Lagotto Romagnolo

Breed Description

The Lagotto Romagnolo has a shared history with both the poodle and the water dog. Lagotto and poodles were used as helpers in waterfowl hunting and sometimes assisted fishermen in laying out and retrieving nets. Additionally, the Lagotto was tasked with guarding the catch and other belongings of its owner. Historical records indicate the use of Lagotto in the lagoons of the Adriatic south of Venice. Gradually, artisanal fishing declined or was conducted using methods that no longer required the involvement of this breed.

Now, another role of the Lagotto Romagnolo has come to the forefront, a role it likely mastered long ago: truffle hunting. These mushrooms, highly sought after and valued in gourmet cuisine, are difficult to find. They grow underground, invisible to the human eye, and only their scent reveals their presence. This is where the modern Lagotto Romagnolo specializes. The breed possesses several traits that make it particularly valuable for this task. It has an excellent sense of smell, like most dogs, and a high level of concentration. As a result, it is not easily distracted by other interesting scents in the forest, such as that of a passing rabbit. At the same time, it can work intensely with its nose for hours. It is disciplined enough to sniff out and point to the coveted mushroom but not to dig it up or eat it itself.

Today, the work of this dog is a significant economic factor, supporting the livelihoods of entire family clans. In its homeland, the Lagotto Romagnolo is valued exclusively by truffle hunters based on its performance in the field. Not long ago, modern breeding practices took up this dog. In 1995, the Lagotto Romagnolo was provisionally recognized by the International Canine Federation and received full recognition ten years later.

The official name Lagotto translates from German not as “truffle dog,” but rather as “Water Dog of Romagna.” Understanding its past as a water dog helps to comprehend its nature. In Russia, the Lagotto Romagnolo has been extremely rare. However, in recent years, the number of puppies has sharply increased, with about 200 puppies registered annually.

The Lagotto Romagnolo got its name from the Italian phrase meaning “lake dog from Romagna.” They were originally used for hunting waterfowl in the wet marshes of Romagna in Italy. Their powerful sense of smell helps locate people trapped under rubble after natural disasters. They are trained to be service dogs and can detect conditions such as seizures and severe cuts.

They are known for their woolly curls that cover their bodies. Male Lagotto Romagnolos are larger than females. Males can grow from 43 to 48 centimeters in height and weigh between 13 to 16 kilograms. Females typically stand 43 to 46 centimeters tall and weigh up to 15 kilograms.The rare Lagotto Romagnolo is a friendly family dog and a good companion for children, also suitable for beginners. However, it can work seriously. A standard poodle makes a good alternative.The price for a puppy ranges from 70,000 to 100,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a small to medium-sized dog with dense, curly fur and a wavy texture. It resembles a medium-sized Poodle. The Lagotto Romagnolo is known as Italy’s truffle dog. It is said to have a compact and strong body, with its entire physique, including the head and legs, evenly covered in fur. The undercoat is water-resistant. Since the coat continues to grow, it is even specified in the standard that it should be fully clipped at least once a year. This means that the Lagotto sheds very little, making it appealing for those who may develop allergies.

At the same time, it is simply practical to avoid having your fluffy friend’s hair scattered everywhere. A variety of coat colors is allowed, emphasizing a rustic look: solid off-white with brown or orange spots, brown-and-white (bianco marrone), solid brown (in various shades), or solid orange. A mask can be brown to dark brown. Care should be taken to ensure the fur does not obstruct this curious dog’s view.

The dog has a square build typical of small to medium-sized breeds and a rustic appearance; it is strong and sturdy with dense, curly fur of a solid texture. The height from the ground to the elbow is greater than from the elbow to the withers, with a noticeable difference between the sexes.

Lagotto Romagnolos are gentle, playful, and obedient pets. Their physical traits are charming, and their curly fur gives them a strong yet cute personality. They make excellent family companions and get along well with children.

The Lagotto Romagnolo stands at a height of 43 to 48 centimeters at the withers for males and 41 to 46 centimeters for females. Males should weigh between 11 to 16 kilograms, while females should weigh between 11 to 14 kilograms.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is expected to have a fairly long lifespan of about 14 years. However, reliable statistics are not yet available.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Голова умеренно широкая. При взгляде сверху самое широкое место находится на скуловой дуге. При взгляде сбоку плоскости морды и черепа слегка расходятся. Череп слегка выпуклый, такой же ширины и длины, уплощенный на затылке и с медиально-лобной бороздой. Длина черепа от затылка до стопа немного длиннее, чем от стопа до носа. Небольшая, но очевидная остановка. Хорошо развитые бровные дуги. Шея сравнительно короткая, овальная в сечении, слегка изогнутая, мускулистая и мощная. Без подвеса.

Морда

The muzzle is strong, wedge-shaped, and quite blunt in profile. Its depth is almost equal to its length. The bridge of the nose is straight, featuring a large, slightly protruding nose with wide open nostrils. The jaws are broad, large, and powerful. The lips are tightly closed, forming a wide semicircle when viewed from the front, and are covered with long bristly whiskers.

Уши

The ears are moderately large relative to the head size, triangular with slightly rounded tips, quite wide at the base, and positioned a bit higher than eye level. When at rest, they hang down, and in a cautious state, they are slightly raised.

Глаза

The eyes are quite large, almost round, and are positioned fairly far apart. The tightly fitting eyelids have rims in various shades of brown. Well-developed eyelashes. The eye color ranges from ochre to dark hazel and brown, depending on the coat color. A careful, intelligent expression.

Зубы

Well-developed teeth are positioned perpendicularly to the jaws. The bite is scissors-like or pincer-like. A complete dentition is highly desirable. A reverse scissors bite is permissible.

Корпус

The body is compact and strong. The length of the back from the shoulder point to the hip point is equal to the height at the withers. The withers are slightly broader and positioned just above the line of the back. The straight line of the top gently descends from the withers to the croup. The loin is short and wide. The croup is long, wide, muscular, and gently sloped. The well-developed chest reaches the elbows. The chest is somewhat narrow in front, expanding beyond the elbows. There is a slight tuck-up. The skin is thin, closely fitting, and without wrinkles.

Конечности

Плечи мускулистые, умеренно отведенные назад, длинные в лопатках и равны по длине плечу. Локти довольно плотно прилегают. Предплечья прямые, с крепким овальным костяком. Запястье повторяет вертикальную линию предплечья, имеет более тонкий костяк, крепкое и подвижное. Бабки покатые, эластичные и тонкие по сравнению с предплечьями. Мощная верхняя часть бедра, длинная, с хорошо развитой мускулатурой. Хороший изгиб коленного сустава; нижняя часть бедра немного длиннее верхней. Широкие скакательные суставы. Лапы компактные, с крепкими изогнутыми ногтями. Перепонки между пальцами хорошо развиты. Передние лапы почти круглые, пальцы сжаты и хорошо сводисты, не вывернуты ни внутрь, ни наружу. Задние лапы имеют более овальную форму, пальцы менее сводистые.

Хвост

The tail is set as an extension of the slightly rounded back, narrowing towards the end and barely reaching the hock joint. When at rest, it hangs in a yatagan position, but in a state of alert, it noticeably raises. During work or excitement, it can be held behind, but should never be curled. The movements are free, smooth, and tireless, with a lot of drive.

Шерсть

Шерсть кудрявая, плотная и водонепроницаемая, довольно грубая на поверхности, образующая очень густые кольцеобразные завитки, с видимым водонепроницаемым подшерстком. Кудри равномерно распределены по всему телу, за исключением головы, где кудри менее тугие, образуя хорошо очерченные брови, бакенбарды и бороду. Щеки покрыты густыми волосами. На ушах кудри обычно открытые, но очень волнистые. Внутренняя ушная раковина покрыта волосами. Хвост покрыт пушистой, щетинистой шерстью. Шерсть должна равномерно повторять линию собаки. На голове он может быть длиннее, но не должен закрывать глаза. Шерсть должна быть такой длины, чтобы были видны завитки и можно было оценить текстуру. Правильный внешний вид должен быть естественным, без стилей и соответствовать простоватому характеру породы.

Окрас

The colors are solid dirty white, white with brown or orange markings, orange with a brindle pattern, brown with a brindle pattern, brown (in various shades), solid orange, brown with white markings, and orange with white markings. Brown masks and brown markings are allowed. Pigmentation ranges from light to very dark brown depending on the coat color.

Character of the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a friendly, sociable family dog and an excellent partner for children. It is very alert. The Lagotto Romagnolo is easy to raise and train. It has an open character and is easy to manage. The dog needs a sensitive owner with a firm hand who knows how to lead it. The dog is very devoted to its family and is a grateful partner in upbringing. If necessary, the Lagotto Romagnolo will forgive the mistakes of a novice owner.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an intelligent, alert, and friendly dog. It wants to work and needs physical exercise. The standard describes its essence as follows: “Its natural ability for territorial definition and excellent sense of smell have helped it become an outstanding truffle dog. Its hunting instinct has faded, meaning that the scent of game does not distract it from its work. The Lagotto is obedient, careful, and easily trainable. It is also an excellent companion and guard dog.”

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a friendly family dog and a good partner for children. It also gets along very well with other four-legged housemates. These qualities make the Lagotto easy to manage for novice dog owners.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a loving and calm dog. Ensure the dog gets physical exercise with at least one good long walk each day and preferably some fetch games. These dogs are generally content even when living in small spaces, such as apartments. They are devoted to their family, including children and other pets, although they may occasionally bark at strangers trying to enter their territory.

The Lagotto Romagnolo adapts well to living in homes with multiple pets. The Lagotto Romagnolo has an active prey drive and tends to chase small animals, but these tendencies can be managed with socialization training.

An ancient Italian breed of retrievers used for duck hunting, also employed as truffle hunters. An excellent guard dog and family companion.The breed’s temperament is lively, intelligent, and affectionate.

Care and Maintenance

Lagotto Romagnolo are easy to care for. However, maintenance requires regular attention. Lagotto Romagnolo have a double waterproof coat made of hair, not fur. Their hair does not shed as much, grows more slowly, and tends to retain dandruff and allergens within the body rather than dispersing them into the environment.

Lagotto Romagnolo need to be brushed several times a week to remove tangles from the top coat and undercoat. Additionally, their coat needs to be regularly trimmed.

The absence of shedding and the associated convenience is not to be underestimated. Dog owners know how annoying it can be to find dog hair on soft furniture, in the car, or on a dress you just put on. Lagotto Romagnolo do not cause such issues. This requires thorough brushing several times a week and regular trimming, but at least once completely. Tangles in the top coat and undercoat should be regularly removed.

The teeth of Lagotto Romagnolo should be brushed regularly. Always check their ears and paw pads for parasites, debris, and any signs of infection. Hair can grow inside and around the ears, which is why it’s important to check the ears at least once a week to prevent dirt and parasites from entering. You may need to trim or pluck this hair to keep the ears clean.

Lagotto Romagnolo do not have specific dietary requirements. However, quality food is beneficial for their health. Like most dogs, they enjoy meaty beef bones and fresh meat. Lagotto Romagnolo are suitable for dry food.

Lagotto Romagnolo puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks need to eat four times a day. Puppies aged 3 to 6 months should be fed three times a day. For puppies from six months to one year, feed them two meals a day.For proper development, they require a diet high in meat, quality fats, and a small amount of suitable fruits and vegetables. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian or a professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed and what portions are suitable for your individual Lagotto Romagnolo.

Training and Education

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a working dog that requires constant activity. They are very owner-oriented, understand us humans quite well, and are easy to manage. They are suitable for all types of dog sports, except for guard services. Lagottos love to go into the water, which is part of their heritage. The Lagotto Romagnolo has no special requirements for its living conditions, whether it’s an apartment or a house. However, they need long daily walks in nature.

Like many dogs, the Lagotto Romagnolo should receive proper physical exercise. They can become bored and entertain themselves by digging and chewing on things they shouldn’t. They are easy to train for scent work, although they can also perform well in agility and obedience training.

The Lagotto Romagnolo does not have any unusual training demands, making it suitable for nearly all activities you can do with your dog. They are eager to learn and participate in sports. This also allows them to tackle complex tasks in dog sports or as part of a rescue team. Elite breeds at Zooinika – your perfect choice for purchasing a pet.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a new family member-a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy-is an exciting and responsible endeavor. The Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as the Italian Water Dog, captivates with its attractive appearance and unique personality traits. However, before taking this important step, it is essential to consider several key aspects.

First and foremost, prospective owners should thoroughly research this breed. The Lagotto Romagnolo is known for its energy, friendliness, and excellent learning abilities. Learn about their grooming needs, size, health characteristics, and typical behavior to ensure that the breed fits your lifestyle.

If you wish to share your life with a Lagotto Romagnolo, you should look for a breeder well in advance of the purchase and establish contact. The breeder should be affiliated with a breed association and check their dogs for specific hereditary disease risks. This is a standard of serious breeding.

Additionally, there should be no inbreeding, which can be assessed through the pedigree-no name should appear more than once. The breeder should well-document the litter with photographs. By agreement, you should have the opportunity to view the litter along with the mother dog on-site.

Please do not purchase a Lagotto Romagnolo online, as there is a very high risk that the puppy will come from an underground dog trader or unethical breeder.

It is important to pay attention to the breeder’s reputation. A quality breeder aims to produce healthy, characteristic representatives of the breed. Visit their kennel, ask many questions, and observe the conditions in which the puppies are raised. This will assure you that your future pet is growing in love and care.When choosing a puppy, pay attention to its behavior. A healthy Lagotto Romagnolo should be lively, active, and curious. Observe its socialization-an important factor for future friendliness with others.Don’t forget about health. Carefully review the medical history of the parents, ensure that the puppy has received all necessary vaccinations, and conduct additional medical examinations as recommended by a veterinarian.Choosing a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy is not just about acquiring a pet, but also about forming a long-lasting bond with a representative of this wonderful breed. By making an informed choice and paying attention to all aspects related to its acquisition, you will ensure a happy and healthy companionship for yourself and your future pet. Find out how at Zooinika and get an excellent companion.

Health and Diseases

Caring for your Lagotto Romagnolo’s health is the key to a long and happy life for your four-legged friend. This breed is known for its excellent health and remarkable resilience to diseases, but like all dogs, Lagotto Romagnolos have their specific traits and potential issues that are important to be aware of.

One of the main aspects of caring for a Lagotto Romagnolo is maintaining their active lifestyle. Energetic and curious, they require regular physical activity and mental stimulation. Walks, playtime, and training will help maintain optimal weight and support joint and muscle health.

It is also essential to pay attention to your pet’s diet. Lagotto Romagnolos often suffer from allergies and sensitivities to certain ingredients in foods. Choose quality products that suit their age, size, and activity level. Regular vet visits will help monitor potential issues and catch them early.

The Lagotto Romagnolo breed is also known to be prone to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and thyroid disorders. Acquiring a puppy from a responsible breeder with a good reputation can help reduce the risk of hereditary diseases.

With regular medical care, proper attention, and love, you can ensure your Lagotto Romagnolo has a long, active, and joyful life. It’s important to closely monitor any changes in your pet’s behavior or physical condition and seek veterinary assistance immediately if necessary. Regular check-ups with the vet will help maintain your Lagotto Romagnolo’s good health. Considering this? There is a vast selection of listings on the Zoounika map by city.