The Lagotto Romagnolo, affectionately known as Italy's "truffle dog," is a charming breed with a distinctive curly coat and lush facial features. Beneath their plush-toy appearance lies a hardworking, skilled dog with an exceptional nose for detecting truffles, the highly sought-after and expensive delicacy.
In Italian, they’re described as carino—adorable—and in any language, they’re undeniably irresistible. Lagotti Romagnoli (the plural form of their name) are instantly recognizable by their dense, woolly curls that cover them from head to tail, accented by a pronounced beard, expressive eyebrows, and prominent whiskers.
Pronunciation - Low-got-tow Ro-man-yow-low
The Lagotto Romagnolo, affectionately known as Italy's "truffle dog," is a charming breed with a distinctive curly coat and lush facial features. Beneath their plush-toy appearance lies a hardworking, skilled dog with an exceptional nose for detecting truffles, the highly sought-after and expensive delicacy.
In Italian, they’re described as carino—adorable—and in any language, they’re undeniably irresistible. Lagotti Romagnoli (the plural form of their name) are instantly recognizable by their dense, woolly curls that cover them from head to tail, accented by a pronounced beard, expressive eyebrows, and prominent whiskers.
Pronunciation - Low-got-tow Ro-man-yow-low
Lagottos are bright, alert, and full of energy. They have a natural eagerness to learn and please, making them exceptional performers in activities like agility and obedience, as well as fun pursuits such as dock diving (they have an inherent love for water). Thanks to their keen sense of smell, they are ideal for scent work, search-and-rescue missions, and detecting medical conditions. Early socialization and consistent training are essential to help them develop into well-behaved and well-rounded companions.
The Lagotto's rugged, waterproof coat is made up of dense, tight curls that cover the entire body except for the head. They have a double coat of hair rather than fur and shed only minimally; although the occasional small tufts of hair may be found. Regular trimming is essential to maintain their coat's appearance and health. Some Lagotto coats are more prone to matting than others, so consistent grooming is crucial to prevent tangles. Additionally, their ears should be checked weekly for wax buildup, debris, or any signs of infection.
Like most sporting breeds, the Lagotto thrives with an active and engaged lifestyle to stay happy and well-balanced. While they are not overly energetic and don’t need excessive exercise, they do require a combination of mental stimulation and physical activity. Although they enjoy and benefit from outdoor adventures, Lagotti are not suited to living outdoors without regular family interaction. To remain content and well-adjusted, these affectionate dogs need to spend quality time with their family.
They generally stand under 20 inches tall and weigh around 35 pounds.