Russell Terrier vs Lagotto Romagnolo
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Lagotto Romagnolo
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Russell Terrier Overview
Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Russell Terriers are more energetic than Lagotto Romagnolos, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Russell Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Lagotto Romagnolos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Russell Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lagotto Romagnolos.
- Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lagotto Romagnolos adapt better to apartment living, while Russell Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Russell Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 15-17 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 16-19 inches 41-48 cm |
| Weight | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg | 24-35 lbs 11-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Inquisitive, Lively | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Russell Terrier Temperament
The Russell Terrier is known for being alert, inquisitive, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament
The Lagotto Romagnolo is characterized by being affectionate, keen, undemanding, 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 Russell Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo, 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
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russell Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Lagotto Romagnolo Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lagotto Romagnolos 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, Lagotto Romagnolos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Glaucoma
Lagotto Romagnolo Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Benign Juvenile Epilepsy
- Storage Disease
Pros & Cons
Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly energetic and playful
- Compact size suits various homes
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low grooming requirements
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Russell Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.