The Lagotto Romagnolo's thick coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling. Their fur can grow up to 3 inches in length, making it a challenge to keep clean.
To start, brush your Lagotto Romagnolo 2-3 times a week to prevent matting. Regular brushing also helps to distribute skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
Lagotto Romagnolo Grooming Essentials
The Lagotto Romagnolo's curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Choose a good clippers brand like Andis, and have several blades on hand, including #30 for pads and ears edges, #4 for body, and #7 for the shortest cuts.
A wide-toothed comb is a must-have for detangling the coat, especially after a bath.
Curved or straight scissors are useful for scissoring legs and head, but be gentle not to cut too much hair at once.
Non-oil stripping shampoo is a must for the Lagotto's coat, as it helps maintain its water and dirt-resistant properties.
Use a force blower to untangle the coat, but not to dry it completely, as this can cause damage.
Clip the body, scissor head and legs, and blend the edges for a neat finish.
Brushing your Lagotto regularly, especially after a bath, helps prevent matting and tangling.
A wire brush is useful for removing dirt and debris from the coat, but be careful not to brush too hard, as this can cause mats.
A wooden pin brush is a good alternative to a wire brush, as it helps remove leaves and grass without damaging the coat.
Brushing your Lagotto's head and legs several times a week can help prevent matting and tangling.
Bathing and grooming your Lagotto every 2 weeks can help keep their coat clean and healthy.
Using a force dryer to brush out curls and trim where needed can help maintain a neat and tidy coat.
Shaving your Lagotto down with a #4 blade every 4 weeks can be a good option for low-maintenance grooming.
For another approach, see: 4 Month Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Grooming Techniques
To groom your Lagotto effectively, start by bathing them once a month to preserve the water and dirt-resistant properties of their coat. Use a non-oil stripping shampoo to protect the coat.
A force blower can be used to fluff the dog and blow out some mats and dead hair, making it easier to comb their curls. If you don't have a force blower, you can lightly comb their coat with a metal comb after they've dried.
Regular grooming sessions should include trimming the coat to the lines of the body, trimming the tail like a carrot, and leaving longer coat on the legs to create a column-like effect.
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Cutting Tools: Clippers
When choosing clippers for your Lagotto, consider well-known brands such as Moser, Aesculap, and Heininger.
These brands offer interchangeable heads, which can be convenient for grooming. The Moser 45 is a popular choice, but the Heininger Saphir is also a great option, especially for battery-powered models.
For amateur level grooming, Moser, Aesculap, and Heininger clippers are good choices. The Heininger Saphir is a nice, comfortable, and durable battery pack that's worth considering.
Aesculap and Heininger clippers are more expensive, especially if you're looking for battery-powered models. The cost may be justified if you have multiple Lagotto dogs, like the author of Example 2.
Level:
Grooming a Lagotto requires some special techniques to achieve the breed's characteristic "messy" look. The first step is to rake out the coat to prevent matting and tangling.
Raking the coat out first is crucial because it helps to prevent matting and tangling, making the grooming process much easier.
The Lagotto's coat is a rustic coated breed, which means it's supposed to look a bit unkempt. To achieve this look, it's essential not to back brush the coat, as this can make it look too tidy.
The ideal rotation for grooming a Lagotto is not specified in the article, but it's mentioned that the trim is a snap if the coat is correctly cared for.
The correct tail shape for a Lagotto is not explicitly stated, but it's implied that it should be tidy and well-groomed.
The article mentions that Kendra uses a variety of shears, including thinning and blending shears, to tidy up the outline of the dog. Thinning shears work best with the rustic coat, helping to create a natural, effortless look.
Here are some key takeaways for grooming a Lagotto:
- Rake the coat out first to prevent matting and tangling.
- Don't back brush the coat to achieve the breed's characteristic "messy" look.
- Use the right shears, such as thinning and blending shears, to create a natural look.
- Pay attention to the tail shape and keep it tidy.
Grooming Preparation
Before you start grooming your Lagotto Romagnolo, it's essential to prepare the right tools and environment. You'll need a good clippers, such as Andis brand, and several blades to achieve the desired length and style.
To prevent matting and tangling, use a non-oil stripping shampoo, and consider investing in a force blower to gently untangle the coat without drying it out completely. This will make the grooming process much easier and less stressful for your dog.
A steel tooth comb is also a must-have for managing the Lagotto's curly coat. You can use it to comb out mats and tangles, and it's also helpful for separating tight curls.
It's worth noting that you shouldn't bathe your Lagotto too frequently, as this can strip the coat of its natural oils and make it more prone to matting. A once-a-month bath is sufficient, and make sure to use a regular fan to dry your puppy if they don't have a force blower.
Keep in mind that grooming is an ongoing process, and it's essential to be patient and gentle with your dog, especially when they're still a puppy. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your dog becomes more comfortable with the process.
Sources
- https://www.radamia.com/grooming-lagotto-romagnolo
- https://azlagotto.com/grooming
- https://www.allevamentovalledeimedici.it/en/recommendations/tools-to-groom-dog-hair-curly-lagotto/
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lagotto-romagnolo/
- https://www.learn2groomdogs.com/video/learn-how-to-groom-the-pet-italian-truffle-dog-lagotto-romagnolo-1-of-2-part-series/
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