the breed doesn’t shed, grooming is fairly easy. To prevent the dense curls from becoming matted, you should regularly work through the fur with a suitable comb or brush. In addition, the Lagotto Romagnolo has to be clipped regularly.
Because of its magnificent hair, the dog also likes to bring along small roommates from nature. Therefore, check your dog regularly for ticks, fleas, and other parasites.
What are the typical diseases of the Lagotto Romagnolo?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is one of the dogs breeds with very robust health. Puppies that come from a registered breeder should generally be very healthy and have a long life expectancy. Hereditary diseases that can occur in the breed include:
- epilepsy
- Lysosomal storage defect: a neurological disease that can be fatal
- Rare: Hip and elbow dysplasia
All diseases can be diagnosed with a genetic test. Reputable breeders make sure that they have the appropriate proof of their puppies ready. If not, you should simply address the issue. In this way, you can be sure that your future Wuschel will be in good health.
How much does a Lagotto Romagnolo cost?
Since the Lagotto Romagnolo is still very rare in Germany, there are only a handful of breeders in this country. Therefore, no statement can be made about the average price for a puppy. But reckon with prices from at least 1,000 euros.
If you want to get a curly puppy, be sure to get information from registered breeders. There are currently two breeder associations in Germany that are members of the VDH: Lagotto Romagnolo Wasserhunde Deutschland e. V. and Lagotto Romagnolo breeders association e. V
If you have time and feel like taking a little trip, you can also go directly to Italy. You might find a small, curly Lagotto Romagnolo at a local animal shelter – or you might fall in love with another dog there. After all, Bella Italia is also called Amore!