Lagotto Romagnolo
Quick Summary
Intelligent, affectionate truffle hunters ideal for active owners. Best suited for families committed to regular exercise and mental stimulation. Notable for hypoallergenic coat and working abilities.
Contents
Weight Range
24-35 lbs
♂ Male: 29-35 lbs
♀ Female: 24-31 lbs
Height Range
41-48 inches
♂ Male: 17-19"
♀ Female: 17-19"
Life Expectancy
15-17 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #85
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Sporting Group
Originally bred for Dating back to Renaissance Italy's Romagna region, these skilled water retrievers evolved into specialized truffle hunters, using their exceptional nose work abilities to locate valuable fungi
Popularity
#99
Moderately popular breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 17"-19" |
| Female Height | 17"-19" |
| Male Weight | 28.5-35 lbs |
| Female Weight | 24-31 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 2/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial purchase price ranges from $2000-$4000. Monthly costs include quality food ($60-80), grooming ($60-100), and preventive healthcare. Factor in training classes and potential specialized veterinary care.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Affectionate and keen, Lagottos display high intelligence and strong work drive. They combine alertness with a gentle demeanor, making excellent family companions. Social and responsive, they maintain good relationships with humans and other pets.
Social Needs
Thrives on family interaction and forms strong bonds. Generally good with other dogs and children. Can handle moderate alone time if properly exercised and mentally stimulated beforehand.
Breed Overview
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs feature distinctive curly coats resembling water-resistant wool, with well-proportioned, square-built frames. Their expressive eyes and rounded heads give them an alert, intelligent appearance. Known for their keen truffle-hunting abilities, these medium-sized dogs combine affectionate temperaments with remarkable work ethic. Their waterproof double coat comes in various colors including brown roan, orange, and white.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Excellent nose work abilities
- ✓ Minimal shedding
- ✓ Highly trainable
- ✓ Good with families
- ✓ Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- ✗ Requires regular grooming
- ✗ High exercise needs
- ✗ Can be vocal
- ✗ Expensive to purchase
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Grooming Needs | Occasional Bath/Brush |
| Shedding | Infrequent |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 60-90 minutes of daily exercise including mental stimulation through scent work, moderate-intensity walks, and interactive play sessions. Their truffle-hunting heritage makes them excellent candidates for nose work activities.
Diet & Nutrition
Feed 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Consider working dog formulas for active individuals. Monitor weight closely as they can become overweight if overfed.
Feed high-quality protein-rich food appropriate for working breeds. Daily intake should be 2-3 cups divided into two meals. Adjust portions based on activity level and age. Include omega fatty acids for coat health.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adapts well to various living spaces provided they receive adequate exercise. Ideal for homes with yards, but can thrive in apartments with sufficient activity. Tolerates different climates well.
Requires moderate living space with access to outdoor areas. Adapts well to apartment living if exercise needs are met. Benefits from a fenced yard but more important is regular activity and mental stimulation.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Developed in the marshlands of Romagna, Italy, these dogs initially served as water retrievers for local hunters. Their exceptional scenting abilities led to their transition into specialized truffle hunters, becoming the only breed recognized for this purpose.
Historical Purpose
Dating back to Renaissance Italy's Romagna region, these skilled water retrievers evolved into specialized truffle hunters, using their exceptional nose work abilities to locate valuable fungi.
Fun Fact
The only breed specifically developed and recognized worldwide for truffle hunting abilities!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular grooming needed to maintain curly coat. Requires consistent mental stimulation through training or nose work. Monitor for early signs of epilepsy or neurological issues.