Lagotto Romagnolo
Also Called: Romagnol Water Dog Italian Water Dog
| Affection Level | Cuddly |
|---|---|
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid Friendly | High |
| Pet Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Significant |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Average |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency To Bark | Low |
| Amount Of Shedding | Low |
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed of Italian water dog. These small dogs are intelligent, loyal, and have a formidable sense of smell that make them excellent hunting dogs. They were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl from lakes and streams in the Po Valley, but in recent years they have been used to detect truffles.
Breed Overview
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Life Span: 14-16 years
- Height: Small
- Weight: Small
- Coat: Curly/Wiry
- Coat Colors: Brown,White
- Litter Size: 2-6
- Family: Spitz/Nordic Breeds
- Hypoallergenic: true
- Recognition: FCI & UKC
- Size: Small
Training and Care
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a relatively easy breed to train, with an eagerness to please and an intelligent nature. It is important to start training and socialization early and keep it consistent throughout the dog’s life. The coat needs to be groomed often and should be kept in tight curls for optimal health.
Diet and Nutrition
Lagotto Romagnolos need a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients and vitamins. They do best on high protein, moderate fat, and low carbohydrate diets. They should also be fed two meals a day instead of one, to avoid overeating.
Health Problems
Lagotto Romagnolos are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Examples include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and late-onset sebaceous adenitis. Responsible breeders will perform genetic testing to reduce the chances of these conditions being passed on to puppies.
Breed History
The Lagotto Romagnolo (meaning 'lake dog from Romagna') is thought to have originated in the lowlands of the Po Valley in Italy. They were bred to assist with retrieving waterfowl from lakes and streams in the area. Later, they were used to find and identify truffles in the same region.
