Romagna Water Dog
Summary
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian breed originating from the Romagna region in northern Italy, where it was used for centuries as a water dog to retrieve waterfowl in the marshes of the Po Valley plain. When the marshes were drained for agricultural use in the 19th century, the breed converted to its current best-known function: truffle hunting. It is currently the **only breed in the world officially recognized by the FCI as a truffle hunting specialist**. Its exceptional nose and natural digging instinct make it an irreplaceable partner for Italian truffle hunters.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium
- Height (male)
- 43–48 cm
- Height (female)
- 41–46 cm
- Weight (male)
- 13–16 kg
- Weight (female)
- 11–14 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 15–17 years
- Coat
- Curly, thick, with a wool-like texture; waterproof; well-defined curls all over the body; when untrimmed, the coat grows indefinitely
- Common Colors
- White roan, orange and white, brown roan, brown (with or without white markings), black (rare), orange
Temperament & Personality
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an affectionate, adaptable, and keenly intelligent dog, with a special aptitude for scent work and digging. It is active and enthusiastic at work but calm and affectionate at home. It loves the family, gets along well with children and other animals, and adapts to different environments as long as it receives sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Its curious nature and digging instinct can be positively managed with structured activities.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 45–60 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- High
- Shedding
- Minimal
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 4–6 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Benign juvenile epilepsy (usually resolves in adulthood)
- Hip dysplasia
- Lagotto storage disease (LSD — hereditary neurological disorder)
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Recommended Health Tests
- And PRA
- Genetic test for epilepsy
- Hip radiography
- LSD
- Orthopedic evaluation
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- With Cats
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Recommended
