Lagotto Romagnolo (Romagna Water Dog)
Other names: Water Dog of Romagna, Lagotto

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an exceptional dog because of their gentle and sympathetic nature as well as their ability to work. They are very docile and easy to train. They love to work, but also like to play with their owners and children. They are one of the best truffle dogs thanks to their remarkable sense of smell and their ability to learn.
Key facts about the Lagotto Romagnolo (Romagna Water Dog)
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Origins and history
For as long as we can remember, this breed has existed in the old Italian province of Romagna. However, it almost completely died out when a group of enthusiasts began to selectively breed just the dogs that were similar to the original type. In a few years, after much work and a number of sacrifices, they managed to perfectly rebuild this breed. The Lagotto Romagnolo was only officially recognised as recently as 1992.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
Section
Section 3 : Water Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Lagotto Romagnolo (Romagna Water Dog)
Adult size
Female : Between 16 and 18 in
Male : Between 17 and 19 in
Weight
Female : Between 24 and 31 lb
Male : Between 29 and 35 lb
Coat colour
The Lagotto Romagnolo’s coat can be solid off-white, brown-roan (with or without white), orange-roan (with or without white) or even white with brown or orange patches.
Type of coat
Their fur is mid-length but often clipped.
Their coat is of a wooly texture and made of small, tight curls. Both the topcoat and undercoat are waterproof.
Eye colour
Their eyes can be an ochre colour, hazel or dark brown according to their other colouring. They won’t ever have yellow or greyish eyes.
Description
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a small to medium sized dog of a rustic appearance, they are strong and well proportioned with lots of curly hair. They are generally muscular dogs with a square torso. Their craniofacial axes are slightly divergent. The skull is dome-shaped when viewed from the front; in profile it is curved and flattens towards the occiput. Their muzzle is slightly wedge-shaped. They have big, rounded eyes. Their ears are moderately large compared to the size of the head; they hang at rest or are slightly raised when attentive. The tail is set low and slightly tapered towards the tip, it is carried straight at rest and high when the dog is on alert.
Good to know
Originally, they were used as a retriever in the water, but their true calling is to look for truffles. This is the only dog breed that is recognised to do so.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Lagotto Romagnolo (Romagna Water Dog)
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Lagotto Romognolo varies according to their origins, age and sex. On average, a Lagotto Romognolo registered with the KC is about £1560.
The average budget needed to meet the needs of a dog of this size is about £25 / month.
Grooming
If they aren’t clipped, the Lagotto’s fur tends to matt because it continues to grow without stopping. Because of this, it is necessary to groom (clip) the Lagotto at least once a year, but above all, brush their coat, both the topcoat and undercoat every day.
To meet official standards, it is better that a professional groomer clips the dog. For example, for those that are clipped, the length of the fur should not exceed 4cm.
Shedding
A great advantage to the Lagotto Romagnolo is that they don’t moult, as a hypoallergenic dog, they be adopted by people with allergies to fur.
Nutrition of the Lagotto Romagnolo (Romagna Water Dog)
The Lagotto’s diet varies according to their age, weight and physical activity. It is important to respect the vet’s advice, especially when the dog is growing up to make sure they develop well.
One meal a day should be given once they are an adult; preferably in the evening when they are more relaxed to help with digestion.
To cater to their great sense of smell, it is advised to distribute what they eat in the day by either scattering it in the garden or by hiding it in a snuffle mat.
Health of the Lagotto Romagnolo (Romagna Water Dog)
Life expectancy
Around 13 years.
Strong / robust
This is a very hardy and robust dog who is largely in good health.
Withstand heat
This dog loves to swim which is a great way to refresh when it is very hot.
Withstand cold
This dog loves working so much that even in bad weather they will get the job done.
Tendency to put on weight
If they are well fed and exercised, this water dog won’t put on weight and is not affected by obesity.
Common illnesses
- Neuroaxonal dystrophy (neurodegenerative disease)
- Hip dysplasia
- Benign juvenile epilepsy