Lagotto Romagnolo breed guide: Care, training and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Lagotto Romagnolo
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About Lagotto Romagnolo breed
Lagotto Romagnolos originate from the Romagne region of Italy where Lagotto means “curly coat duck retriever”. Due to their strong sense of smell, more recently they have worked as truffle finding dogs.
Lagotti have expressive round eyes in shades ranging from yellow to dark brown, depending on coat colour, and their head has a charming, slightly rustic appearance with a beard and whiskers
They are known as great family pets, and as long as they’re socialised well with kids at a young age they enjoy spending time with them. They are intelligent, active dogs, who love exercise, swimming and retrieving.
Weight, height and life expectancy
Lagotto Romagnolo are between 40 and 48 cm in height.
They weigh between 11 and 18kg, with females being smaller than the males.
Their average lifespan is between 13 and 16 years.
What is the temperament of a Lagotto Romagnolos like?
Lagotto Romagnolos are loyal, loving, and friendly dogs who thrive on being active with their family and enjoy good cuddles when they get home. They form strong bonds with their owners and love being with their people, often displaying an affectionate and attentive nature.
These pooches are very friendly and sociable as long as they are well-socialised from a young age. They enjoy the company of people but can be a bit cautious of strangers. Early and consistent socialisation helps them grow into confident and well-rounded companions. Similarly, they tend to get along well with dogs and other pets if introduced to them early in life.
Lagottos are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners. They excel in training and love mental challenges like puzzle toys, scent games, or advanced obedience work. However, their intelligence also means they need plenty of stimulation to avoid boredom-related behaviours.
As active and energetic dogs, they love exercise, swimming, and retrieving, reflecting their working-dog heritage. Despite their playfulness, they are emotionally sensitive and intuitive, often responding to their owner’s moods. Positive reinforcement works best for training, as they may become stressed by harsh corrections or chaotic environments.
Lagottos can be quite vocal, barking when they’re happy, excited, or feeling a bit worried. This alertness makes them good watchdogs, but it's important to manage excessive barking early to prevent it from becoming a habit.
Their truffle-hunting background has left them with a strong instinct to dig, so they may enthusiastically dig in the yard if given the chance. Providing a designated digging spot or channeling this behaviour into games can help manage this natural tendency.
While Lagotto Romagnolos are happiest when surrounded by their family, they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Our Lagotti Community
"At home she either sleeps a lot or demands lots of cuddles. When out and about she runs as fast as possible and loves to explore and loves mud! She is a really funny little pup, she'll steal your heart as well as anybody else's ball."
Artie's owner, Becky from Brighton
"Dolly is a fun loving, young dog. She is very affectionate and loving, although a bit of an opportunistic thief! She loves woodland walks and being outdoors, whatever the weather!"
Dolly's owner, Abigail from Winchester
How much exercise does a Lagotti need?
Lagotto Romagnolos enjoy getting outside and exercising, whether that is swimming, retrieving, digging or generally getting into water or mud!
On average, an adult Lagotto Romagnolo needs at least 1 hour of physical exercise a day, making sure that they get time to sniff and investigate! Although full of energy, Lagotto Romagnolo puppies should get less than this and a basic guide is 5 minutes per month of age. Lagotto Romagnolos should not be on full exercise levels until they are at least 12 months old. As well as physical exercise though, Lagotto Romagnolos also need their big brains stimulated with training, games and puzzles. Make sure they have good recall, especially near water, as they can be very keen on going for a dip!
Do Lagotto Romagnolos need a lot of grooming?
Lagotto Romagnolos are known for their dense, curly coats, which come in a variety of colors, including solid off-white, white with orange or brown patches, or combinations of orange and brown. These dogs are often described as hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat, making them a popular choice for allergy-sensitive owners. However, their woolly fur requires regular care to prevent matting and tangling. Grooming needs can vary depending on how long their coat is clipped, but brushing at least once a week is commonly recommended. A professional groomer can provide tailored advice based on your dog’s coat length, lifestyle, and activity levels.
Most Lagotto Romagnolos benefit from a clip every three months, but active dogs or those prone to getting dirty may need trims more frequently to maintain a healthy and tidy coat. Bathing typically happens monthly unless your Lagotto enjoys romping through mud or dirty water, which may require more frequent baths. Early grooming habits are essential for this breed—getting puppies accustomed to gentle brushing and practice sessions with a groomer ensures a stress-free experience as they grow. Regular grooming not only keeps their coat in top condition but also allows you to check for skin issues, debris, or parasites, contributing to their overall health and comfort.
Are Lagotto Romagnolos easy to train?
Lagotto Romagnolos are very intelligent, love to learn and are generally quite easy to train. They can however be so smart that they can decide to be a bit stubborn, to try and test their owners. Keep training interesting and consistent, with lots of positive reinforcement. They love attention and treats so both can be useful training rewards.
What do Lagotto Romagnolos eat?
Adult Lagotto Romagnolos should eat a complete, balanced dog food twice daily. They can also have occasional treats, but like any dog, watch out for the extra calories. Puppies should initially eat four times a day, then go down to three, then to two at six months old. For most Lagotto Romagnolos you can make the change from puppy to adult food gradually at around 12 months old. Your pet food supplier and/or vet can advise on individual cases.
Lagotto Romagnolos can become overweight, but by not letting them overeat and keeping them active, you can help them stay at a good, healthy weight. If they are an ok body weight, you should be able to comfortably feel your pooch’s ribs, but not count them, when they are standing normally. They should also have a nice neat waist when you look from the top, and they should have a good tuck from their chest up to their tummy. If you are worried your dog could be overweight or underweight then contact your vet practice for support.
Lagotto Romagnolos love a good treat as a reward, but like any dog, this should only make up a maximum of 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Vet top tip
Lagotto Romagnolos are a fantastic dog for an active family. They need a lot of time and love but can be really rewarding. Getting them used to grooming and bathing etc at a young age can make them more relaxed about it as they get older.
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