

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.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Lagotto Romagnolo Wasserhunde Deutschland e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Lagotto Romagnolo fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
15–17 yrs
Shoulder height
41–48 cm
Weight
11–16 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
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 →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Lagotto Romagnolo — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
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.
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.
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.
| 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?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a very intelligent dog that enjoys working with people. He needs a task and something to do.
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.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
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.
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.
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.
Solid
Health grade
The Lagotto Romagnolo is considered a relatively robust breed, but is not free from genetic risks. Buyers must pay close attention to mandatory screenings for hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation to prevent future joint problems. Breed-specific epilepsy is also a serious issue, which can, however, be well controlled through responsible breeding selection and genetic testing.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
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.
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.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 reflects the tests Lagotto Romagnolo Wasserhunde Deutschland e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Tests that the relevant breed club (VDH / FCI / AKC parent club) requires. Any serious breeder should be able to show you these.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Lagotto Romagnolo costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €310, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,260 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (16 years) it comes to about ~€35,640.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€5,260
Across the dog's life
~€35,640
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,800 – €3,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

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Illustrative imageThe 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.
The Lagotto Romagnolo was originally used as a water hunting dog and later specialized for truffle hunting.
Italy
Antike
In everyday family life, many owners describe the Lagotto Romagnolo as a very affectionate, cheerful and sensitive companion. Numerous reports stress how much these dogs seek close contact with their people and want to be part of everything. Often called a "clown" or a little "imp", they bring a lot of life into the home with their playful, bright personality.
At the same time, experienced owners keep stressing that the Lagotto is by no means an undemanding couch dog that just runs alongside your life. Because it is so focused on its people, alone time often has to be trained intensively and patiently; bored or lonely dogs quickly get frustrated, bark persistently or find their own outlets, such as chewing things up or digging a lot. Owners also warn against the mistaken belief that this is simply a beginner's dog, since the breed needs a lot of active time, mental exercise and attention.
Sources:reddit.comforum.hundund.desymbiosis-lagotto.comcrazy-dog-fred-hundeschule.comxn--lagotto-zchter-nrw-u6b.de
Owner reports on training paint a picture of a very eager, hard-working dog that soaks up tasks like a sponge. In scent work, whether truffle hunting, mantrailing or search games in the woods, many Lagotti perform at a high level and find the inner calm that matters so much to them. In dog sports such as agility, too, their agility and intelligence let them work along with great enthusiasm.
The flip side of learning so fast, however, is their sensitivity. Owners agree in warning against pressure or harshness in training, since a Lagotto quickly responds with refusal, nervousness or withdrawal. What's called for instead is patience, humor, consistency and, above all, deliberate training in settling down. In practice, the common assumption that the breed has no prey drive left is also often put into perspective: many of these dogs orient heavily by ground scent, but without suitable alternative activities and guidance, sight-chasing or flushing small animals and birds can definitely become an issue.
Sources:symbiosis-lagotto.comxn--lagotto-zchter-nrw-u6b.dedogforum.deeasy-dogs.net
For many prospective owners, the curly, low-shedding coat is a main reason to choose the breed, but owners find it surprisingly labor-intensive. Because the breed doesn't go through a coat change, the coat has to be clipped every few months and checked constantly. A true "dirt magnet", the curly coat reliably collects burrs, twigs and mud on walks. Owners also often report that hair around the eyes blocks the dog's vision, or that hair in the ear canals needs careful attention to prevent infections.
On the health side, owners in online communities describe, besides breed-typical screenings (such as for hip dysplasia or storage diseases), mainly recurring issues such as sensitive digestion, a tendency toward food allergies or problems absorbing nutrients. Some variation in nerves within bloodlines is also discussed: while many Lagotti are steady and fearless, owners occasionally report dogs that are rather noise-sensitive or insecure, which makes choosing a breeder carefully and early exposure to everyday environments essential.
Sources:reddit.comxn--lagotto-zchter-nrw-u6b.deeasy-dogs.netdogforum.delagotto-brandenburg.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
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.
Lagotto Romagnolo grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Lagotto Romagnolo can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Lagotto Romagnolo comes in these colors: White, Brown, Orange, Brown and white, Roan, Brown and tan.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Lagotto Romagnolo.