DogMatchUp

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Airedale Terrier

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Lagotto Romagnolo
Small

Lagotto Romagnolo

Sporting Group

Airedale Terrier
Medium

Airedale Terrier

Terrier Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Lagotto Romagnolo Small
Airedale Terrier Medium

Lifespan

Lagotto Romagnolo 15-17 years
Airedale Terrier 11-14 years

Exercise Needs

Lagotto Romagnolo 3/5
Airedale Terrier 3/5

Grooming Needs

Lagotto Romagnolo 2/5
Airedale Terrier 4/5

Breed Overview

Lagotto Romagnolo 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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding

Airedale Terrier Overview

Airedale Terriers stand as the largest of all terrier breeds, featuring a distinctive wiry black and tan coat with a noble, square-built frame. Their muscular build combines strength with agility, while their alert expression and beard-like facial furnishings create an intelligent, characterful appearance. Known for their versatile abilities, these dogs display a perfect balance of power and grace in their movement.

Origin: England
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly, Clever, Courageous

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Lagotto Romagnolos are less energetic than Airedale Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Lagotto Romagnolos require less grooming attention compared to Airedale Terriers.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lagotto Romagnolos tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Airedale Terriers.
  • Trainability: Airedale Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Airedale Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Airedale Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Lagotto Romagnolos typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lagotto Romagnolo and Airedale Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Lagotto Romagnolo Airedale Terrier
Size Small Medium
Life Expectancy 15-17 years 11-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown England
Breed Group Sporting Group Terrier Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Lagotto Romagnolo Airedale Terrier
Height
16-19 inches
41-48 cm
23-23 inches
58-58 cm
Weight
24-35 lbs
11-16 kg
50-70 lbs
23-32 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Infrequent Occasional

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Lagotto Romagnolo Airedale Terrier
Temperament Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding Friendly, Clever, Courageous
Energy Level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature Lagotto Romagnolo Airedale Terrier
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament

Affectionate Keen Undemanding

The Lagotto Romagnolo is known for being affectionate, keen, undemanding, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.

Airedale Terrier Temperament

Friendly Clever Courageous

The Airedale Terrier is characterized by being friendly, clever, courageous, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Lagotto Romagnolo and Airedale Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Lagotto Romagnolo
4/5
Airedale Terrier
3/5

Good with Children

Lagotto Romagnolo
3/5
Airedale Terrier
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Lagotto Romagnolo

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Airedale Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Lagotto Romagnolo

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 5/5

Airedale Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Lagotto Romagnolo

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Airedale Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Lagotto Romagnolo

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Airedale Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Lagotto Romagnolo

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Airedale Terrier

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Lagotto Romagnolo Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Lagotto Romagnolos require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Lagotto Romagnolos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Airedale Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Airedale Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

4/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Airedale Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.

Health & Lifespan

Lagotto Romagnolo Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 15-17 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Eye Problems
  • Benign Juvenile Epilepsy
  • Storage Disease

Airedale Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 11-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Skin Allergies
  • Heart Issues
  • Hypothyroidism

Pros & Cons

Lagotto Romagnolo

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

Airedale Terrier

Pros

  • Intelligent and trainable
  • Excellent watchdog
  • Low shedding
  • Versatile working ability
  • Good with families

Cons

  • Requires regular grooming
  • Can be stubborn
  • High exercise needs
  • May chase small animals
  • Strong prey drive

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Lagotto Romagnolo and Airedale Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.