Lagotto Puppies Characteristics, Care, and Training

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Posted Oct 16, 2024

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The Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as the Lagotto, is a breed of dog that originated in Italy.

These puppies are known for their webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers. They have a thick, curly coat that requires regular grooming.

Lagotto puppies are generally good with children and make great family pets.

If this caught your attention, see: Full Grown Lagotto Romagnolo

Breed Characteristics

Lagotto puppies are known for their bright, happy, and affectionate personalities. They have a strong desire to please their owners and are eager to learn.

These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. With consistent guidance, Lagottos can learn to behave well and respond to commands.

One of the most appealing characteristics of Lagottos is their low-shedding coat, making them a great option for people with allergies or sensitivities. They are also very agile and robust, making them well-suited for active families.

Here are some key breed characteristics to keep in mind:

Size

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The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized breed, with males being larger than females. Males tend to be 17 to 19 inches in height.

Females are generally smaller, ranging in height from 14 to 18 inches.

Males weigh between 28 to 35 pounds, while females typically weigh between 24 to 32 pounds.

Characteristics of the

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed that's full of energy and intelligence, requiring daily stimulation and exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They're naturally inclined to swim and retrieve, making them well-suited for water activities.

With their high intelligence and trainability, Lagottos can learn quickly with the right guidance, but they do require consistent training to prevent boredom and mischief around the house. This breed is not for the faint of heart – they need plenty of activity to keep them engaged.

One of the best things about Lagottos is their affectionate nature. They bond strongly with their owners and are happy to relax at home with family members. However, they also enjoy being active and going on adventures.

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If you're considering bringing a Lagotto into your family, it's essential to know their exercise needs. They require regular physical activity, but they're not high-maintenance in this regard. A daily walk and some playtime should suffice.

Here's a breakdown of the Lagotto's characteristics:

Health and Care

As a new Lagotto puppy owner, it's essential to understand the importance of regular veterinary visits to stay on top of their health. Regular check-ups can help identify potential health issues early on, just like how your vet recommended brushing their teeth regularly.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Lagotto Romagnolos, so it's crucial to monitor their joint health and mobility. Elbow dysplasia is another potential problem, often developing in puppies between 4 to 10 months old. Storage diseases, epilepsy, cerebral ataxia, and neuroaxonal dystrophy are also rare conditions that can affect your Lagotto.

To keep your Lagotto's ears clean, check them at least weekly for signs of infection, parasites, or debris. Their curly hair can grow in and around their ears, providing a haven for problems, so you may need to trim or pluck this hair to keep the ears clean.

Health

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The Lagotto Romagnolo is a generally healthy breed, but as with any dog, it's essential to be aware of potential health issues. Regular vet visits are crucial to stay on top of their health.

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition that affects the hip joint, particularly in larger breeds like the Lagotto Romagnolo. It's characterized by the malformation of the hip joint, leading to joint instability and pain.

Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that can affect Lagotto Romagnolos, particularly in large and fast-growing breeds. It's a developmental disorder that involves abnormal growth and formation of the elbow joint.

Storage diseases are a group of rare inherited metabolic disorders that can affect Lagotto Romagnolos. These diseases involve the accumulation of abnormal substances within cells, leading to cellular dysfunction and damage.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect Lagotto Romagnolos, characterized by recurrent seizures or convulsions. Anti-seizure medications can help manage and reduce the frequency of seizures.

Person Holding Puppy
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Cerebral ataxia is a neurological condition that affects the cerebellum, leading to a loss of coordination and balance. Symptoms may include stumbling, swaying, and difficulty controlling movements.

Neuroaxonal dystrophy is a rare and progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. It's characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells and axons, leading to a range of symptoms.

Some common health issues in Lagotto Romagnolos include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Storage diseases
  • Epilepsy
  • Cerebral ataxia
  • Neuroaxonal dystrophy

Diet and Nutrition

Feeding your Lagotto Romagnolo a high-quality diet is crucial for their overall health. Their food should be made predominantly from meat.

As a small-to-mid-sized breed, Lagotto Romagnolos have average-to-high energy and exercise needs. This means they require a diet that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

You should consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your individual Lagotto Romagnolo and the correct portion sizes. This will help ensure you're giving your dog the right amount of nutrients at each stage of their life.

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Two servings of food per day is the standard feeding schedule for Lagotto Romagnolos. This can help prevent overfeeding and reduce the risk of canine obesity.

Canine obesity is a serious problem that can lead to a range of other health issues. By monitoring your Lagotto's food intake and making sure they're not overeating, you can help keep them healthy and happy.

Intriguing read: Puppys Food

Grooming and Maintenance

Lagotto puppies require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats. Their double coats are made up of hair, rather than fur, which can hold dander and allergens to the body.

Their coats can grow thick around the eyes and ears, making it difficult for them to see and increasing the risk of infections or trapped debris. Regular grooming is essential to prevent these problems.

Lagotto puppies need to be brushed and groomed very regularly, ideally keeping the length of their coat between 1 to 1 and 1/2 inches. Their coats can come in many colors, including cream, brown, orange, and golden, and can be solid-colored or have patches and markings.

It's also essential to trim their nails carefully, as they have naturally longer and more curved nails than some breeds. This is to help them with their truffle digging abilities, but it also means the quick is longer than average, making it more likely to be cut accidentally.

Stock Images

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Stock Images can be a great resource for Lagotto Romagnolo owners, providing a visual representation of this wonderful breed. With over 2,800 stock photos available, you're sure to find the perfect image to suit your needs.

You can browse through the collection to find pictures of Lagotto Romagnolos in various settings, from truffle hunts in the woods of Tuscany to playful moments in the water. The images showcase the breed's intelligence, athleticism, and affectionate nature.

The Lagotto Romagnolo's distinctive appearance makes it easy to identify in photos. Whether it's a white or brown Lagotto Romagnolo, the breed's curly coat and expressive eyes are unmistakable. You can find images of Lagotto Romagnolos in various poses, from sitting on a white background to running and splashing in a mountain river.

Here are some key characteristics to look for in Lagotto Romagnolo stock images:

  • Curly coat
  • Expressive eyes
  • Intelligent and alert expression
  • Athletic build
  • Playful and affectionate nature

These characteristics will help you identify a genuine Lagotto Romagnolo in a stock image. With so many wonderful pictures available, you're sure to find the perfect one to showcase your beloved breed.

Grooming

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Lagotto Romagnolos have a unique double coat that's water resistant and made of hair, not fur, which makes them a good choice for people with dog hair allergies.

Their coats need to be brushed and groomed regularly to prevent matting and tangling. The hair around their eyes and ears can grow thick and cause problems if not kept under control.

The ideal coat length is between 1 to 1 and 1/2 inches. Grooming needs are higher than average for this breed.

To keep their coats looking their best, Lagotto Romagnolos need to be brushed and groomed frequently. This will also help prevent infections and trap debris in their ears.

Their ears are particularly prone to matting, so extra attention should be paid to keeping the hair in this area under control.

To prevent their ears from becoming waterlogged, Lagotto Romagnolos have extra hair in this area, but this can sometimes become overgrown and cause problems.

Take a look at this: What Do Puppys Need

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy cost?

A Lagotto Romagnolo puppy typically costs between $1500 and $3500, with prices influenced by factors like pedigree and breeder reputation.

What does Lagotto mean in Italian?

The Lagotto name originates from the Venetian/Romagnan dialect, literally translating to "duck dog". This name is fitting, as the breed is often compared to the Irish Water Spaniel.

Why not to get a Lagotto?

Consider carefully before getting a Lagotto if you have young children or live with vulnerable adults, as their energetic nature and sensitivity may require extra attention and training

Is a Lagotto a good family dog?

Yes, Lagotto Romagnolo are great family pets, especially when socialized with kids from an early age. They're intelligent, active, and love spending time with their family, making them a wonderful addition to many households.

Rachel Kunze

Senior Writer

Rachel Kunze is a passionate writer with a keen interest in the world of animals and agriculture. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as the Maremma Sheepdog and livestock breeds. With a deep understanding of the subject matter, Rachel's writing is informative, engaging, and accessible to readers of all levels.

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