LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO
A brief overview
The origins of the lagotto Romagnolo can be traced back to ancient Italy, in the Romagna region. Originally used for hunting waterfowl, they now hunt truffles and fulfill themselves as faithful family members. Dogs of this breed are intelligent and friendly, and can be recognized by their curly, dense and waterproof fur.
Table of contents
Country of origin
The dog originated in Italy.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Weight
11 – 16 kg.
Height
41 – 48 cm (dog), 39 – 46 cm (bitch).
Type of hair
Curly, thick and waterproof, which requires regular maintenance to avoid tangling.
Life expectancy
14 – 16 years.
Health
Lagotto Romagnolo generally enjoy good health, but they have several genetic diseases such as epilepsy. They can also struggle with eye problems, ear problems and hip dysplasia.
Character
Intelligent, lively, loyal, friendly, but also independent.
Need for exercise
Moderate to high. Lagotto Romagnolo need regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime, to keep them happy and healthy.
FCI classification
Group 8 (retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs), section 3 (water dogs).
Price
5,000 – 10,000 PLN (ZKwP).
History and origins
The lagotto Romagnolo is one of the oldest breeds of water hunting dogs, originating from the Romagna region of Italy. Their history dates back to Etruscan times, where they were used to hunt waterfowl in swampy areas. In the 19th century, they began to be used to find truffles, which made them invaluable to Italian cuisine.
Appearance and physique
Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog with a muscular body. He is characterized by curly, waterproof fur, which comes in various colors such as white, brown and orange. He has a wide forehead and round eyes, and fur-covered ears hang down the sides of his head.
Temperament and behavior
Lagotto Romagnolo are intelligent dogs and open to cooperation. They usually get along well with adults, children and other animals, and their loyalty makes them invaluable family companions.
Training and activity
The hunting past of the lagotto Romagnolo obliges us to provide them with regular physical and mental activity. Activities that include fetching and using the nose, such as nosework or mantrailing, work especially well for dogs of this breed. They also do well in dog sports such as agility or obedience. However, it should be remembered that these are sensitive dogs, so training should be based on positive reinforcement.
Health and life expectancy
Lagotto Romagnolo generally enjoy good health, however, they have conditions such as juvenile lagotto epilepsy (JE), lagotto storage disease (LSD), hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar dislocation, patellar prolapse, hypothyroidism, cataracts or the short hair gene (Furnishing). They can also face ear and skin problems, so it is important to regularly monitor their health. The average life expectancy is between 14 and 16 years.
Care and custody
Grooming the lagotto Romagnolo can be problematic due to its easily tangled fur. Careful, regular brushing every few days and trimming the coat every few months is important. Proper hygiene of the ears, eyes and teeth should also be taken care of.
Diet and nutrition
Lagotto Romagnolo’s diet should be properly adapted to the activity and individual needs.
Maintenance costs
Due to the grooming of the coat, maintenance costs can range from moderate to high, so be prepared for potential expenses such as groomer visits.
Buying or adoption
As always when deciding on a breeder, it is important to pay attention to reviews of the breeder and the health of the puppies’ parents. In shelters you can sometimes meet representatives of this breed, so adoption can be a great choice, allowing you to give the dog a new, loving home.
Own breeding
Running a lagotto Romagnolo kennel should go hand in hand with a lot of knowledge, responsibility, labor and finances. It is important to take care of the health of dogs and avoid genetic diseases. In dogs intended for breeding, it is worthwhile, among other things. carry out genetic tests for the most common diseases (JE, LSD), radiological examinations to exclude hip and elbow dysplasia, orthopedic examinations of the kneecaps, as well as ophthalmological examinations.
Did you know?
Summary
Through the eyes of a behaviorist
Lagotto Romagnolo is a sociable and intelligent dog, requiring regular physical and mental activity.
Training should be done in a calm and consistent manner, and should be based on positive reinforcement.
It is worthwhile to ensure socialization from an early age for proper development.
Through the eyes of a veterinarian
Despite generally good health, lagotto Romagnolo may struggle with joint dysplasia, epilepsy or eye problems. The dog’s health should be monitored regularly and proper hygiene should be maintained to prevent, among other things, inflammation in the ears or skin. The coat of dogs of this breed is prone to tangling, so it is important to pay attention to its care.
