Origin
Italy
Lifespan
15–17 years
Weight
11–16 kg
Height
41–48 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Off White · Brown · Orange · Brown Roan
Lagotto Romagnolo
About This Breed
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian water retriever now primarily used as a truffle-hunting dog. With their dense, curly coat and keen nose, they excel at scent work and are affectionate, low-shedding family companions.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Lagotto Romagnolo
Origin
| Origin | Italy |
| Group | Sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 11–16 kg |
| Lifespan | 15–17 years |
| Height | 41–48 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Off White · Brown · Orange · Brown Roan |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Loyal · Keen · Affectionate · Trainable |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Coat care can take more time. Check for tangles and choose a brushing routine that suits the coat.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian water dog bred to use their sensitive snout to sniff out truffles. But even if you are not in the market for fancy tubers, Lagotto dogs are sweet and attentive pups who, according to the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America (LRCA), are eager to please and easy to train. The small- to medium-size breed is powerfully built. A full-grown Lagotto Romagnolo stands 16–19 inches tall and weighs 24–35 pounds, with iconic curly locks that prevent water from soaking through their coat.
Care Guide
A Lagotto can be remarkably shy and requires extensive socialization as a puppy, according to the LRCA, to set them up for a lifetime of companionship where they are ready for anything. When Lagotto Romagnolo puppies are exposed to new people, animals, and environments early, they thrive. Lagotti Romagnoli (the proper plural of Lagotto Romagnolo) do best in active homes where they get lots of attention. They need to be mentally stimulated; if they grow bored, they can become destructive in an effort to keep themselves busy.