Lagotto Romagnolo
Also known as Chien d’eau romagnol, Lagotto
- Height at the withers
- 41 to 48 cm
- Weight
- 11 to 16 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- Romagna region, Italy
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A rugged, medium-sized water dog with a dense, curly, waterproof coat and an exceptional sense of smell. It is the only breed recognized as a truffle-hunting specialist.
History and origins
An ancient breed from the Romagna region of Italy, originally used as a water retriever in the marshes. When the marshes were drained, the breed was adapted and became the world’s leading truffle dog.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Benign juvenile epilepsy
- Lagotto lysosomal storage disease
- Cerebellar abiotrophy
- Ear infections
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, curly coat. Almost no shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Lagotto Romagnolo FAQ
How big does the Lagotto Romagnolo get?
The Lagotto Romagnolo stands 41 to 48 cm at the withers and weighs 11 to 16 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Lagotto Romagnolo shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Lagotto Romagnolo live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Lagotto Romagnolo need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Lagotto Romagnolo good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Lagotto Romagnolo live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and benign juvenile epilepsy.
