Introduction
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a treasured ancient Italian water dog, originally bred for their extraordinary ability to sniff out prized truffles. Even if hunting for these gourmet tubers isn’t on your agenda, Lagotto Romagnolos are affectionate and attentive companions. According to Petscarelab’s expert insights, these dogs are eager to please and highly trainable, making them wonderful family pets.
This small to medium-sized breed boasts a sturdy, muscular build. Full-grown Lagottos typically stand between 16 and 19 inches tall and weigh 24 to 35 pounds. Their signature dense curly coat is specially designed to repel water, keeping them dry and comfortable. Renowned for their swimming prowess, these adaptable dogs thrive in a variety of living situations—provided they receive ample exercise and mental challenges, Petscarelab affirms.
Caring for a Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolos tend to be quite shy, especially as puppies, so early and extensive socialization is essential. Introducing your pup to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age helps them grow into confident and well-rounded companions ready to face life’s adventures.
These intelligent pups flourish in energetic, engaged households where they receive plenty of attention and mental stimulation. Without enough activity to occupy their curious minds, Lagottos can turn to destructive behaviors just to keep themselves entertained.
Lagotto Romagnolo Health Issues
Lagotto Romagnolos are generally healthy and enjoy a long lifespan, often reaching 15 to 17 years old. However, like all breeds, they can be predisposed to certain health conditions.
Storage Disease
Storage Disease, also known as Lagotto Storage Disease or Lysosomal Storage Disease, is a neurological disorder typically affecting Lagotto puppies and dogs under four years of age. This progressive condition can trigger changes in behavior such as:
- Poor growth or failure to thrive
- Restlessness and agitation
- Signs of depression
- Increased aggression
Unfortunately, severe cases often lead to humane euthanasia to prevent suffering. Reputable breeders routinely screen their dogs for this disease, ensuring that carriers are only bred to non-carriers to minimize risk.
Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy
Juvenile epilepsy is another inherited condition noted in Lagottos. Puppies as young as five weeks may experience seizures, though many cases resolve naturally by eight to thirteen weeks of age. Some affected dogs may never show clear symptoms. Genetic testing is vital to identify carriers and inform responsible breeding decisions.
Hyperuricosuria
Hyperuricosuria causes elevated uric acid in urine, increasing the risk of painful kidney and bladder stones. Treatment can be challenging and sometimes requires surgical intervention. Lagottos carrying this gene mutation should not be bred to prevent passing it on.
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
This degenerative brain disorder impairs coordination and balance, severely affecting a dog’s quality of life. Dogs with cerebellar abiotrophy generally have a shortened lifespan and need special care and support.
What To Feed a Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolos thrive on a complete, balanced diet that meets the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Be sure to select food tailored to your dog’s life stage—whether puppy, adult, or senior—for optimal health.
How To Feed a Lagotto Romagnolo
Adult Lagottos do best with two regular meals a day. Puppies require more frequent feeding—typically three to four times daily—to support their rapid growth and energy needs.
How Much Should You Feed a Lagotto Romagnolo?
Guidelines on food packaging based on your dog’s weight provide a useful starting point, but your veterinarian can offer personalized portion recommendations considering your pup’s age, activity level, and health history.
Despite their charming begging antics, it’s important not to overfeed your Lagotto. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent joint issues and other obesity-related health problems.
Nutritional Tips for Lagotti Romagnoli
A balanced diet usually negates the need for extra supplements. Always consult your vet before introducing any vitamins or nutritional additives to your dog’s regimen.
Lagotto Romagnolo Personality and Temperament
According to Petscarelab’s research, Lagottos are lively without being overly hyperactive. Their sharp minds and eagerness to please make them expert problem-solvers. They love learning new skills and being active, with swimming ranking high among their favorite activities.
Lagotti Romagnolos integrate beautifully into family life and don’t require truffle hunting to be content. However, to keep their intelligence sharp and prevent boredom, they need ongoing mental challenges.
Lagotto Romagnolo Behavior
These curious dogs crave companionship, whether from humans or fellow canines. Known to bark and dig, they benefit greatly from regular exercise to dissipate excess energy and reduce such behaviors.
Lagotto Romagnolo Training
Training sessions are a highlight for Lagottos, who thrive on positive reinforcement and rewards. Their intelligence is a double-edged sword—they can quickly figure out ways to bypass restrictions if not mentally and physically engaged consistently.
Fun Activities for Lagotti Romagnoli
- Agility courses
- Nose work and scent detection
- Dock diving
- Tracking games
- Swimming adventures
- Hiking excursions
- Hunting simulations
Lagotto Romagnolo Grooming Guide
Thanks to their curly coat, Lagotti Romagnolos shed very little and are often regarded as hypoallergenic. While no dog is completely allergen-free, their unique fur can make them a suitable choice for many allergy sufferers.
Skin Care
Lagottos don’t need specialized skin treatments. However, because they love outdoor exploration, it’s essential to regularly check for ticks, burrs, and other outdoor hazards after their adventures.
Coat Care
Their teddy bear-like curls require regular brushing with a metal comb to prevent matting. Bathing should be done as needed—up to once a month is typically sufficient to keep their coat healthy.
Eye Care
Trim the fur around their eyes regularly to ensure unobstructed vision and to avoid irritation or infections. If you notice any cloudiness or abnormalities in your dog’s eyes, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Ear Care
Lagottos can develop a lot of hair inside their ears, which needs to be trimmed to prevent infections. Additionally, always clean their ears after swimming or bathing, as trapped moisture can lead to painful ear problems. Watch for signs such as redness, foul odor, or debris, and consult a vet if these occur.
Considerations for Pet Parents
The ideal home for a Lagotto Romagnolo is active, energized, and ready to invest time and love into their dog’s mental and physical outlets. Without sufficient stimulation, Lagotti can become bored and potentially destructive. They thrive in families who enjoy including them in activities like hiking and water sports.
Are Lagotto Romagnolo dogs hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Lagotto Romagnolo’s curly coat tends to produce fewer allergens, making them a favorable option for some people with dog allergies. Before committing, spend time around this breed to gauge your personal reaction.
Are Lagotto Romagnolo dogs low-maintenance?
Lagottos are not low-maintenance pets. They require consistent mental stimulation, daily exercise, and regular grooming to keep their unique coat in top condition.
How much does a Lagotto Romagnolo dog cost?
Lagotto Romagnolos range from $1,500 to $2,500. Petscarelab also supports rescue organizations dedicated to finding loving homes for displaced Lagottos, offering an alternative to purchasing from breeders.
