Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed is a small to medium sized dog that was originally developed in the marshlands of northeast Italy. Certain other names for this breed are Romagna Water Dog, Water Dog of Romagnolo, Truffle Dog etc. This breed is believed to be the ancestor of all the water dog breeds.
They were initially bred as water retrievers. Later on, they came to be used as truffle sniffers and helped find truffles on the plains and hills of Romagna. Truffles are valuable underground tubers in Italy. These gun dogs are characterized by a keen sense of smell and the ability to concentrate on the search without getting distracted by sight or scent of other wild animals.
Physical Appearance
These working dogs have a square and well proportioned build. The head is rather large and supported by a muscular and powerful neck. Depending on the color of the hair coat, the big, round eyes may be dark yellow to dark brown in color. The hanging ears are triangular with rounded tips. Like eye color, the color of nose also depends on the color of the hair coat.
Color: These dogs come in off-white, brown, solid white, white and brown, orange etc. White markings may also be present but they tend to fade out in adulthood.
Height: These dogs usually grow to about 17 to 19 inches. The bitches are a bit shorter, that is, 14 to 16 inches in height.
Weight: The average weight of these dogs ranges between 28 to 35 pounds. Female Lagotto Romagnolos are generally 24 to 31 pounds in weight.
Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Health Problems
This dog breed is relatively healthy and hardy. Still, the dogs may be susceptible to health issues like Benign Juvenile Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia and Cerebral Anomaly.
Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy of a Lagotto Romagnolo is about 16 years.
Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies
Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Grooming Requirements
The dense, thick and curly hair coat of a Lagotto Romagnolo is quite similar to that of a Poodle. The breed sheds almost little to no hair and hence considered suitable for allergy sufferers. The double hair coat that needs moderate amount of grooming should be combed regularly to avoid matting.
Plus, grooming a Lagotto Romagnolo calls for professional clipping of the hair coat two times in a year. These dogs need to be bathed only when necessary in order to retain the waterproofing texture of the hair coat. Other grooming activities include trimming the toenails, trimming the hair around the ears, cleaning the ears etc.
Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Breed Temperament
They are active, loyal, affectionate, delightful, friendly, playful, adaptable and intelligent. They are usually good with kids and compatible with other pets in the house. In fact, they enjoy playing hide and seek with children. The alert and attentive dogs are considered as good watchdogs.
These dogs are always eager to learn and hence quite easy to train. Still, Lagotto Romagnolo puppies need to be trained and socialized right from the beginning to keep them disciplined. Moreover, these lively dogs often excel in tracking, agility and obedience. Lagotto Romagnolo breed dogs are very much devoted and attached to their owners. Hence, they make excellent family pets.
Pros and Cons
These bright and happy dogs do best when they have a job to do and require sufficient physical and mental stimulation or else they tend to develop destructive behaviors. Therefore, they need plenty of exercise on a regular basis. These dogs love swimming and playing retrieving games.
In addition, when housed as family pets, it is essential to take these dogs out for at least three to four walks almost on a daily basis. Because of their small/medium size, they are considered suitable for apartment situation, provided their activity needs are fulfilled adequately. Nonetheless, you should better be aware of the fact that Lagotto Romagnolo dog
