Lagotto Romagnolo Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a curly-coated Italian dog that began as a water retriever and became the world's best-known truffle hunter. It is affectionate, energetic and clever, with a nose that never rests.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in the marshes of Romagna, retrieving waterfowl. When the marshes were drained, the dogs were trained to find truffles in the forests. Lagotti are small to medium and sturdy, with a dense, curly, woolly coat in off-white, brown, orange or roan, a broad head with a beard and a rounded tail.

Temperament

They are affectionate, intelligent and eager. They bond closely with family and love attention. They are energetic and curious. They are usually good with children and other pets. They dig, and they need tasks. They can be anxious when left alone.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily exercise, with walks, play and scent work. They enjoy swimming and nosework. Mental work is vital. A secure fence is needed.

Training

They are intelligent and eager. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall and a calm greeting. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The curly coat needs brushing a couple of times a week and trimming every few months. See curly coat dog grooming guide. It sheds very little. Clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Benign familial juvenile epilepsy, with a DNA test
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Storage disease, with a DNA test
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Hereditary cerebellar ataxia

Living with a Lagotto Romagnolo

They suit active owners in houses or apartments with enough activity. They need company.

A typical day

A Lagotto wants a morning outing, scent work, rest and play. Evenings are for relaxing near family.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for grooming costs, food and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate most weather, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping scent work, ignoring ear care and leaving the dog alone for long periods.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about DNA tests, hip scores and the parents' temperaments.

Truffle work at home

Many owners try truffle-hunting classes or scent games using truffle oil. Hide a scented item in the garden, and reward your dog for finding it. This gives the nose a job and calms the mind.

The dig

Lagotti dig, a natural result of truffle work. Provide a sand pit or marked dig zone, and reward digging there.

Daily care checklist

Plan on an hour of exercise, a scent game, brushing a couple of times a week, ear checks and nail trims. Provide chew toys and a secure yard.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Lagotto suits active owners who want a loving, low-shedding scent dog. It may not suit those wanting a calm or low-maintenance pet. For a related water dog, see the Portuguese Water Dog.

A nose that needs a job

Scent is the Lagotto's first language. On a walk, the dog may pause at every tuft of grass, reading messages left by other animals. Instead of fighting that instinct, build it into routines: let the dog sniff for the first few minutes of each outing, hide treats in a snuffle mat or lawn and sign up for a nosework class. A dog that gets a daily scent workout is typically calmer, less likely to dig up the garden and easier to train.

Coat care for the curly look

Lagotto coats are woolly and trap debris. Regular brushing from the skin outward, combined with a trim every couple of months, keeps the coat from matting. Many owners prefer a short, even cut that makes grooming easier.

The takeaway

Lagotti Romagnoli are curly, clever and nose-driven, and they need exercise, scent work and grooming.