Lagotto Romagnolo
AffectionateKeenUndemanding
Italy · 15–17 years
About the Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian water retriever that became famous as the world's premier truffle-hunting dog. Their name translates to 'lake dog from Romagna,' reflecting their origins as waterfowl retrievers in the marshlands of northeastern Italy. Distinguished by their dense, curly, waterproof coat that resembles a teddy bear, Lagotti are affectionate, keen, and undemanding companions. They are the only purebred dog specifically bred for truffle hunting, using their exceptional nose to locate these prized fungi.
Breed stats
- Height
- 16–19 in
- Weight
- 24–35 lbs
- Lifespan
- 15–17 years
- Group
- Sporting
- Coat
- Dense, curly, waterproof, woolly
- Origin
- Italy
Coat colors
- White
- Brown
- Orange
- Brown Roan
- Orange Roan
- White and Brown
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
40–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Juvenile epilepsy (benign)
- Storage disease
- Cerebral anomaly
- Cataracts
Not every Lagotto Romagnolo will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Lagotto Romagnolos eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Lagotto Romagnolos are considered hypoallergenic and shed very little. Their dense, curly coat is more similar to wool or human hair than typical dog fur, and dead hair gets trapped in the curls rather than falling around the house. However, their coat grows continuously and requires regular trimming every few months to prevent matting. Without regular grooming, the curls can become felted and uncomfortable. They are an excellent choice for allergy sufferers, though no dog is completely non-allergenic.
- Yes, the Lagotto Romagnolo is the only breed specifically developed for truffle hunting, and they excel at it. Their exceptional sense of smell, natural digging instinct, and trainable nature make them ideal truffle hunters. In Italy, they are still widely used professionally for truffle harvesting. Even pet Lagotti can be trained for recreational truffle hunting. The breed transitioned from waterfowl retriever to truffle hunter in the 1800s when the marshlands of Romagna were drained for farmland, and truffle hunting became their primary purpose.
- Lagotto Romagnolos can adapt well to apartment living thanks to their moderate size, relatively calm indoor temperament, and low shedding. They need 40 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, which is manageable with walks and play sessions. Their intelligence means they also need mental stimulation — puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions work well. They can be prone to barking if not properly trained, so teaching a 'quiet' command early is important for apartment living. Overall, they are one of the better sporting breeds for apartment dwellers.
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