Lagotto Romagnolo vs Italian Greyhound
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
Italian Greyhound
Toy Group
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.
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lagotto Romagnolos are less energetic than Italian Greyhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lagotto Romagnolos require less grooming attention compared to Italian Greyhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lagotto Romagnolos tend to be more reserved with strangers than Italian Greyhounds.
- Trainability: Italian Greyhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Italian Greyhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 15-17 years | 14-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-48 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 24-35 lbs 11-16 kg | 7-14 lbs 3-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding | Playful, Alert, Sensitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is characterized by being playful, alert, sensitive, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Italian Greyhound, 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
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 5/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 1/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 2/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
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.
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds 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
With their short, dense coat coat, Italian Greyhounds 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
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- 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
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lagotto Romagnolo and Italian Greyhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.