Lagotto Romagnolo vs Tibetan Spaniel
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Non-Sporting 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.
Tibetan Spaniel Overview
Tibetan Spaniels feature a compact, well-balanced body with a distinctive silky double coat and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Their small, sturdy frame carries a dignified bearing, complemented by a slightly domed head and medium-length muzzle. These intelligent companions display remarkable alertness and self-confidence, combining playful energy with a calm, devoted nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lagotto Romagnolos are more energetic than Tibetan Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lagotto Romagnolos require less grooming attention compared to Tibetan Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lagotto Romagnolos tend to be more reserved with strangers than Tibetan Spaniels.
- Trainability: Tibetan Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Tibetan Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Tibetan Spaniels 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 Tibetan Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Tibetan Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 15-17 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Tibetan Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-48 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 24-35 lbs 11-16 kg | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Tibetan Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding | Playful, Bright, Self-Confident |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Tibetan Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Tibetan Spaniel Temperament
The Tibetan Spaniel is characterized by being playful, bright, self-confident, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Tibetan Spaniel, 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
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 5/5
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 1/5
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 2/5
Tibetan Spaniel
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.
Tibetan Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tibetan Spaniels 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, Tibetan Spaniels 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
Tibetan Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Heart Murmurs
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Cherry Eye
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Low exercise requirements
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdog capabilities
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Moderate grooming needs
- May be reserved with strangers
- Prone to barking
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lagotto Romagnolo and Tibetan Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.