AKC Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Breed Profile and Information

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a versatile and charming dog breed that's been around for centuries. They originated in Italy, specifically in the Romagna region.

Their name literally translates to "Romagnol water dog", which hints at their original purpose as a water retriever. This breed has been used for centuries to hunt and retrieve game from water.

These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them a popular choice as family pets. They thrive on interaction and attention from their human family.

Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a distinctive-looking dog breed with a powerful build. Their wooly coat is a standout feature, but it's not the only thing that sets them apart.

Their triangular ears fold over to settle around the face, giving them a unique appearance. You'll notice they have large, round eyes that are often described as looking quite human.

Their noses are famous for sniffing out truffles, and they come in a range of colors from flesh-colored to dark brown. The Lagotto Romagnolo's coat is curly and waterproof, reaching a length of no more than one-and-a-half inches.

Their coat color can vary, but you'll often see dark brown or brown roan with tan markings. They can also be various shades of white with brown or orange markings, sable, or solid orange or orange roan.

Here are the key features of the Lagotto Romagnolo's appearance:

The Lagotto Romagnolo temperament is a unique blend of energy, sensitivity, and affection. These dogs are known to be bright and spirited, with a high energy level that makes them perfect for active families.

They get along well with other dogs and kids, but it's essential to socialize them from a young age to prevent anxiety in unfamiliar situations. Lagotti can be a bit aloof with strangers, so introducing them to new people and places early on is crucial.

One thing to note is that Lagotto Romagnolos are not excessive barkers, but they will let you know when the mail arrives or when someone's at the door. They're also prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so providing companionship and care is vital.

Here are some key temperament traits to keep in mind:

Overall, the Lagotto Romagnolo temperament is a wonderful combination of energy, sensitivity, and affection. With proper socialization and care, these dogs make loving and loyal companions.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed that's full of energy and zest for life. They're naturally bright and spirited, making them a joy to be around.

One thing to keep in mind is that Lagotti can be a little aloof with strangers, especially if they haven't been properly socialized. This is why it's essential to introduce them to new people and places from an early age.

These dogs are not excessive barkers, but they will let you know when someone's at the door or when the mail arrives. You can expect a noisy welcome from your guests!

Lagotti are highly sensitive, so they'll pick up on your emotions and respond accordingly. If you're having an off day, they may have one too, so be sure to take time for cuddles to cheer you both up.

They're also known to be "velcro dogs", sticking to your side day and night. This is because they thrive on attention and affection from their beloved pet parents.

In terms of training, Lagotto Romagnolo puppies are naturally obedient and easy to train. They're intelligent and adaptable, making them a great fit for tasks like tracking and activities like digging.

Here are some key characteristics of Lagotto Romagnolo puppies:

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed that truly embodies the concept of versatility. They're not just working dogs, but also make excellent companion pets, known for their friendly and adaptable nature.

Their friendly demeanor makes them perfect for a variety of roles, including therapy dogs, particularly for individuals with autism or disabilities. This gentle temperament is a valuable asset in many situations.

These puppies are also natural athletes, excelling in dog sports like conformation, rally, agility, and tracking. Their intelligence and energy make them a joy to watch and interact with.

Here are some of the many roles Lagotto Romagnolo puppies can excel in:

Lagotto Romagnolos require a moderate level of care, not too much and not too little.

They need regular grooming and exercise, and they especially love activities that involve water. It's not uncommon for them to get excited and enthusiastic about these activities.

Your Lagotto Romagnolo will be a constant companion, often staying by your side all day long.

Lagotto Romagnolos need a moderate level of care, not too much and not too little. They require regular exercise and activities that involve water, which they absolutely love.

This breed is known to be extremely attached to their human family members. They'll often stay by your side all day long and every chance they get.

Lagotto Romagnolos are not big fans of being crated during the day, but if they're crate-trained, they're usually happy to sleep in their crate at night.

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Breeding restrictions are an important aspect of responsible dog ownership. There are a number of rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered.

The Kennel Club has its own set of rules and regulations that govern breeding, and it's essential to be aware of these before planning a litter. These rules can be breed-specific or general.

Some breeds may have specific restrictions in place, but for now, there are no additional breed-specific restrictions for this breed. Breeding restrictions are in place to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs involved.

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Grooming needs for Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are relatively low, but regular maintenance is necessary to keep them looking their best. They shed little to no hair, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Their thick coats need to be trimmed every 10 to 12 weeks to prevent matting and tangling. You can use a pin brush or grooming comb to gently remove tangles in between hair cuts.

Ear cleaning is a must for Lagotti, as they have hair inside their ears that needs to be managed. Clean any build up of dust or debris once a week to prevent discomfort and infections.

Bathing your Lagotto Romagnolo about every four weeks will keep their coats clean without drying out their skin. You can use a deodorizing spritz to freshen them up in between baths.

Dental care is crucial for Lagotto Romagnolo dogs. Brush their teeth daily and consult your vet about annual professional cleanings to keep their teeth healthy.

Here are some essential grooming tasks to keep in mind:

Training your Lagotto Romagnolo can be a breeze thanks to their high intelligence and people-loving nature.

They live to please, so they'll pick up basic commands like sit and stay quickly. With patience and consistency, you can teach them to come when called.

Lagotti don't tire easily, so you can keep training sessions as long as you want, but be sure to stop and take breaks to avoid frustration.

One behavioral trait to watch out for is digging, which is an innate instinct since they were born to dig up truffles.

Redirect their attention to a toy or give them a sandbox to dig in, and they'll be happy to spend hours digging for hidden treasures.

Positive reinforcement is key when training a Lagotto Romagnolo, so be sure to use plenty of praise and training treats to keep them motivated and engaged.

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A complete and balanced diet is essential for your Lagotto Romagnolo, so look for a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for breeds that respond well to whole grains, like brown rice and oats.

Choose a food that is designed specifically for medium-sized dogs and your pet's appropriate age, as age-specific foods aim to provide the right amount of nutrients that a dog needs to thrive.

Limit "people food", like meat, veggies, and cheese to less than 10 percent of your pup's daily food intake, as the majority of your Lagotto Romagnolo's nutrition should come from commercial dog food.

You can expect your Lagotto Romagnolo to eat anywhere from 1 to 3 cups of dry commercial food a day, depending on the formula and nutritional content.

It's best to base your feeding schedule on a combination of your Lagotto Romagnolo's personal preference and your vet's expert advice, as some adult dogs are happy with one meal a day while others prefer two light meals.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need vigorous exercise for up to 60 minutes each day, which can include activities like hiking, dog sports, and a good long run.

They are also natural water lovers, so taking them to a body of water for a splash is a great idea. This breed craves activity and needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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To keep your Lagotto Romagnolo occupied and entertained, play games that engage their brains, such as "find the treat" or hide and seek. You can also teach them fun tricks like play dead or shake.

A daily routine that includes daily walks is essential, but additional playtime and outdoor adventures are highly recommended. This breed prefers people over other dogs, so they tend to do well in homes with kids as long as they were introduced at a young age.

Here are some exercise needs of Lagotto Romagnolo puppies:

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a generally healthy breed, but like all purebreds, they can be prone to certain health issues. With proper care and attention, they can live a long and healthy life of 15-17 years.

Lagotto Romagnolos can be affected by hip dysplasia, which causes pain and reduced mobility due to a poorly formed hip joint. Treatment options include physical therapy, weight control, or surgery.

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Juvenile epilepsy is another condition that can affect young Lagotto Romagnolos, causing seizures and short periods of loss of consciousness. This condition often resolves itself by the time the dog reaches 8-13 weeks old.

Here are some health conditions to be aware of in Lagotto Romagnolos:

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They can live up to 17 years with proper care.

Hip dysplasia can affect Lagotto Romagnolos, causing pain and reduced mobility. This condition is more common in larger dogs, but it can affect the breed as well.

Juvenile epilepsy is a recessive and inherited disease that can lead to seizures and a short loss of consciousness. It typically appears when a Lagotto Romagnolo is very young, usually between 5-9 weeks of age.

Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease that can cause restlessness, failure to thrive, and behavioral changes. Unfortunately, there is no treatment available for this disease.

Bladder or kidney stones are also a concern for Lagotto Romagnolos, caused by elevated uric acid in the urine. This can lead to painful and costly treatments, including surgery.

Here are some specific health issues that Lagotto Romagnolos may be prone to:

Living in a Lagotto Romagnolo's ideal environment can greatly impact their health. They can thrive in an apartment if they get regular walks and playtime outdoors.

Their love for water is a significant factor to consider. A house with a pond or pool, or near a large body of water, would be a dream come true for them.

However, if that's not possible, bringing them in the shower with you or planning more beach vacations can still bring them joy.