Lagotto Romagnolo

You may recognize Lagotto Romagnolos as "Truffle Dogs," famous for their skill in finding the finest mushrooms in Italy's hills. Often referred to as Lagottos, these dogs are small to medium in size, with a square shape and a charming, rustic look that makes them seem perfect for lounging outside an Italian villa. Beneath their thick, curly fur, they are strong and solid.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Solid off-white, white with brown or orange markings, orange roan, brown roan, and brown
Lifespan
15 to 17 years
Height
16 to 19 inches
Type
Sporting
Hypoallergenic
yes
Weight
24 to 35 pounds
Family
Herding

Personality

Every Lagotto Romagnolo has the ability to work, but they also make wonderful family pets, as they were originally bred for both roles. They typically don’t bark a lot, but they are cautious around unfamiliar faces and need some time to feel comfortable with new people. However, they can be quite vocal when they sense something unusual or notice a stranger nearby. When outside, the Lagotto enjoys using its strong sense of smell, impressive swimming abilities, and, naturally, its talent for digging.

History

The coat of a Lagotto reveals its history as a retriever for duck hunters. Their curly fur is both waterproof and insulating, covering their fit bodies. However, due to the draining of the marshes in Italy's Romagne region, these dogs shifted to a new role: finding truffles. They took over from pigs as truffle hunters because they are simpler to train, easier to keep, and more convenient to transport. Most importantly, they are less likely to eat the truffles themselves. In the United States, Lagottos are relatively new, having gained breed recognition only in the past two to three decades.

Ideal Owner

Get ready in Italian fashion for a fun day outside to keep your Lagotto feeling joyful. These dogs thrive with owners who are committed to training and teaching them tricks. If you enjoy grooming your dog, can handle lots of energy, and love plenty of cuddles, the Lagotto is the perfect breed for you.

Exercise Needs

Lagottos are naturally active and enjoy using their instincts. They thrive on training, playing, and running around the yard. If you can meet all these needs in a single day, your Lagotto Romagnolo will feel content and satisfied, making them perfect for some cozy time on the couch later. These dogs love to dig, swim, and explore different smells, so it's essential to give them different walking paths and opportunities to play off-leash if they respond well to commands. Keeping things varied is key to a Lagotto’s happiness.

Space Requirements

Though they don’t require a lot of room, city living might be too hectic and stressful for them unless they have plenty of chances to run, swim, and explore with their noses. They thrive in suburban or country settings where they can roam freely and would enjoy nothing more than hiking in the hills or playing on the beach. In addition to their strong sense of smell, they also have instincts as watchdogs, so if there are many guests visiting or people walking by, you might end up with a more vocal Lagotto just doing what comes naturally.

Training

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are enthusiastic and want to make their owners happy. They only learn well when they receive positive reinforcement, especially with treats and toys. To keep them motivated, you can take them outside to dig, swim, explore, and join in on family fun.

Grooming

The Lagotto breed is often thought to be hypoallergenic since it doesn’t lose hair, but this mainly helps those who are allergic to fur, not to dander or saliva. Regular brushing is important to prevent tangles and mats in their fur. Many owners choose to keep their Lagotto’s coat short, especially in hotter climates, and it's important to keep the area around their eyes clear of hair. Their ears are both sensitive and furry, so any buildup inside can lead to discomfort for them.

Suitability for Family Life

Families that enjoy spending weekends at the lake or going for hikes will find Lagottos to be a great fit. They are best suited for families without young kids or those with older children who like to train dogs. If your home is always busy with visitors, be ready for plenty of barking, as your Lagotto takes on the role of a guard dog.

Did You know?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is the sole breed trained specifically for finding truffles. Unlike several other dog breeds, the Lagotto has changed very little from its early forms. Artwork from the 1400s and later shows dogs that look just like the Lagotto we see now, matching in size, color, and fur type.

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Need to Know

Suitable for non-experienced owners
Basic training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Medium dog
Minimal drool
Requires grooming every other day
Chatty and vocal dog