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Discover everything about Lagotto Romagnolo
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Lagotto Romagnolo?
At a glance
Lagotto Romagnolo overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
While the Lagotto Romagnolo is a popular working dog, it carries an above-average genetic burden, as evidenced by the enormous number of 26 mandatory health tests. Serious conditions such as Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) and the fatal Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) can be well controlled thanks to modern genetic testing, but they require absolute diligence when purchasing a puppy. Furthermore, hip dysplasia (HD) remains a persistent risk to the musculoskeletal system that must be consistently screened.
Lifespan
15–17 yrs
Height
41–48 cm
Weight
11–16 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Curly, dense, with waterproof undercoat
- Origin: Italy
Typical coat colors
- Various shades of fawn
- sometimes with white
- also brown
- in various shades
- White
- Brown with white or white with brown markings.
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Lagotto Romagnolo, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Lagotto Romagnolo right for you?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a cheerful, curly-haired companion who forms a deep bond with their humans. Bred as a specialized search dog, their excellent nose and tireless work ethic have transformed them from a historical water retriever (Apportierhund) into the world's best truffle hunter.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate daily scent work, search games, or mantrailing—a simple walk is not enough to satisfy this search specialist.
- You are looking for a non-shedding companion and are happy to invest time in thorough, regular coat maintenance.
- You want a cooperative dog that forms a close bond with you and loves to be by your side everywhere you go.
- You have a garden or live in the countryside where they can occasionally indulge their passion for digging.
Less ideal if:
- You are worried about dirt in the house—as a water-loving search dog, they often bring mud in their curls and are passionate diggers.
- You are looking for a trendy teddy bear-like lapdog and underestimate that there is a real working dog beneath those curls.
- You work away from home and would have to leave them alone for long periods on weekdays.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls—Lagotti are vigilant and tend to bark loudly to report unusual noises.
The real vibes check
A Lagotto looks like a soft teddy bear, but inside beats the heart of a persistent worker. They don't just want to lie prettily on the sofa; they want to stomp through the mud, dig, and search with you. If you channel this joy for work, you will get the most loyal shadow you could ever wish for.
Breed Profile
The Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as the Italian Water Dog, is a medium-sized breed with a strong, almost square build. Their most striking features are their thick, curly fur and large, expressive eyes, which reveal a friendly and intelligent personality. Their curly hair not only provides a charming look but also protects the dogs from the elements, making them ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. Their coat color can vary, ranging from various shades of fawn to brown, sometimes with white markings. A member of FCI Group 8, retrieving, searching and water dogs, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an active and intelligent dog that requires a task to keep him happy and content. They were originally bred as water dogs to retrieve game, but more recently they have made a name for themselves as excellent truffle hunters.
- Height
- 41 - 46 cm (Female), 43 - 48 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 11 - 14 kg (Female), 13 - 16 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 15 - 17 years
- Character
- Intelligence, playfulness, affection
- Coat
- Curly, dense, with waterproof undercoat
- Coat Color
- Various shades of fawn, sometimes with white; also brown, in various shades; White; Brown with white or white with brown markings.
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
History
The roots of Lagotto Romagnolo can be traced back to ancient times. They come from the Romagna region of Italy and were originally bred as water dogs. Their job was to retrieve waterfowl, and their water-repellent coats, web-like paws, and strong bodies made them particularly suited to this role. With the draining of the swamps in their home region, the role of the Lagotto Romagnolo changed. They were increasingly used for their skills as truffle hunters. Truffles are a valuable commodity and difficult to find because they grow underground. Lagotto's excellent nose and natural curiosity made him the ideal candidate for this task. The Lagotto Romagnolo was recognized as an independent breed by the FCI in 1995. Since then, the breed has gained popularity worldwide, both as a working dog and as a loyal companion.
Original Use
The Lagotto Romagnolo was originally used as a water hunting dog and later specialized for truffle hunting.
Origin
Italy
Date
Antike
Character & Temperament
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an active and intelligent dog with a great need for mental and physical exercise. They love completing tasks and using their skills, whether searching for truffles, retrieving toys or solving brain teasers. Their enthusiasm for work and intelligence make them great candidates for various dog sports such as agility, obedience or search games. Their temperament can vary from calm to active, with many Lagottis being a good mix of both. They enjoy being active and completing tasks, but are also happy when they can just spend time with their family. Their affectionate nature makes them great companion dogs who enjoy being around their people. The Lagotto Romagnolo is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of his family. They are playful and enjoy playing with people or other dogs. Their loving and friendly nature makes them great family dogs and they generally get along well with children and other pets. As with any dog, it is important that a Lagotto Romagnolo is well socialized and learns to be alone. Although they love being with their humans, they also need to learn that it's okay to be alone. With good socialization and positive experiences, a Lagotto can learn to be calm and safe even when his family is not home. Lagotti have a natural inclination to forage and dig, which is due to their truffle hunting skills. Therefore, it is possible that they exhibit some prey or hunting behavior. It is important to note that not every Lagotto exhibits this tendency, and this is often influenced by the dog's individual personality and upbringing. The Lagotto Romagnolo is an attentive dog that pays close attention to its surroundings. They are often alert and can be a good watchdog, although they are not overly barking. They are more likely to alert their family when something unusual is going on rather than being aggressive or protective.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Lagotto Romagnolo is the only dog breed specifically bred to search for truffles?
What Awaits You
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a very intelligent dog that enjoys working with people. He needs a task and something to do.
Housing & Care
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an adaptable dog that can thrive in both urban and rural environments. Although they love being outside and working, they are also happy when they are around their people and are therefore suitable for apartment living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are child-friendly and often get along well with other pets, including cats.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Raising a Lagotto Romagnolo can be a joy as they are intelligent, eager to learn and eager to please. Their enthusiasm for work and their skills as truffle hunters can be translated into various activities and dog sports such as agility, obedience or nose work. They need a lot of mental and physical activity, but as with any breed there is a risk of "over-occupation". It is important to find a good balance and give your dog enough time for rest and relaxation. A Lagotto can tend to be a "ball junkie." so it's important to control the ball game and make sure it doesn't become an obsession. Training frustration tolerance and impulse control is equally important. By specifically training these skills, your dog will be better able to control his excitement and respond appropriately to different situations. A possible hunting instinct, which comes from their predisposition as truffle hunters, can be channeled into controlled channels with targeted training. Instead of suppressing it, it is a good idea to channel this natural instinct into appropriate activities, such as searching.
Nutrition & Care
A Lagotto Romagnolo is not a particularly demanding breed in terms of nutrition. A balanced and nutritious diet with high-quality proteins, healthy fats and fiber is ideal. The amount and type of food may vary depending on the dog's age, weight, activity level and health status. Some Lagottis are prone to obesity, so it's important to keep an eye on your dog's weight. Grooming a Lagotto Romagnolo may require a little more work as their coat tends to become matted. They have curly hair with a waterproof undercoat, making them excellent swimmers but also requiring regular grooming. A weekly brushing will help prevent tangles and keep the coat healthy and clean. They don't shed a lot and are therefore often a good choice for allergy sufferers. When it comes to climate, they are very adaptable and can cope well with both cold and hot weather.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
While the Lagotto Romagnolo is a popular working dog, it carries an above-average genetic burden, as evidenced by the enormous number of 26 mandatory health tests. Serious conditions such as Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) and the fatal Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) can be well controlled thanks to modern genetic testing, but they require absolute diligence when purchasing a puppy. Furthermore, hip dysplasia (HD) remains a persistent risk to the musculoskeletal system that must be consistently screened.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure the dog is raised in a way that protects their joints and observe them closely in daily life so that any changes in their eyes or behavior can be detected early.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, knees, and eyes of the parent animals checked and use genetic testing for breed-specific neurological conditions to purposefully reduce risks in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Lagotto Romagnolo
Bärbel P., Hundetrainerin aus Baden-Württemberg (Rüde, seit 2018)
Als wir uns für einen Lagotto entschieden haben, dachten wir, wir bekommen einen netten, leicht erziehbaren Begleithund ohne Jagdtrieb. Die Realität sieht etwas anders aus: Unser Rüde ist extrem intelligent und lernt unglaublich schnell – allerdings auch die Dinge, die er nicht lernen soll! Wenn wir ihn vom Kopf her nicht richtig auslasten, sucht er sich einfach selbst eine Beschäftigung. Das äußert sich dann darin, dass er im Garten tiefe Löcher gräbt, Vögeln hinterherjagt oder anfängt, vorbeifahrende Autos und herabfallende Blätter zu fixieren.
Wir haben gelernt, dass reines Spazierengehen oder Fahrradfahren für diese Rasse nicht ausreicht. Erst seit wir aktiv Nasenarbeit wie Suchspiele und Mantrailing in unseren Alltag integriert haben, ist er ausgeglichener. Man darf die Arbeitsfreude dieser Hunde wirklich nicht unterschätzen. Sie sind tolle Partner, aber sie fordern eine konsequente Führung, sonst nutzen sie jede Schwäche eiskalt aus.
Kerstin S., Halterin aus Bayern (Hündin, seit 2021)
Der Lagotto wird oft als der perfekte, pflegeleichte Anfängerhund angepriesen, der nicht haart und kaum bellt. Aus meiner Erfahrung mit unserer Hündin kann ich sagen: Das ist ein Mythos! Ja, sie verliert keine Haare, aber ihr lockiges Fell wirkt wie ein Magnet für Schmutz. Sie liebt jede Schlammpfütze und wälzt sich leidenschaftlich gern. Wenn das Fell dann im Haus trocknet, rieselt der Sand überall heraus. Zudem neigt sie dazu, sehr wachsam zu sein und schlägt im Garten gerne mal lautstark an, wenn jemand am Zaun vorbeigeht.
Man muss sich im Klaren darüber sein, dass diese Hunde extrem sensibel sind. Wenn bei uns Trubel herrscht oder wir gestresst sind, dreht sie sofort hoch und lässt sich nur schwer beruhigen. Sie ist ein absoluter Traumhund – aber nur, weil wir viel Geduld, Humor bei der Gartenumgestaltung und eine sehr konsequente Erziehung investiert haben.
Christian M., Halter aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2021)
Unser Lagotto ist der anhänglichste Hund, den ich je erlebt habe. Er sucht ständig den Körperkontakt und spiegelt unsere Emotionen eins zu eins wider. Diese feinfühlige Art macht ihn zu einem fantastischen Begleiter im Alltag und sogar bei meiner Arbeit mit Kindern. Allerdings bringt diese Sensibilität auch mit sich, dass er überhaupt nicht gerne alleine bleibt und sehr an uns klammert.
Eine echte Herausforderung, die oft unterschätzt wird, ist die Fell- und Ohrenpflege. Er hasst das Bürsten, obwohl es wegen der Verfilzungen unerlässlich ist. Alle zwei Monate muss er komplett geschoren werden. Besonders aufwendig ist die Pflege der Gehörgänge: Da Lagotti enge Ohrkanäle haben, müssen die Haare dort regelmäßig gezupft und gekürzt werden, um schmerzhafte Entzündungen zu vermeiden. Wer sich diese Rasse anschafft, sollte die intensive Pflegezeit definitiv einplanen.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Lagotto Romagnolo
Is a Lagotto Romagnolo the right dog for me?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Lagotto Romagnolo live?
The average life expectancy of a Lagotto Romagnolo is 15-17 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Lagotto Romagnolo need?
Lagotto Romagnolo grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Lagotto Romagnolo good for families with children?
The Lagotto Romagnolo can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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