Learn More About Lagotto Romagnolo

Summary

The Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as the Italian Water Dog, is a medium-sized breed with a strong, almost square build. Their most striking features are their thick, curly fur and large, expressive eyes, which reveal a friendly and intelligent personality. Their curly hair not only provides a charming look but also protects the dogs from the elements, making them ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. Their coat color can vary, ranging from various shades of fawn to brown, sometimes with white markings. A member of FCI Group 8, retrieving, searching and water dogs, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an active and intelligent dog that requires a task to keep him happy and content. They were originally bred as water dogs to retrieve game, but more recently they have made a name for themselves as excellent truffle hunters.

Character

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an active and intelligent dog with a great need for mental and physical exercise. They love completing tasks and using their skills, whether searching for truffles, retrieving toys or solving brain teasers. Their enthusiasm for work and intelligence make them great candidates for various dog sports such as agility, obedience or search games. Their temperament can vary from calm to active, with many Lagottis being a good mix of both. They enjoy being active and completing tasks, but are also happy when they can just spend time with their family. Their affectionate nature makes them great companion dogs who enjoy being around their people. The Lagotto Romagnolo is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of his family. They are playful and enjoy playing with people or other dogs. Their loving and friendly nature makes them great family dogs and they generally get along well with children and other pets. As with any dog, it is important that a Lagotto Romagnolo is well socialized and learns to be alone. Although they love being with their humans, they also need to learn that it's okay to be alone. With good socialization and positive experiences, a Lagotto can learn to be calm and safe even when his family is not home. Lagotti have a natural inclination to forage and dig, which is due to their truffle hunting skills. Therefore, it is possible that they exhibit some prey or hunting behavior. It is important to note that not every Lagotto exhibits this tendency, and this is often influenced by the dog's individual personality and upbringing. The Lagotto Romagnolo is an attentive dog that pays close attention to its surroundings. They are often alert and can be a good watchdog, although they are not overly barking. They are more likely to alert their family when something unusual is going on rather than being aggressive or protective.

What to Expect

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a very intelligent dog that enjoys working with people. He needs a task and something to do.

Care

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an adaptable dog that can thrive in both urban and rural environments. Although they love being outside and working, they are also happy when they are around their people and are therefore suitable for apartment living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are child-friendly and often get along well with other pets, including cats.

Training & Education

Raising a Lagotto Romagnolo can be a joy as they are intelligent, eager to learn and eager to please. Their enthusiasm for work and their skills as truffle hunters can be translated into various activities and dog sports such as agility, obedience or nose work. They need a lot of mental and physical activity, but as with any breed there is a risk of "over-occupation". It is important to find a good balance and give your dog enough time for rest and relaxation. A Lagotto can tend to be a "ball junkie." so it's important to control the ball game and make sure it doesn't become an obsession. Training frustration tolerance and impulse control is equally important. By specifically training these skills, your dog will be better able to control his excitement and respond appropriately to different situations. A possible hunting instinct, which comes from their predisposition as truffle hunters, can be channeled into controlled channels with targeted training. Instead of suppressing it, it is a good idea to channel this natural instinct into appropriate activities, such as searching.

Nutrition & Grooming

A Lagotto Romagnolo is not a particularly demanding breed in terms of nutrition. A balanced and nutritious diet with high-quality proteins, healthy fats and fiber is ideal. The amount and type of food may vary depending on the dog's age, weight, activity level and health status. Some Lagottis are prone to obesity, so it's important to keep an eye on your dog's weight. Grooming a Lagotto Romagnolo may require a little more work as their coat tends to become matted. They have curly hair with a waterproof undercoat, making them excellent swimmers but also requiring regular grooming. A weekly brushing will help prevent tangles and keep the coat healthy and clean. They don't shed a lot and are therefore often a good choice for allergy sufferers. When it comes to climate, they are very adaptable and can cope well with both cold and hot weather.