Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed that originated in Romagna, Italy, where these dogs were bred as waterfowl hunters in the marshes. The name Lagotto Romagnolo literally means “lake dog from Romagna.”
Today, these dogs are prized truffle hunting dogs because of their superb noses. Moreover, they have a thick, weather-resistant coat that protects them from cold weather, water, thorns and debris in the forest.
Belonging to the AKC’s Sporting Group, Lagotto Romagnolo are fuss-free, adaptable dogs that are affectionate and alert. They have a characteristic plush toy appearance because of their wooly curls that are present all over the body except the head. This makes them immediately adorable and endearing. But the teddy bear looks bely this dog’s strength, endurance, and rugged nature.
On average, a Lagotto Romagnolo stands 16-19 inches tall and weighs around 24-35 pounds. The average lifespan of a Lagotto Romagnolo is 15-17 years.
Lagotto Romagnolo are playful and affectionate with family members and get along well with other dogs. They do moderately well with young children, but like with all breeds, adult supervision is necessary, especially when young kids haven’t been around dogs all that much.
A Lagotto Romagnolo will be quite open with strangers and is therefore not the most vigilant of watch dogs. However, this breed can be trained as a guard dog.
Lagotto Romagnolo are high-energy dogs that need lots of mental stimulation and physical exercise on a daily basis. This breed needs to spend time outdoors in the company of its humans to remain healthy, content, and well-adjusted. Lagotto Romagnolo are therefore not very adaptable to apartment living or with individuals or families that don’t get out much.
They are intelligent and alert and are relatively easy to train. A Lagotto Romagnolo will not usually bark without cause when properly trained.
The good news is that the Lagotto Romagnolo’s medium length, curly, double coat does not shed much at all. The coat needs to be trimmed regularly, however. Lagotto Romagnolo are not big droolers. Overall, they are low-maintenance dogs and are a good choice for first-time pet parents.
All in all, Lagotto Romagnolo is a great choice of dog breed for active individuals and families who want a fuss-free dog that is allergy-friendly and adapts well to cold weather. They are, as mentioned, excellent at scent work and are prized truffle hunting dogs.
Interested in bringing home a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy? Got more questions about this breed? Puppy Hero lists reputable and responsible Lagotto Romagnolo breeders who will be happy to answer your questions. Check out the listings today and bring home a happy, healthy Lagotto Romagnolo puppy.