Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian working breed originating from the Romagna region of northeastern Italy.
Originally developed as a water retriever in the lowland marshes, the breed transitioned to truffle hunting after the marshes were drained, and is now considered the world's premier truffle dog.
11-16kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Lagotto Romagnolo
This compact gundog stands between 41 and 48 centimetres tall and weighs 11 to 16 kilograms, featuring a distinctive thick, curly, woolly coat in shades of brown, white, orange, or roan. The coat requires regular trimming and brushing to keep it in good condition and prevent matting. In temperament, Lagottos are keen, loyal, and affectionate, displaying an energetic and eager-to-please character that makes them responsive training partners. The breed's strong instinct to dig is deeply ingrained and should be accommodated rather than suppressed, ideally through a designated digging area in the garden. Lagottos adapt well to family life, getting on excellently with children and other pets. With exercise needs exceeding two hours daily, they suit active households that can provide adequate mental and physical stimulation. With a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and a non-shedding coat, the Lagotto appeals to many families seeking an intelligent, affectionate companion with relatively low grooming demands beyond regular coat maintenance.
Lagotto Romagnolo at a Glance
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 11–16 kg
- Height
- 41–48 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- No
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £1500–£2000
Lagotto Romagnolo Lifestyle
The Lagotto Romagnolo is comfortable in a smaller house and is ideally suited to a home with a big garden. They thrive in a rural setting and may find busy city life a little overwhelming.
Dog Food for Lagotto Romagnolo
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Lagotto Romagnolo weighing around 14 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£2.91 - £3.10
Per month
£87 - £93
Per year
£1061 - £1131
Lagotto Romagnolo Characteristics
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a high-energy breed that needs a real outlet every day and is one of the easier breeds to train. They are a fantastic choice for families with children, but handle being left alone fairly well with the right routine. The coat requires moderate upkeep and is a moderate shedder. Exceptionally clever, they thrive when given jobs to do or puzzles to solve.
Lagotto Romagnolo Pros & Cons
Pros
- Devoted, loyal, and friendly with a genuine warmth towards their family
- Hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat that suits households where allergies are a concern
- Highly intelligent and trainable, with a strong natural instinct for scent work
- Adaptable to various living environments, including flats with sufficient exercise
Cons
- Needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks to stay in good condition
- Requires plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviour
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods
- Strong prey drive means secure fencing and solid recall training are important
