Lagotto Romagnolo vs Dutch Shepherd
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Sporting Group
Dutch Shepherd
Miscellaneous Class
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
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.
Dutch Shepherd Overview
Dutch Shepherds showcase a muscular, well-proportioned build with distinctive brindle coats in varying lengths. Their alert, wedge-shaped heads feature upright ears and expressive dark eyes. Standing 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall, these athletic herders possess remarkable agility and stamina. Their intelligent expression and confident stance reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lagotto Romagnolos are less energetic than Dutch Shepherds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lagotto Romagnolos require less grooming attention compared to Dutch Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lagotto Romagnolos tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Dutch Shepherds.
- Trainability: Dutch Shepherds may be slightly easier to train due to their Dutch Shepherd's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lagotto Romagnolos adapt better to apartment living, while Dutch Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lagotto Romagnolo and Dutch Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 15-17 years | 11-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-48 cm | 22-25 inches 55-62 cm |
| Weight | 24-35 lbs 11-16 kg | 42-75 lbs 19-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding | Intelligent, Lively, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament
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.
Dutch Shepherd Temperament
The Dutch Shepherd is characterized by being intelligent, lively, athletic, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Lagotto Romagnolo and Dutch Shepherd, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 5/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 1/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 2/5
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lagotto Romagnolo Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
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
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.
Dutch Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dutch Shepherds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dutch Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lagotto Romagnolo Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Benign Juvenile Epilepsy
- Storage Disease
Dutch Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Goniodysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
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
Dutch Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Versatile working ability
- Athletic and agile
- Strong protective instincts
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong herding drive
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lagotto Romagnolo and Dutch Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.