Lagotto Romagnolo

Updated August 11, 2025

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The Lagotto Romagnolo, Italy's 'truffle dog,' is an ancient and versatile water retriever. Prized for their intelligence, agility, and keen sense of smell, they are also loving and loyal family companions who thrive on activity and affection.

Temperament

Affectionate, Intelligent, Keen, Lively, Loyal

Weight

24-35 pounds

Height

16-19 inches

Life Expectancy

15-17 years

Coat Color

Off-White, White with Brown or Orange patches, Brown Roan, Brown (in different shades), Orange

At a Glance

Maintenance Level

4/5

Friendliness

5/5

Energy Level

4/5

Good with Kids

4/5

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Characteristics Appearance Temperament Care Health History FAQs

About Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo, Italy's 'truffle dog,' is an ancient and versatile water retriever. Prized for their intelligence, agility, and keen sense of smell, they are also loving and loyal family companions who thrive on activity and affection.

15-17 years
Lifespan
24-35 pounds
Weight
16-19 inches
Height
4
Energy Level

What Makes Lagotto Romagnolos Special

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate dog with a knack for finding truffles and warming hearts. Their rustic appearance, with a coat of dense curls, is both charming and functional.

They are working dogs at heart, requiring a job to do, whether it's participating in dog sports, going on long hikes, or playing scent games. Their loyalty and playful nature make them a cherished member of any active family.

Lagotto Romagnolo History & Origin

The Lagotto Romagnolo is considered one of the oldest water-retrieving breeds, with roots in the marshlands of the Romagna sub-region of Italy, dating back to at least the 1400s. Their name translates to 'lake dog from Romagna.' When the great marshlands were drained in the late 19th century, the Lagotto's role shifted from waterfowl retrieval to the highly specialized task of truffle hunting, a job for which they are now world-renowned.

The breed's lineage is believed to be the ancestor of many modern water dog breeds, including the Poodle.

The draining of the marshlands in Italy led to the breed's adaptation as a truffle hunter, the only purebred dog in the world specifically recognized for this purpose.

The breed faced near extinction by the 1970s, but was saved by a group of dedicated Italian enthusiasts and breeders.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Lagotto Romagnolo in 2015, placing it in the Sporting Group.

Puppies from a reputable breeder typically cost between $2,500 and $5,000, reflecting the importance of health testing and responsible breeding practices.

Lagotto Romagnolo Characteristics

Individual Variation

Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

Couch Potato Star Athlete

Grooming Needs

Minimal Grooming Extensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal Training Requires a Lot of Training

Health Issues

Few Known Health Issues Many Known Health Issues

Shedding Level

Sheds a Little Sheds a Lot

Lagotto Romagnolo Appearance

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a small to medium-sized dog with a sturdy, rustic build. They are well-proportioned and nearly as tall as they are long.

Their most notable feature is their dense, curly coat that has a woolly texture and is water-resistant. Their expression is one of keen alertness and intelligence.

Physical Features

Ears

Triangular, medium-sized ears with rounded tips hang just off the cheeks.

Eyes

Large and round, their eye color can range from dark yellow to dark brown, depending on the coat color.

Nose

The nose is large with prominent nostrils, and its color (from brown to dark brown) coordinates with the coat.

Coat & Build

Coat Length

The Lagotto's non-shedding coat is of medium length, forming tight, ring-shaped curls all over the body.

Coat Color

Comes in a range of colors including off-white, various shades of brown, brown or orange roan, and white with brown or orange markings.

Tail

The tail follows the topline, tapering to the tip. It is often wagging, reflecting their happy demeanor.

Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an adaptable and loving breed with a cheerful disposition. They are known for being highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a joy to train.

Originally a water retriever and now a specialized truffle hunter, this breed has a keen sense of smell and a natural love for digging and searching. They form strong bonds with their families and are generally friendly towards strangers and other animals when properly socialized.

Their energetic nature requires regular physical and mental exercise to keep them happy and prevent boredom. They thrive on activity and love to be included in family outings, especially if swimming is involved.

While they are alert and will bark to notify you of strangers, they are not considered guard dogs. Their primary desire is to be a devoted companion.

It is important to provide early and consistent training and socialization to channel their intelligence and energy in positive ways. A bored Lagotto can become mischievous.

Temperament Traits

AffectionateIntelligentKeenLivelyLoyal

Good With

Active FamiliesChildrenOther DogsIndividuals with AllergiesOutdoor Enthusiasts

Health

Lagotti are generally a robust and healthy breed with a long lifespan of 15-17 years. Responsible breeders perform genetic testing for known hereditary conditions to ensure the health of their puppies. Regular vet check-ups are essential for a long, healthy life.

Common Health Issues

Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) - A neurological condition that typically appears in puppies and resolves on its own by about 4 months of age.
Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) - A serious, progressive neurodegenerative disease. A DNA test is available, and responsible breeders test their stock.
Hip Dysplasia - A malformation of the hip joint that can cause arthritis. Screening of breeding stock is common.
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) - A neurological condition that affects coordination and balance.
Hyperuricosuria (HUU) - A condition that can lead to the formation of bladder stones.
Cataracts - Cloudiness in the lens of the eye that can affect vision. Eye exams are recommended for breeding dogs.

Preventive Care

Choose a reputable breeder who screens for genetic diseases. Maintain a healthy weight, provide regular exercise, and schedule annual veterinary check-ups.

How to Care for a Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a robust breed but requires significant grooming for its unique coat and regular exercise for its active mind and body. They are considered hypoallergenic due to low shedding, but their coat can easily mat without proper care.

Living Conditions

Space Requirements

Adaptable to apartments if exercise needs are met; a yard is a plus.

Climate Adaptability

Tolerant of most climates but should not be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Apartment Living

Suitable, but only with a commitment to daily outdoor activity and mental stimulation.

Best Suited For

Perfect for active owners or families who enjoy outdoor adventures and are willing to engage in training and grooming.

Training Tips

Use positive reinforcement; they are sensitive and eager to please.
Socialize them thoroughly as puppies with new people, places, and other dogs.
Engage their powerful nose with scent work and 'find it' games.
Keep training sessions short, fun, and varied to maintain their interest.
Be consistent with rules and boundaries from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Specialized Care Guides

Puppy Care

Early, extensive socialization is key. Begin positive reinforcement training immediately. Puppy-proof the home, paying attention to their desire to dig and chew.

Senior Care

Adjust exercise to accommodate aging joints. Maintain a healthy weight. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to monitor for age-related health issues.

First-Time Owner Tips

Can be a good choice for active first-time owners who are committed to training and grooming, but their intelligence and energy can be challenging.