Meet the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo originates from the seventh century marshlands and lagoons in Romagna, northeastern Italy. While the region gave the breed the second part of its name, the first part reflects its natural role. Lagotto is a dialect word reflecting that the breed is a water dog that was used as a duck retriever. As the marshes of north Italy were drained during the twentieth century, the occupation of duck hunting left the area, meaning the breed required a new job. Their acute sense of smell was then used in the lucrative business of truffles, where the Lagotto is used to locate and retrieve the prized fungi, up to 30cm below the surface. Today, the breed is renowned as the best for truffle hunting.

 

With a history of working, it is no surprise that the Lagotto Romagnolo requires a lot of exercise. It is an all-action breed that will thrive at most sports and activities. In fact, it is recommended a Lagotto needs stimulation and ‘work.’ It's a breed that will tire mentally before it does physically. Experts suggest mentally stimulating activities during their walks such as long-distance scent work and retrieving. These best replicate their current work of finding truffles, and the previous role of retrieving ducks and other shot game from wetlands.

 

At home, the Lagotto Romagnolo is heralded for its affectionate and gentle personality. Breed aficionados report they are good with children and their roots as part of large Italian families make them a natural fit for families. They form strong bonds with people and are eager to please. As long as they get enough stimulating exercise, Lagottos will love being part of the family. So, if you’re looking for an active, intelligent, and loving canine companion, then you might just need to follow the King’s lead.

 

 

• The curly coat is eye-catching. Medium length, it doesn’t shed and is waterproof. It should be groomed more than once a week to keep it healthy and looking good Lagotto Romagnolo: the King’s breed.

 

• Lagottos don’t need a lot of space indoors and can live in a small house. However, a large garden, ideally in the country, is recommended to help provide the exercise opportunities they need.

 

• The breed was only recognised by the Italian Kennel Club in 1991, making it a relative newcomer to the UK dog scene. In the UK, the Kennel Club classify it as a gundog.

 

• Breed colours include solid off-white, white with brown or orange markings, orange roan, brown roan, brown (in different shades), solid orange, brown with white markings, and orange with white markings. Brown mask and tan markings are permitted.

 

• The breed has an expected lifespan of over 12 years.

 

• Lagottos require more than two hours of exercise per day.

 

• According to the breed standard, males should measure 43-48cm with bitches between 41-46cm.

 

• Good breeders will prioritise the health of Lagotto puppies and the Kennel Club advises that any breeder should use the DNA test for juvenile epilepsy (JE) and the DNA test for lysosomal storage disease (LSD). LSD is a metabolic disorder that means the body struggles to convert materials into things the body can use. It is a progressive disease that can lead to euthanasia. Both JE and LSD are recessive gene conditions, meaning dogs need to inherit two abnormal genes to be affected by the disease. Inheriting one abnormal gene means a dog is not affected but can pass the disease on. With the DNA tests, these conditions can be avoided.

 

• In 2023, a Lagotto Romagnolo from Croatia, named Orca, won the Best in Show award at Crufts.

 

What is it really like to live with a Lagotto Romagnolo?

We spoke with Lyn Monk, who was at the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain stand at Crufts, to find out the realities of welcoming the breed into your life.

 

Lyn said, “They love mud, they love poo; anything poo is very truffle like. They like to roll in it, they like to eat it, they like to take it everywhere with them.

“It’s a working dog that does a few bits of showing on the side. But, it must have a job to do. It uses its nose because the main objective of its brain is to hunt, flush, and retrieve. That’s what it likes to do. But it likes any other job; agility, obedience, scent work, or cani-cross for example. It just wants to be busy. It’s spent thousands of years working with man and it just wants to carry on working with man.

 

“It will work all day long for you and run all day long for you. You’ll never tire it out, you’ve got to tire their brain out. Everything is a game to it; you have to have games. Then you’ll have a very happy and healthy Lagotto Romagnolo.

 

“Most Italian dogs are absolutely wonderful with families and kids because Italian families have always been family orientated with their dogs and the Lagotto is no different. I was a bit unsure how my own Lagotto was going to be with my grandchildren. They adore him and he adores them. They’re very patient and can make an all-round, good family pet.”

 

Hear an expert’s detailed thoughts on the Lagotto Romagnolo here.