Skip to content
CaninpediaDog Breeds

Lagotto Romagnolo

A curly-coated Italian truffle dog, the Lagotto is affectionate, curious and blessed with an exceptional nose. It sheds very little.

Photo of the Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed
Photo: Entheta — CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)

History and origins

The Lagotto Romagnolo comes from Romagna in north-eastern Italy, where it once retrieved waterfowl in the marshes. When the marshes were drained, it became a truffle-hunting specialist.

It is now the only breed specifically recognised as a truffle dog.

Temperament

Affectionate, cheerful and very attached to its family, the Lagotto is excellent with children. Curious, it loves to search and dig.

It learns well with positive training and scent games.

Health

Hip dysplasia, an inherited juvenile epilepsy and a neurological disease (tests exist) should be monitored.

Choose a breeder who tests their breeding dogs.

This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.

Feeding

Food matched to its activity suits it.

Avoid excess weight.

Exercise

It needs one to one and a half hours of daily activity, ideally with scent-search games.

It enjoys water.

Medium-sized and calm indoors, it can live in an apartment if well stimulated. It appeals to households that want little dog hair around.

Grooming

Its curly coat hardly sheds but must be brushed regularly and clipped several times a year to prevent matting.

Clean its ears.

Back to all breeds