Lagotto Romagnolo
Truffle Hunting Dog, Italian Water Dog, Hypoallergenic Dog, Curly Coat Dog, Intelligent Companion
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a curly coated Italian dog with a famous nose and a big love for work. Originally used as a water retriever, it later became the go to truffle hunting breed in Italy. At home, many Lagottos are affectionate, bright, and happiest when they have daily activity, training, and puzzle style play to keep their minds busy.
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Know your Lagotto Romagnolo
Breed Group: Sporting
Size: Medium
Height: 16-19 inches
Weight: 24-35 pounds
Coat Type: Dense, Curly. The coat is woolly in texture and water-resistant, covering the entire body evenly without shedding excessively.
Coat Colors: Solid or patched Brown, White, Orange, Roan, or Chocolate. Some dogs may have tan markings or a mix of these shades.
Temperament: Loyal, smart, and always curious. Many Lagottos bond closely with their people and love being included in daily life. They are often cheerful and affectionate at home, but they can be intense about sniffing, searching, and learning new tasks. If they do not get enough exercise and mental work, they may get restless, so training games and structured activity are a big help.
Energy Level: High. This breed enjoys running, sniffing, and problem-solving games, and does best with regular daily activity.
Good with Children: Yes
Good with Other Pets: Yes
Trainability: Very High. Lagottos excel in obedience, agility, and scent detection. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy having tasks to do.
Barking Tendency: Moderate. Naturally alert, they may bark to communicate or draw attention, but are not excessive barkers when well-trained.
Lifespan: 14-17 years
Health Issues: Lagottos are generally healthy but can be prone to Hip Dysplasia, Juvenile Epilepsy, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Regular health screening is recommended.
Exercise Requirements: High. Daily walks, free play, and mentally enriching activities are essential to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Hypoallergenic: Yes
History: The Lagotto Romagnolo originated in the Romagna region of Italy, where it was first bred as a water retriever in marshlands. Over time, as wetlands were drained, the breed evolved into the world’s only purebred truffle-hunting dog, prized for its extraordinary scenting ability and determination. Today, it’s beloved both as a working dog and as a charming family pet.
