Breeds
Lagotto Romagnolo: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Lagotto Romagnolo is an affectionate, clever, curly-coated working dog from Italy, famous as a truffle hunter with a nose to match. Lagottos love their families, get along well with other dogs, bark relatively little and shed very little. They need daily exercise, mental work such as scent games, and regular coat trimming. They are also long-lived for a medium-sized dog. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read2 sources
Lagotto Romagnolo temperament and personality
The AKC describes Lagottos as alert, intelligent and lively, and rates them five out of five for affection with family and with other dogs, and four out of five for playfulness, energy and openness to strangers. They love to learn and to please their owners.
Bred as Italy's truffle dog, the Lagotto has an excellent nose, and the AKC says the breed is a natural for scent work, search-and-rescue and even detecting medical conditions. Barking is low, two out of five on the AKC scale.
How big do Lagottos get?
According to the AKC, males stand 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder and weigh 28.5 to 35 pounds, and females stand 16 to 18 inches and weigh 24 to 31 pounds. Thick, tight woolly curls cover the body, crowned by a lavish beard, eyebrows and whiskers.
Under the teddy-bear look is a sturdy, athletic working dog. A Lagotto in a full coat can hide extra weight, so feel for the ribs, and keep it lean and fit.
Lagotto lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Lagotto Romagnolo lifespan of 15 to 17 years and calls the breed generally very healthy. Responsible breeders screen for juvenile epilepsy, storage disease and hip and elbow dysplasia, the AKC says, and DNA testing helps avoid producing affected puppies.
Recommended tests for breeding dogs are patella, hip and eye evaluations and DNA tests for benign familial juvenile epilepsy and Lagotto storage disease. VCA explains hip dysplasia is genetic but influenced by diet and growth. Ask breeders for parent results, and see your vet about any seizure, wobbliness or limp.
Exercise needs
Like most sporting breeds, the AKC says the Lagotto needs an active, engaged lifestyle. They are not hyper and do not need huge amounts of exercise, but they need both mental stimulation and physical activity, and they do poorly if left to live outdoors without family contact.
Daily walks plus scent games, fetch and swimming suit them well; the AKC notes they naturally love water and excel in agility, obedience and dock diving. A Lagotto with a job, even a hide-the-treat game, is a contented one.
Lagotto grooming and shedding
The AKC says the waterproof coat forms thick, tight curls of hair rather than fur, and sheds only minimally, though it may leave small tufts. Shedding is one out of five on the AKC scale. That suits some allergy sufferers, but no dog breed is allergen-free.
The coat needs regular trimming, and some Lagotto coats mat more than others, so regular combing to the skin matters. Check and clean the ears, which can collect hair and moisture after swimming, trim nails and brush the teeth.
Training a Lagotto Romagnolo
The AKC says Lagottos love to learn and please their owners, and recommends early socialization and puppy classes. Reward-based training with food, play and scent games works especially well for this bright breed.
Because the nose is so strong, practice recall and a solid leave-it, especially in woods and fields. Teach grooming handling from puppyhood, since a curly coat will need trimming for life, and reward calm behavior on the grooming table with treats and praise.
Are Lagottos good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the Lagotto three out of five with young children. Many are affectionate family dogs, but their energy suits sensible, older children best, and toddlers should always be supervised.
With other dogs the AKC rating is five out of five. Most Lagottos are sociable with other pets when introduced calmly and patiently, and many enjoy having a canine playmate at home. Supervise early meetings with cats and small pets, and keep play sessions short and positive at first.
What a Lagotto Romagnolo needs at home
Useful kit includes a slicker brush and a wide-toothed metal comb, grooming scissors or regular grooming appointments, an ear cleaner your vet suggests, nail clippers, a harness and leash, a crate, snuffle mats and scent toys. A towel by the door helps with a water-loving dog.
Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Lagotto home and ask about the breed's DNA tests, ear care and a grooming schedule.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Lagotto Romagnolos live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 15 to 17 years, long for a medium-sized dog. Regular exercise, a lean weight, coat and ear care and routine vet checks help a Lagotto stay healthy.
How big does a Lagotto Romagnolo get?
Males stand 17 to 19 inches and weigh 28.5 to 35 pounds; females stand 16 to 18 inches and weigh 24 to 31 pounds, according to the AKC.
Do Lagotto Romagnolos shed?
Very little; the AKC rates shedding one out of five. The curly coat does need regular trimming and combing, and no breed is allergen-free for people with allergies.
What is a Lagotto Romagnolo's temperament like?
Affectionate, alert, intelligent and lively, with a superb nose. The AKC says they love to learn and please, and they thrive with daily activity and scent work.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
