Italian Lagotto Romagnolo
Group 3: Gun dogs
Height: 41 – 48 cm
Weight: 11 – 16 kg
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Original Function: Retrieving
Lifespan: 10 – 14 yrs
Recommended for: Most people/Families, allergy sufferers.
About This Breed
The ancestors of the Lagotto Romagnolo were water retrieving dogs. When the marshlands of Ravenna in northern Italy were drained, the dogs were used to find truffles on the plains and hills of Romagna. They are sometimes known as Romagna Water Dogs and are still used throughout Europe as truffle hunters.
They are affectionate, easy to train and undemanding. They become very attached to their owners and make good companion dogs. They are very good with children and make an ideal family dog.
They have non-shedding hair, similar to that of a poodle, so may also suit people with asthma, or those who are allergic to normal dog hair.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Small to medium sized dog, well proportioned, powerfully built, of a rustic [hardy] appearance, with a dense, curly coat of woolly texture.
Temperament: Tractable, undemanding, keen, affectionate, very attached to owner and easy to train. Make a very good companion and also an excellent watch dog.
Characteristics: A natural gift for searching and its very good nose has made the breed very efficient in truffle searching. The former hunting instinct has been eliminated, hence his work is not distracted by the scent of game.
Colour: Off-white, white with brown or orange spots, brown roan, solid brown and solid orange. Some dogs have a dark mask.
Coat: Dense, thick, woolly & water-resistant.
Grooming: Once a year they should be clipped off completely, just leaving the head. Other than that the coat just needs to be scissored once or twice per year to keep it contoured and to remove the felted ends. They are easy to bath and dry quickly.
Exercise: a high-energy breed, they do best when regularly involved in outdoor activity.
Health: