Dog Breeds - Lagotto Romagnolo

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed typically displays toward family members or familiar individuals can vary widely. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved demeanor reserving their warmth almost exclusively for their owner, whereas other breeds are effusive with affection treating anyone within their familiar circle as though they are a dear friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree of patience and tolerance a breed exhibits toward children, as well as its general disposition towards being a family companion should not overshadow the importance of monitoring interactions between dogs and youngsters, especially when the children are not accustomed to canine behaviors.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a breed with other dogs can differ significantly. Although it's always wise to oversee interactions and introductions between dogs, some breeds naturally have a predisposition for getting along with their canine counterparts, whether it's during play at home or while out and about in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The shedding frequency of your preferred breed might be a concern be prepared for more grooming sessions with breeds that lose more hair. Individuals prone to allergies should consider that such breeds can exacerbate symptoms. What's more get ready to join forces with your vacuum and lint roller in your crusade for cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Consider the regularity with which a breed needs to be bathed, brushed, trimmed or given other forms of coat upkeep. When evaluating the grooming commitment required, reflect on the amount of time, patience and funds you are willing to allocate for this aspect of pet care. Bear in mind that consistent nail clipping is a must for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool is an important consideration. For those who prefer a tidy environment, choosing a dog known for leaving trails of drool across your arm or large damp patches on your garments might not be the ideal match.
COAT TYPE +
Double, Curly
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of hospitality a breed might show to unfamiliar faces is something to think about. Certain breeds may naturally approach strangers with reserve or caution, no matter where they are, whereas others are delighted at the prospect of greeting a new person whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The eagerness for play that a breed may display well beyond their puppy years is a delightful trait to ponder. Certain breeds hold onto their youthful zest eagerly engaging in games like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult life, while other breeds might prefer to spend the majority of their time lounging peacefully on the sofa alongside you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Consider a breed's propensity to notify you of the presence of strangers. Breeds with heightened alertness will often respond to any perceived threat, be it the mailman or a squirrel scampering outside your window. Nonetheless, such breeds tend to become more welcoming toward strangers entering the home once they sense their family has accepted the newcomer.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Take into account a breed's adaptability to change. This encompasses their ability to adjust to alterations in their living environment, fluctuations in noise levels, shifts in weather patterns, changes in the daily routine and other everyday life variations. Some breeds navigate these changes with ease, maintaining their composure amid life's ebb and flow.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Reflect on the ease of training your dog and their openness to learning new skills. Certain breeds are naturally eager to please their owners and take to training with enthusiasm. On the other hand, some breeds March to the beat of their own drum, preferring to follow their whims whenever the mood strikes.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Consider the level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires. Breeds bursting with energy are always on the move keenly anticipating their next escapade. They’ll happily dedicate their days to running, leaping and engaging in playful activities. On the flip side, breeds with a more laid-back energy profile are akin to lovable couch potatoes content to lounge and doze off for most of the day.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Reflect on how vocal a breed tends to be using barks or howls to communicate. Some breeds are quick to voice their opinions on every passerby or bird that flits by the window, while others reserve their barks for specific scenarios. There are also breeds known for their lack of barking, yet they may still be quite expressive employing a variety of other sounds to convey their feelings and thoughts.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Consider the level of mental engagement a breed needs to remain content and in tip-top shape. Dogs that have been bred for specific roles might need tasks involving decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Absent the mental exercise they crave, they're apt to devise their own activities to keep their minds occupied and these self-chosen tasks may not exactly align with your preferences.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed typically displays toward family members or familiar individuals can vary widely. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved demeanor reserving their warmth almost exclusively for their owner, whereas other breeds are effusive with affection treating anyone within their familiar circle as though they are a dear friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree of patience and tolerance a breed exhibits toward children, as well as its general disposition towards being a family companion should not overshadow the importance of monitoring interactions between dogs and youngsters, especially when the children are not accustomed to canine behaviors.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent sociability of a breed with other dogs can differ significantly. Although it's always wise to oversee interactions and introductions between dogs, some breeds naturally have a predisposition for getting along with their canine counterparts, whether it's during play at home or while out and about in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The shedding frequency of your preferred breed might be a concern be prepared for more grooming sessions with breeds that lose more hair. Individuals prone to allergies should consider that such breeds can exacerbate symptoms. What's more get ready to join forces with your vacuum and lint roller in your crusade for cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Consider the regularity with which a breed needs to be bathed, brushed, trimmed or given other forms of coat upkeep. When evaluating the grooming commitment required, reflect on the amount of time, patience and funds you are willing to allocate for this aspect of pet care. Bear in mind that consistent nail clipping is a must for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool is an important consideration. For those who prefer a tidy environment, choosing a dog known for leaving trails of drool across your arm or large damp patches on your garments might not be the ideal match.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double, Curly

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of hospitality a breed might show to unfamiliar faces is something to think about. Certain breeds may naturally approach strangers with reserve or caution, no matter where they are, whereas others are delighted at the prospect of greeting a new person whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The eagerness for play that a breed may display well beyond their puppy years is a delightful trait to ponder. Certain breeds hold onto their youthful zest eagerly engaging in games like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult life, while other breeds might prefer to spend the majority of their time lounging peacefully on the sofa alongside you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Consider a breed's propensity to notify you of the presence of strangers. Breeds with heightened alertness will often respond to any perceived threat, be it the mailman or a squirrel scampering outside your window. Nonetheless, such breeds tend to become more welcoming toward strangers entering the home once they sense their family has accepted the newcomer.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

Take into account a breed's adaptability to change. This encompasses their ability to adjust to alterations in their living environment, fluctuations in noise levels, shifts in weather patterns, changes in the daily routine and other everyday life variations. Some breeds navigate these changes with ease, maintaining their composure amid life's ebb and flow.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Reflect on the ease of training your dog and their openness to learning new skills. Certain breeds are naturally eager to please their owners and take to training with enthusiasm. On the other hand, some breeds March to the beat of their own drum, preferring to follow their whims whenever the mood strikes.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Consider the level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires. Breeds bursting with energy are always on the move keenly anticipating their next escapade. They’ll happily dedicate their days to running, leaping and engaging in playful activities. On the flip side, breeds with a more laid-back energy profile are akin to lovable couch potatoes content to lounge and doze off for most of the day.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

When Necessary

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Consider the level of mental engagement a breed needs to remain content and in tip-top shape. Dogs that have been bred for specific roles might need tasks involving decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Absent the mental exercise they crave, they're apt to devise their own activities to keep their minds occupied and these self-chosen tasks may not exactly align with your preferences.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Off-White	461
Brown Roan	462
Brown	061
Orange	133
White	199
Sable	164
Orange Roan	136

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Brown Mask	076
Brown Markings	022
Orange Markings	102
White Markings	014
Tan Markings	012

About The Breed

The charming Lagotto Romagnolo, hailing from Italy and famed as the 'truffle dog,' flaunts a curly coat complemented by generous expressive facial hair. Beyond their stuffed-animal exterior, these Lagotti are robust laborers gifted with an exceptional sense of smell that aids them in sniffing out truffles—a gourmet and valuable treat.

The Italians have the perfect term for it, 'carino,' which translates to 'cute' in English. Whichever way you choose to express it, this breed's appeal is universal. The Lagotto Romagnolo is celebrated for its sheep-like fleece that envelops its frame from head to tail, topped off with a sumptuous set of beard, eyebrowse and whiskers. With a stature not exceeding 20 inches and a weight limit of 35 pounds, these dogs might resemble cuddly toys. However, their appearance belies a sturdy constitution, with stamina and vigor in ample measure. Their signature curls have a texture akin to human hair setting them apart from the typical canine fur.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Lagotto Romagnolo: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	This particular breed boasts a strong bill of health and conscientious breeders meticulously check their breeding stock for health issues, which might include juvenile epilepsy, storage disease, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. The use of DNA tests plays a significant role in breeding choices ensuring the minimization of disease prevalence. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Exam Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) - DNA Test Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) - DNA Test

Grooming

	The Lagotto breed boasts a rugged, water-resistant pelt that features dense snug ringlets enveloping its body, with the exception of its head. This breed sports a dual-layered hair ensemble instead of typical fur and is notable for its minimal shedding, occasionally leaving behind small, fluffy hair clusters. Regular coat trimming is a must to keep them looking their best. Some Lagottos may be prone to their coats tangling more than usual, so steadfast grooming is key to averting any matting. It's also wise to conduct a weekly ear inspection to clear out any accumulated wax or debris and to be on the lookout for potential signs of infection.

Exercise

	Like many breeds created for sporting, the Lagotto thrives on an energetic and interactive lifestyle to remain content. They aren't excessively high-strung and don't demand an overwhelming amount of physical exertion, yet they flourish with a balanced mix of mental engagement and physical exercise. Although a Lagotto appreciates and gains from outdoor adventures, they are not suited to an exterior life away from the warmth of family companionship. For them to be truly happy and well-rounded, quality time with their human family is essential.

Training

	Lagottos are perceptive, bright and full of vigor. They have an eagerness to learn and a strong desire to delight their owners making them standouts in dog sports such as agility and obedience. They also shine in activities like dock diving unsurprisingly given their innate affinity for water. Blessed with a keen sense of smell, they are ideal for scent-based roles like search and-rescue operations, tracking and even medical detection tasks. Introducing them to early socialization and consistent training is crucial, it paves the way for the Lagotto to develop into a sociable well-behaved companion.

Nutrition

	The Lagotto will flourish on premium dog food, whether it's a store-bought variety or a home-cooked meal, as long as you have your vet's guidance and go-ahead. It's essential to choose a food that fits the dog's life stage, be it a pup, an active adult or a senior. Like many breeds, Lagottos can gain excess weight if their diet isn't managed properly, so it's important to keep an eye on their caloric intake and maintain a healthy weight. While treats are invaluable for training, moderation is key to avoid the risk of obesity. It's beneficial to familiarize yourself with human foods that are safe for canines and those to avoid. If you're ever uncertain about your pet's nutritional needs or weight management don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian. And remember, access to clean, fresh water is a must at all times for your furry friend.

Historiography

The history of Lagotti can be traced to Renaissance-era Italy, where their breeding initially focused on retrieving waterfowl from the marshlands surrounding Ravenna. The term 'Lagotto' itself draws from the Italian word 'lago,' meaning 'lake.' Over the years, however, these dogs renowned for their extraordinary olfactory abilities have become celebrated in rural Italy for their skill in detecting truffles, those delectable and prized fungi. While various breeds may be tutored to hunt for truffles, the Lagotto is widely regarded as the preeminent truffle hunting dog in the world.