The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog breed with a unique history and characteristics. They typically weigh between 24 and 35 pounds.
To ensure you're providing the best possible care for your Lagotto Romagnolo, understanding their weight and size requirements is crucial. This knowledge will help you choose the right food, exercise, and living arrangements for your furry friend.
Male Lagotto Romagnolos usually stand between 17.5 and 19.5 inches tall, while females stand between 16.5 and 18.5 inches tall. This height range is important to consider when selecting a dog bed or crate.
Nutrition and Feeding
A well-balanced diet is essential for your Lagotto Romagnolo's health and weight. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends a diet formulated for your dog's life stage: puppy, adult, or senior.
To determine the right amount of food, consider your pup's weight and talk to your vet for a personalized recommendation. They'll take into account your dog's age, lifestyle, and health history.
A different take: Lagotto Romagnolo Health Issues
Lagotti Romagnoli thrive on a diet made predominantly from meat, and two servings of food per day is the standard feeding schedule. This breed is prone to obesity, which can lead to serious health issues.
Obesity can cause joint issues and other health problems, so it's essential to resist those adorable begging eyes and stick to the recommended portions. Your vet can help you find the right balance for your pup.
A well-balanced diet will meet your Lagotto's nutritional needs, and you shouldn't need to give them supplements unless advised by your vet.
Lagotto Size and Exercise
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a mid-sized breed, not small or medium as some might think. Males stand 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh 28-35 pounds, while females stand 16 to 18 inches tall and weigh 24-31 pounds.
Their robust build is designed for hard work, with a square shape that's meant to withstand challenging terrain. As the AKC Standard notes, "The dog should give the impression that he has the strength and endurance to work all day in difficult and challenging terrain."
Lagottos have a strong love for water, thanks to their water-repellant double coat and purpose-built body shape. They'll often have a hard time getting out of a river or pond once they've discovered it.
The Lagotto's Size
The Lagotto Romagnolo is often misunderstood as a small breed, but it's actually a mid-sized breed.
Males stand 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh 28-35 pounds, while females stand 16 to 18 inches tall and weigh 24-31 pounds. This is comparable to a Cocker Spaniel in weight, but the Lagotto stands several inches taller.
The Lagotto's build should be square and robust, giving the impression that it has the strength and endurance to work all day in difficult terrain.
Exercise
Exercise is crucial for Lagotto dogs, and they have a unique way of burning off steam. Swimming is a great way to help them do so, and they'll often find it hard to get out of a river or pond once they've discovered it.
Their water-repellent double coat is designed to keep them dry in the water, and their body shape is built for swimming. They can spend a lot of time in the water without getting wet.
Lagotto dogs have strong scenting abilities, which is no surprise given their truffle hunting background. They often have a great love of digging, and you may need to put in extra work to stop them from digging in undesired areas of your garden.
A dedicated sandpit can be a great solution to give them an outlet for their digging desire, and some owners even take part in scent trials and nose work games to keep them engaged.
Diet and Nutrition Details
A high-quality commercial dog food formulated for breeds that respond well to whole grains, like brown rice and oats, is essential for your Lagotto Romagnolo.
Limit "people food", like meat, veggies, and cheese, to less than 10 percent of your pup's daily food intake.
Your Lagotto's food should be made predominantly from meat, with a standard feeding schedule of two servings per day.
Never give your dog supplements without speaking to your vet first, as long as they're eating a well-balanced diet.
Making sure you don't overfeed your Lagotto should be a priority, as canine obesity can lead to serious health conditions.
Sources
- Breed Weight Chart (akc.org)
- Lagotto Romangnolo Club of America (lagottous.com)
- According to the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Canada (LRCC) (lagottoromagnoloclubofcanada.ca)
- Lagotto Romagnolo: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad ... (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America (lagottous.com)
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