The Lagotto Romagnolo is a unique and wonderful breed that can make a fantastic addition to your family. They are highly intelligent and active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Their thick coat requires regular grooming, with a daily brushing and occasional bathing. This is a significant commitment, so make sure you're prepared to invest time and effort into their grooming needs.
Lagotto Romagnolos are known for their strong instinct to follow a scent, which can sometimes lead them astray. Early training and socialization are crucial to help them develop good habits and avoid getting into trouble.
Their average lifespan is between 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion.
Physical Characteristics
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance. They typically reach 19 inches in height and weigh between 24-35 pounds.
Their curly coats are one of their most notable features, and they rarely shed, making them a good fit for people with allergies. Their double-coat of wooly curls is waterproof and no longer than one-and-a-half inches long.
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Their noses are famous for sniffing out truffles and can be flesh-colored, dark brown, or anything in between. Lagotti have large, round eyes that are known for looking quite human, with eye color varying from dark brown to hazel.
Here are some key physical characteristics of the Lagotto Romagnolo breed:
Appearance
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance. They have a powerful build and a wooly coat that's both curly and waterproof.
Their triangular ears fold over to settle around their face, giving them a unique look. Their large, round eyes are known for looking quite human, and their eye color can vary from dark brown to hazel.
Their noses are famous for sniffing out truffles, and they can be flesh-colored, dark brown, or anything in between. A Lagotto Romagnolo's coat can be a variety of colors, including dark brown, brown roan, white with brown or orange markings, sable, and solid orange or orange roan.
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A fully grown Lagotto Romagnolo typically reaches 19 inches in height and weighs between 24-35 pounds. Their beautiful curly coats can come in an assortment of colors, including brown, orange, cream, and white.
Their curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Here are some key grooming facts:
- Hair trimming: Lagotto Romagnolos need their thick and curly coats trimmed every 10 to 12 weeks.
- Brushing: Surprisingly, their curly hair doesn't need regular brushing, but mats need to be removed between hair cuts.
- Ear cleaning: Lagotti have hair inside their ears that needs to be managed, and their ears may need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
- Bathing: Bathe your Lagotto Romagnolo about every four weeks to keep their coats clean without drying out their skin.
Their tails are mid-length and often described as being shaped like a carrot.
Exercise
The Lagotto Romagnolo is built for endurance, needing up to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise each day to stay happy. They'll thrive on activities like hiking, agility, and long runs.
These dogs love water, so consider taking them on a trip to a body of water for a good splash. They'll be in their element!
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for Lagotti. They need activities that engage their brains, like "find the treat" or hide and seek, to keep them occupied.
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Temperament
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a high-energy breed that thrives on activity and mental stimulation. They're always ready to learn and will eagerly participate in training sessions or dog sports.
They can be a bit aloof with strangers or get anxious in unfamiliar situations if not socialized from a young age. Early socialization is key to helping them feel comfortable around new people and places.
This breed is known for being sensitive to their owners' emotions, so if you're having a bad day, they may pick up on it too. A cuddle session can help cheer you both up.
Lagottos are not excessive barkers, but they will alert you to visitors or mail. They'll also greet you at the door with a friendly bark, so be prepared for a noisy welcome.
They're natural athletes, bred to be truffle hunters, and they rarely run out of steam. They're like the Energizer Bunny, always ready for the next adventure.
If you're looking for a couch potato, the Lagotto Romagnolo is not the breed for you. They need stimulation, enrichment, and interaction to thrive.
They're great with kids and other dogs, especially if introduced during puppyhood. With proper socialization and training, they can make wonderful family pets.
With consistent positive reinforcement training, Lagottos can learn to listen and behave well. They're loyal and quick to learn, making them a joy to train and live with.
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Dog Ownership
Lagotto Romagnolos need regular exercise, and they'll get especially excited about activities that involve water. They're a breed that thrives on interaction and attention.
They're not too demanding, but they do require a lot of grooming. This is a breed who will follow you everywhere and stay by your side all day long.
Lagotto Romagnolos don't enjoy being crated in the daytime, but if crate-trained, they're usually happy to sleep in a crate at night.
Nutrition and Health
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They typically live between 15-17 years old.
To keep your Lagotto Romagnolo healthy, it's essential to provide a complete and balanced diet. Look for a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for breeds that respond well to whole grains, like brown rice and oats.
You should limit "people food" to less than 10 percent of your pup's daily food intake. This will ensure they get the majority of their nutrition from their commercial dog food.
Some adult dogs are happy with one meal a day, while others prefer two light meals. Be sure to base your feeding schedule on a combination of your Lagotto Romagnolo's personal preference and your vet's expert advice.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Lagotto Romagnoli:
- Hip dysplasia
- Juvenile epilepsy
- Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD)
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Regular veterinary check-ups will help you stay on top of your Lagotto Romagnolo's health and catch any potential issues early on.
Health
Lagotto Romagnoli generally live between 15-17 years old, which is a remarkable lifespan for a breed.
They can suffer from hip dysplasia, a painful condition where the joints in the hip begin to break down. A joint supplement can reduce inflammation and improve mobility, but owners should talk to their veterinarians before adding any vitamins or supplements to their dog's diet.
Potential owners should ask Lagotto Romagnolo breeders about the health testing recommended by the official breed club. The Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America also recommends focusing on experienced breeders who can show a consistent line of healthy dogs that are well-tempered.
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Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to catch any potential health issues early on. Be vigilant of any health issues, and take your Lagotto to the veterinarian regularly.
Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:
- Hip Dysplasia: This condition is caused when the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it rubs, causing the dog pain and reduced mobility.
- Juvenile Epilepsy: This recessive and inherited disease can lead to seizures and a short loss of consciousness.
- Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD): LSD is a severe neurodegenerative disease that typically appears from the ages of 4 months to 4 years.
- Bladder or Kidney Stones: Lagotti are prone to a condition called hyperuricosuria, which is characterized by elevated uric acid in the urine.
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy: This is an inherited, degenerative condition that causes dogs to have trouble with their balance and walking.
Diet
A complete and balanced diet is essential for your Lagotto Romagnolo. Look for a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for breeds that respond well to whole grains, like brown rice and oats.
Limit "people food" to less than 10 percent of your pup's daily food intake. This means that 90 percent of their nutrition should come from commercial dog food.
Some adult dogs are happy with one meal a day, while others prefer two light meals. It's best to base your feeding schedule on a combination of your Lagotto Romagnolo's personal preference and your vet's expert advice.
Always check with your vet to make sure you're picking the best product for your dog's unique needs. This will ensure that your Lagotto Romagnolo is getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lagotto Romagnolo high maintenance?
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are moderately high maintenance due to their exercise and enrichment needs, but they are relatively laid-back and adaptable to apartment living. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are necessary to keep them happy and healthy.
How much does a Lagotto Romagnolo dog cost?
A Lagotto Romagnolo puppy typically costs between $1500 and $3500, with prices influenced by factors like pedigree, coat color, and breeder reputation.
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