Lagotto Romagnolo Breed Guide

Dec 03, 2024

Meet the Lagotto Romagnolo—a dog that’s as talented at sniffing out truffles as they are at winning your heart. Originating from Italy’s Romagna region, this breed was originally used as a water retriever before discovering their true passion in life: digging up gourmet mushrooms. But don’t worry, they’re just as happy fetching sticks and tennis balls as they are finding your next meal.

With their thick, curly coats and expressive eyes, Lagottos are as cute as they are capable. Known for being affectionate, playful, and intelligent, they make brilliant companions for active families. These dogs thrive on both physical exercise and mental stimulation—so be ready to keep them entertained, or they might start redesigning your garden.

THE BASICS:

Category: Gundog
Size: Medium (11-16 kg for males, 10-14 kg for females)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
Grooming: Moderate to High
Coat: Thick, curly, and waterproof
Shedding: Low
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and some eye conditions like PRA
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Home Needs: A secure garden, lots of stimulation, and a family that enjoys the outdoors
Sociability: Friendly, loyal, and great with kids

HISTORY: FROM WATER DOG TO TRUFFLE HUNTER EXTRAORDINAIRE

The Lagotto Romagnolo’s history stretches back to the wetlands of Romagna, where they were initially used as water retrievers. Their strong swimming ability and waterproof coats made them excellent companions for hunting waterfowl. But as the wetlands dried up, the Lagotto found a new job that would eventually make them famous: truffle hunting.

That’s right, these curly-coated canines have a nose for the finer things in life. Thanks to their keen sense of smell, Lagottos became invaluable to truffle hunters, helping them locate these prized underground delicacies in forests across Italy. Their digging instincts, once used for hunting, now serve them well in their gourmet foraging work.

Despite their shift in career, Lagottos never lost their retriever roots. They’re still natural workers who love to use their nose, whether it’s for truffles, toys, or just discovering the latest scent on your morning walk.

LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO PERSONALITY: ENERGETIC, LOVING, AND ALWAYS CURIOUS

The Lagotto Romagnolo is the canine equivalent of that one friend who’s always up for an adventure, loves a good puzzle, and is somehow adorable even when they’re covered in mud. These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families, making them fantastic companions in both work and play.

While Lagottos have a serious side when it comes to using their noses, they also have a fun, playful nature. They love to run, jump, and explore, so they’re perfect for active households. If you’ve got kids, they’ll happily join in the fun, and their patience and good nature make them ideal playmates.

They’re also highly intelligent, which makes training both a joy and a challenge. Positive reinforcement works wonders, but you’ll need to keep them engaged—boredom is the enemy of a happy Lagotto. Without enough mental stimulation, they might take matters into their own paws, which could mean holes in your garden or them re-arranging your shoes.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO NEED?

Lagottos are high-energy dogs, so they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Around 1-2 hours of physical activity each day will do the trick, whether that’s a long walk, a run, or a game of fetch. They’re not the type to be satisfied with a quick trot around the block, so you’ll need to commit to regular outings where they can stretch their legs and use their impressive noses.

In addition to physical exercise, Lagottos thrive on mental stimulation. They love puzzle games, scent work, and any opportunity to show off their problem-solving skills. If you enjoy dog sports like agility, obedience, or tracking, your Lagotto will be more than happy to participate and likely excel at them too.

And remember, a tired Lagotto is a happy Lagotto. After a good run or some brain-teasing games, they’ll be more than content to curl up next to you on the sofa for some quality cuddle time.

HOW TO GROOM A LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO: CURLS, CURLS, CURLS (AND A BIT OF MAINTENANCE)

The Lagotto Romagnolo’s signature curly coat is not just for show—it’s functional, waterproof, and low shedding, making them a great choice for families with allergy sufferers. However, with great curls comes great responsibility! Their dense coat needs regular care to prevent matting, so plan on brushing them a few times a week.

Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is also recommended to keep their curls in shape. Unlike some breeds, the Lagotto’s coat doesn’t shed much, but it does require trimming to maintain its distinct appearance. And don’t forget about regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care to keep them in tip-top condition.

Although they don’t need frequent baths, a quick rinse might be necessary if your Lagotto decides to indulge their natural instinct to dig (which they will). A towel might come in handy, too—those waterproof curls can hold onto a lot of mud!

HEALTH: STURDY BUT WATCH FOR A FEW KEY ISSUES

Lagottos are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia and epilepsy are the most common conditions to watch out for. Eye issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), are also known in the breed, so regular vet visits are essential to catch any problems early.

Despite these potential health concerns, Lagottos tend to be a hardy breed, especially with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a bit of preventative care. And as always, choosing a reputable breeder who screens for these conditions can help minimise the risk of inherited health issues.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO:

Truffle Expert: The Lagotto is the only breed in the world specifically bred to hunt truffles. Fancy, right?
Water-Loving Roots: Despite their new gourmet profession, these dogs still love a good swim, thanks to their water retriever heritage.
Low-Shed, High-Curl: Their curly coat is low shedding, so they’re ideal for allergy sufferers—but don’t expect a “wash-and-go” grooming routine!

LIVING WITH A LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO: A LIFE FULL OF ADVENTURE AND LOVE

Living with a Lagotto Romagnolo means embracing a life full of activity, fun, and a little bit of mud. These dogs are happiest when they’re with their family, whether they’re out on a walk, solving a puzzle toy, or hunting for truffles (or at least chasing a ball). Their affectionate, loyal nature makes them perfect companions, while their intelligence and energy keep things exciting.

They’re well-suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities and are willing to put in the effort to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. If you can handle the grooming and don’t mind the occasional dirt-covered dog coming in from the garden, the Lagotto Romagnolo will reward you with endless love and devotion.

IS THE LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re after a friendly, energetic, and intelligent dog who loves both work and play, the Lagotto Romagnolo could be your perfect match. They’re great for active families or individuals who enjoy the outdoors, and their low shedding coat makes them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Just be prepared to give them the exercise and mental stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy.

With the right care, training, and a bit of grooming, the Lagotto Romagnolo will be a loyal, loving companion for years to come.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for the Lagotto Romagnolo

Scrumbles is the ideal choice for Lagotto Romagnolo owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Lagotto Romagnolo, with their curly coats and lively personalities, benefit from high-quality, natural ingredients like all doggies. That's why we avoid artificial additives and fillers, ensuring your Logatto gets premium nutrition.
Coat and Skin Health: A Lagotto Romagnolo's stunning coat requires extra care, and Scrumbles’ recipes, rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, support healthy skin and keep their curls soft and glossy. We've got just the thing to help: Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food for optimal coat care.
Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for little ones with extra sensitive tums.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and certified B Corp we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.

With their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a fantastic breed for anyone looking for a lively and loving companion. Whether they’re digging for truffles or cuddling on the sofa, one thing’s for sure—life with a Lagotto is never dull!