Lagotto Romagnolo

also known as Lagotto, Romagna Water Dog, Lagotti Romagnoli, Water Dog of Romagna

Pros History


The Lagotto Romagnolo is a small, rustic dog breed that hails from the wetlands of Italy's Romagna region. The breed's name, "Lagotto Romagnolo," translates to "Romagna water dog," a nod to the breed's origins as a waterfowl hunter and retriever.

The breed's history can be traced back to the 14th century, where the Lagotto Romagnolo was commonly used for hunting and retrieving waterfowl in the marshlands of the Romagna region. The breed was also used for truffle hunting, as the Lagotto Romagnolo's thick, curly coat made them well-suited to working in the wet, muddy conditions of the truffle fields.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Lagotto Romagnolo's numbers began to decline as hunting and truffle-hunting became less popular. However, a group of dedicated breeders worked to preserve the breed, and the breed was officially recognized by the Italian Kennel Club in 1985.

The breed was later recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1991 and in 2015 by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States. The Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America was formed in 2008, and the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Canada was formed in 2009.

Breed Information


Type

Is Lagotto Romagnolo a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Lagotto Romagnolos originally used for?

searching out truffles, water retriever

Lifespan

How Long Do Lagotto Romagnolos Live? What is average life expectancy for a Lagotto Romagnolo? How long can Lagotto Romagnolos live?

14-16 years

The average Lagotto Romagnolo lifespan is somewhere between 14-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Lagotto Romagnolo Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Lagotto Romagnolo?

What is the average height of a Lagotto Romagnolo? How big is a Purebred Lagotto Romagnolo height? Lagotto Romagnolo dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 17-19 inches (43.2 - 48.3 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm)
Female 14-18 inches (35.6 - 45.7 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Lagotto Romagnolo? How much should Lagotto Romagnolos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-35 pounds (13 - 16 kg) 21.5 pounds (10 kg) 26.0 pounds (12 kg) 31.5 pounds (14 kg)
Female 25-30 pounds (11 - 14 kg) 19.5 pounds (9 kg) 23.5 pounds (11 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Lagotto Romagnolos get fat easily?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Lagotto Romagnolos Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Lagotto Romagnolos are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Lagotto Romagnolo personality? What are Lagotto Romagnolo dogs best known for?

Cheerful
Loving
Trainable
Intelligent
Loyal
Social

Shedding Level

Are Lagotto Romagnolos heavy shedders? How Much Does a Lagotto Romagnolo Shed?

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Lagotto Romagnolo dog?

Lagotto Romagnolos are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Lagotto Romagnolo is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Lagotto Romagnolos come from?

Italy

Ancestry

What are Lagotto Romagnolos descended from?

water dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Lagotto Romagnolo breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Lagotto Romagnolos first bred? How old is the Lagotto Romagnolo breed?

ancient times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Lagotto Romagnolo?

Sporting

Lagotto Romagnolo Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Lagotto Romagnolo eyes?

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Lagotto Romagnolo nose be naturally?

Black
Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Lagotto Romagnolo coat be naturally?

Brown
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Pied
Sable

Coat Length

How long is a Lagotto Romagnolos coat?

The coat of a Lagotto Romagnolo dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Lagotto Romagnolo Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Lagotto Romagnolo?

Curly

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Lagotto Romagnolo have in a litter? How many puppies can a Lagotto Romagnolo have in her first litter?

14-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Lagotto Romagnolo can have a litter of 14-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Lagotto Romagnolo Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Lagotto Romagnolos have a lot of health problems?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Lagotto Romagnolo?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed
Lysosomal Storage Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Lagotto Romagnolos?

Cerebellar Abiotrophy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Lagotto Romagnolo breed?

Blood
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Lagotto Romagnolo Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Lagotto Romagnolos have a lot of energy?

Lagotto Romagnolos are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Lagotto Romagnolos need socialization? How social are Lagotto Romagnolos?

Lagotto Romagnolo have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Lagotto Romagnolos get?

The Lagotto Romagnolo dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Lagotto Romagnolo have? Do Lagotto Romagnolos sleep a lot?

Lagotto Romagnolos dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Lagotto Romagnolo drool a lot?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Lagotto Romagnolos exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Lagotto Romagnolos mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Lagotto Romagnolo running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Lagotto Romagnolo dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Lagotto Romagnolos enjoy doing? How do I keep my Lagotto Romagnolo busy?

Walk, Run, Puzzle Toys, Go to Beach, Go Camping, Swim, Tug-of-war, Fetch, Shake, Eating Snacks, Sleeping, Chase, Walks, Tricks, Tag, Stairs, Snuggle

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Lagotto Romagnolo? How much energy does a Lagotto Romagnolo have?

High

Lagotto Romagnolos are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Lagotto Romagnolo walk each week? How many miles should a Lagotto Romagnolo walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Lagotto Romagnolo, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Lagotto Romagnolo should exercise a day? How much activity does a Lagotto Romagnolo need?

60 minutes

In general most Lagotto Romagnolos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Lagotto Romagnolo?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Lagotto Romagnolo?

Monthly

In general Lagotto Romagnolo should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Lagotto Romagnolos?

Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Lagotto Romagnolo eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 28-35 pound (13 - 16 kg) Lagotto Romagnolo feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Lagotto Romagnolo Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Lagotto Romagnolo is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Lagotto Romagnolo Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Lagotto Romagnolo is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Lagotto Romagnolo Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Lagotto Romagnolo?

Lagotto Romagnolos has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Lagotto Romagnolo dog?

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Lagotto Romagnolo dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Lagotto Romagnolo do well in apartments? Are Lagotto Romagnolos good indoor dogs?

Lagotto Romagnolos are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Lagotto Romagnolos good with kids? Are Lagotto Romagnolos good around children?

Lagotto Romagnolos are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Lagotto Romagnolos good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Lagotto Romagnolos good with cats? How friendly Lagotto Romagnolos are toward cats?

Lagotto Romagnolos are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Lagotto Romagnolo dogs get along with other dogs? Are Lagotto Romagnolos OK with other dogs?

Lagotto Romagnolos are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Lagotto Romagnolo dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Lagotto Romagnolos friendly with strangers?

Lagotto Romagnolos are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Lagotto Romagnolos like to play? Are Lagotto Romagnolos playful?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Lagotto Romagnolo is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Lagotto Romagnolo easily trained?

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Boat Dog
    The Lagotto Romagnolo breed tends to like the water and being on boats.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Because of their hypoallergenic nature, Lagotto Romagnolos may cause fewer allergic reactions than other breeds.
  • Intelligence
    Lagotto Romagnolos are highly intelligent and easy to train
  • Office Friendly
    Lagotto Romagnolos are generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The likelihood of obesity in Lagotto Romagnolos is generally low to average.
  • Good with children
    Known to be good with children and make great family pets
  • Lack of odor
    An odor issue is unlikely with the Lagotto Romagnolo.
  • Coat
    Coat is curly and doesn't shed much, making them a good option for people who want a dog with minimal shedding

Cons

  • Barking
    Lagotto Romagnolos possess a loud bark, a defining characteristic of the breed.
  • Grooming
    Coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance