Lagotto Romagnolo
Active Apartment-friendly Companionable Great with kids High energy dog Keen Loves hot weather Loving Loyal Sheds a lot Sporting Trainable Water retrieval dog in the marshes of Romagna

Lagotto Romagnolo

Height 16 - 19 in (41 - 48 cm)
Weight 24 - 35 lbs (11 - 16 kg)
Lifespan 14 - 16 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Lagotto Romagnolo Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Do you need a dog that’s comfortable living in an apartment?

Will the dog need to thrive in small living spaces?

Will the dog need to stay alone at home for long hours?

Are you looking for a dog suited for urban life?

Do you live in a hot climate?

Breed Characteristics

The consensus from the sources suggests that Lagotto Romagnolos are moderately active dogs that require around 1-2 hours of physical exercise per day, along with mental stimulation. The majority of sources recommend at least 1 hour of exercise daily, with some suggesting up to 2 hours, making it a high exercise requirement breed.

How much exercise does Lagotto Romagnolo need?

Low High
The consensus suggests that Lagotto Romagnolos require regular grooming, including clipping and brushing, but not excessively frequent bathing. The coat maintenance is manageable with regular attention, but not overly demanding.

How much grooming does Lagotto Romagnolo need?

Low High
The consensus from multiple sources indicates that Lagotto Romagnolos are highly intelligent, eager to please, and responsive to training, making them easy to train. The majority of sources emphasize their intelligence, willingness to learn, and adaptability, leading to a high rating of 5.

Is Lagotto Romagnolo easy to train?

Low High
Based on the overwhelming consensus from multiple sources highlighting the Lagotto Romagnolo's high intelligence, quick learning abilities, problem-solving skills, eagerness to please, and joy in training.

How intelligent is Lagotto Romagnolo?

Low High
The consensus is mixed, with some sources mentioning that Lagotto Romagnolos can bark a lot, while others state that they are not excessive barkers. Therefore, a moderate rating of 3 is chosen.

Does Lagotto Romagnolo bark a lot?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that the Lagotto Romagnolo breed is intelligent and quick to learn, but may also display some independent thinking and stubbornness. While they are generally easy to train, they can exhibit stubborn behavior at times, requiring patience and consistency in training.

Is Lagotto Romagnolo stubborn or independent?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that a Lagotto Romagnolo needs at least 1 hour of physical exercise daily for both mental and physical stimulation. While they are not hyper, they do require regular activity to prevent behavioral issues and promote overall well-being.

How much playtime does a Lagotto Romagnolo need daily?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that Lagotto Romagnolos are highly affectionate with family members, good with children, and make excellent companions. They are described as loving, friendly, gentle, patient, and devoted towards their family, showing a consistent pattern of being affectionate and loving towards their human companions.

Is Lagotto Romagnolo affectionate with family?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that Lagotto Romagnolos are moderately protective of their territory, alerting to strangers with barks rather than aggression. They are described as good watchdogs, barking at unexpected activity and strangers entering their territory. While they are not overly aggressive, they are dedicated to their families and tend to ward off intruders.

Is Lagotto Romagnolo protective or territorial?

Low High
The consensus suggests that Lagotto Romagnolos enjoy being indoors and part of the family, but they do require mental stimulation and regular walks for exercise. While they may not need as much exercise as some other breeds, engaging in daily walks is still important for their well-being.

Can Lagotto Romagnolo stay indoors with limited walks?

Low High

Health Wellness

What are common health issues in Lagotto Romagnolo?

Key health issues in Lagotto Romagnolo include Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD), Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy, Hyperuricosuria, and hip dysplasia. LSD is a severe neurodegenerative disease that is ultimately fatal, causing neurological symptoms such as an uncoordinated gait. Obesity is also a significant concern for this breed, potentially exacerbating joint problems. Genetic testing for epilepsy and storage disease is recommended, as well as orthopedic evaluations for hip dysplasia. Lagotto Romagnolos are prone to inherited benign juvenile epilepsy and hip dysplasia, with a risk of developing seizures. It is crucial to avoid breeding affected dogs and to be aware of genetic predispositions in this breed.


Is Lagotto Romagnolo prone to allergies?

The Lagotto Romagnolo breed is often considered hypoallergenic due to their curly, dense coat that sheds minimally, reducing the spread of dander and allergens. This breed is suitable for people with allergies as they moult very little from their soft, fluffy, sheep wool-like coat. While there is a common misconception about completely hypoallergenic dogs, the Lagotto Romagnolo is known for being a non-allergic breed with their unique coat that minimizes allergen spread. It is important to note that allergies are typically triggered by the dog's epidermis and secretions, rather than the coat itself. Regular grooming and care are recommended to maintain the coat without causing damage.


Is Lagotto Romagnolo a hypoallergenic breed?

Key points extracted from the sources include: - Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are considered hypoallergenic due to their curly, dense coat that sheds minimally, reducing the spread of dander and allergens. - The breed is often described as non-shedding, making them suitable for individuals with allergies. - Lagotto Romagnolos have a curly, woolly coat that is both curly and non-shedding, contributing to their hypoallergenic nature. - While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, the Lagotto Romagnolo's minimal shedding can make them a good option for allergy sufferers. - Regular grooming and brushing are recommended to maintain the hypoallergenic qualities of the Lagotto Romagnolo's coat. Overall, the Lagotto Romagnolo breed is commonly regarded as hypoallergenic due to their curly, non-shedding coat that minimizes the spread of dander and allergens. While no dog can be completely hypoallergenic, the Lagotto's minimal shedding makes them a suitable choice for individuals with allergies. Regular grooming is advised to upkeep their hypoallergenic qualities.


How often should a Lagotto Romagnolo visit the vet?

The frequency of vet visits for a Lagotto Romagnolo depends on factors such as age, breed, lifestyle, and overall health. Typically, adult dogs should have a routine check-up every year, while senior dogs may require more frequent visits, possibly every 6 months. It is recommended to have a new puppy examined within 3 days of coming home, with no vaccines given at that time. Additionally, it is advised to watch the dog's diet, ensure regular exercise, brush teeth and coat regularly, and seek veterinary advice for any unusual symptoms. Vaccination schedules should be tailored to the individual dog's needs, and preventative care, including parasite control, is important. Regular grooming, including clipping every 3 months for pet dogs and more frequently for working dogs, is also recommended. Overall, owning a Lagotto Romagnolo requires scheduled vet visits, proper grooming, exercise, dental care, and mental stimulation to ensure their well-being.


What is the average vet bill for a Lagotto Romagnolo?

The average annual vet bill for a Lagotto Romagnolo ranges from $600 to $1,500, with routine check-ups costing around $200 to $400 per year. The price of a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy typically falls between $1,500 to $2,500. Routine vet visits for this breed can cost between $50 to $250, depending on location and veterinarian. Pet insurance is recommended to help prepare for unexpected vet bills. Additionally, these dogs have a characteristic curly coat and were originally bred to hunt truffles.


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