Lagotto Romagnolo: Curiosities and things to know
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A Guide to the Lagotto Romagnolo: Fun Facts, Temperament, and the Truth About the Breed
Since 2020, the number of Lagotto Romagnolo dogs in our cities has grown significantly. Just ten years ago, spotting a Lagotto was a rare sight. Walking down the street, you would often get stopped by curious passersby asking about their distinctive curly coat, usually with the same question: “Is that a Poodle?”.
Today, the Lagotto Romagnolo is easily recognized at first glance and is deeply loved in both urban and rural areas. This booming popularity has led many dog breed websites and social media groups to talk about them. However, the information available online is often conflicting, incomplete, or outright inaccurate.
Here is a clear, practical guide with everything you need to know before welcoming a Lagotto Romagnolo into your family as a companion dog.
Do Lagotto Romagnolos bark a lot?
No, the Lagotto Romagnolo is not a breed prone to constant barking. To get their owner’s attention, they usually prefer other ways of communicating and rarely resort to barking.
However, the breed standard defines them as excellent watchdogs (or alarm dogs). This means that:
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- They react to unusual noises inside or near the property.
- They can perceive unexpected events as a temporary source of stress.
- They signal the presence of strangers with a steady bark.
For example, it is quite common for Lagottos to trigger their natural “alarm system” when guests arrive, making the doorbell almost unnecessary. Once they recognize the situation and hear their owner’s voice, they calm down within seconds, running over to greet the visitors and look for affection.
Is it true that Lagotto Romagnolos love to dig up the garden?
This is not entirely accurate. People often associate this breed with compulsive digging simply because they are famous truffle-hunting dogs, but the reality is tied to selective breeding and canine psychology.
Here is the truth about the Lagotto and its digging habits:
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- The truffle-hunting instinct: Many trained dogs do not immediately use their paws to scratch the ground (known as the “raspata”). Some try to grab the truffle using only their mouth; others simply sit on the spot and wait for the handler to do the rest.
- Curiosity and prey drive: If a Lagotto digs in the garden, it is often because they are attracted to specific scents or are chasing lizards (a behavior common to many other breeds).
- The stress factor: If a Lagotto digs deep holes obsessively, the cause is almost always loneliness. This breed craves the presence of its human family. When a busy daily routine pushes the dog to the sidelines, they manifest their frustration through digging.
What are the health conditions of the Lagotto Romagnolo?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a robust, athletic, and generally healthy dog. They have a strong constitution and a good life expectancy.
When it comes to weather tolerance and medical prevention:
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- Climate resilience: They do not mind the cold at all, but they tolerate hot, muggy summer temperatures much less.
- Genetic diseases: While they are a solid breed, there are typical hereditary pathologies. Responsible breeders must subject their dogs to specific genetic testing before mating.
- Dysplasia: Their joints (hips and elbows) must be officially screened via X-rays to prevent passing hip or elbow dysplasia down to their puppies.
How much time do you need to dedicate to a Lagotto Romagnolo?
The Lagotto is a gentle-natured dog that absolutely loves being an active part of family life. They are wonderful with children and enjoy sharing every moment with their owners.
Let’s debunk a common myth about daily walks:
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- Mental stimulation: As a working breed, they have a strong need for mental exercise and love feeling helpful.
- Physical activity: They do not strictly need to be walked for hours on end every single day.
- Quality time: The quality of the time spent together matters much more than the length of the walk. A Lagotto is perfectly happy just keeping you company while you do some gardening.
Is the Lagotto Romagnolo intelligent and easy to train?
Yes, they have an exceptional temperament and are highly intelligent. They show a strong desire to please their owner (a trait known as will to please), which makes them very obedient when properly motivated.
Thanks to their extraordinary sense of smell and versatility, they excel in several disciplines:
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- Agility Dog
- Pet Therapy
- Search and Rescue (disaster relief and civil protection)
- Scent games and mental stimulation puzzles
Do Lagotto Romagnolos shed hair?
It is absolutely true: the Lagotto Romagnolo does not shed and does not go through seasonal blowouts. This characteristic makes them ideal for apartment living and for people who suffer from mild dog allergies.
However, a non-shedding coat requires careful maintenance:
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- The hair grows continuously and tends to mat or felt if neglected.
- They require regular grooming and clipping sessions throughout the year.
- Coat care must be adapted to the changing seasons to avoid tight knots close to the skin.
Is it true that Lagotto Romagnolos love water?
Yes, their attraction to water is a true ancestral calling. The historical roots of the breed trace back to their role as water retrievers in the marshlands of Ravenna, Italy.
Even today, the outside temperature does not matter to a Lagotto: any puddle, river, lake, or body of water is the perfect excuse to take a dip. Taking them out for a swim is an exceptional alternative activity that will make them far happier than a standard walk on asphalt.
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