Lagotto Romagnolo

Originally a duck hunter’s retriever, excelling at fetching shot game from the water, the Lagotto is ideal for that task, with a coat of waterproof, insulating curls, and robust swimmer’s body. Although a small, curly coated duck dog type has been recorded since the 7thC BC, they remained rare outside of Northern Italy until relatively recently.
The reclamation and drainage of the marshland in the Romagne district of Northern Italy meant the Lagotto needed to find a new job, and fortunately it turns out they are also excellent at locating truffles.

Previously pigs had been used to locate the expensive and highly prized fungus in the soft leaf litter beneath the trees, however pigs are quite hard to train, very large and difficult to dissuade from eating the truffles!
The Lagotto is far easier to train than a pig, easier to house and transport and of course, much easier to persuade to hand over the truffle rather than… truffling it!
Only recognised by the Italian Kennel Club in 1991, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a recent newcomer to the UK with the first brought over in 1996. Despite their rarity, they are already showing excellent retrieval skills in gundog working tests.

Ideal Lagotto owners will enjoy time spent outdoors, time spent training both obedience and fun tricks, and have endless patience in explaining to others that no, this is not a poodle crossbreed! For those who enjoy a bit of dog grooming and want a fun companion who can take part in a variety of doggy activities, but does not need to do so to remain calm, the Lagotto can make a great companion.

When it comes to dog exercise, the Lagotto Romagnolo needs at least two hours per day, although this can be split into two walks of an hour each. Add in training, games and play in the garden on top of this and you’ll have a happy and fulfilled Lagotto who will enjoy some couch-potato time in front of the TV with the whole family.
They do love to dig, scent and swim, so ensure you can provide a variety of interesting walks and routes that include safe space for off lead play.

Although not particularly demanding on space, the Lagotto is likely to find inner city living a little overwhelming and lacking in open space to run, swim and sniff. Better suited to the rural suburbs or truly rural home unless you are able to offer an extremely large and secure garden, and plenty of trips to the countryside. Keep in mind the Lagotto’s role as a family watch and guard dog – if you have a constant stream of strangers through your home, this may not be the dog for you.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food. Discover more about balanced diets for dogs with our easy-to-follow guide.

The Lagotto does not shed, and this may help allergy suffers – although only if their allergy is to shed fur, not if it’s dander or saliva – however this does mean they need to be brushed out frequently and checked for knots and matting each day. The coat can be clipped short if you prefer, and should be trimmed so as not to obscure the eyes. Pay particular attention to the inside of the ear leathers as Lagottos have particularly hairy ears that can clog up and cause discomfort.

As with all dogs however, a daily check over through the coat and of paws, ears, beard and eyes after exercise is sensible and will help avoid injury.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

The Lagotto loves to please, but you won’t get far with anything except positive reinforcement, using food, toys and the opportunity to dig, scent and swim to motivate and engage your dog. They are capable of a variety of jobs, particularly working gundog trials, but also Disc Dog, scent discrimination work, agility and much more. This is definitely a dog for those who enjoy training and dog sports.

Ideal for the active family with or without older children who love dogs and want to take part in training and dog sports. Not ideal for those with frequent visitors such as children’s friends, who may be considered strangers by the dog. Owners will need to have time for exercise, training, sports or hobbies and grooming. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.