Lagotto
Breed Description

The Lagotto is known by several names that reflect its rich Italian heritage and specialized functions. Most formally, this breed is called the Lagotto Romagnolo, with "Romagnolo" referring to its origin in the Romagna region of Italy. The name "Lagotto" itself derives from the Romagnol dialect phrase "can lagòt," which translates to "water dog," highlighting the breed's original purpose as a retriever in the marshlands. In Italy, the breed is sometimes called "Cane da Tartufo," meaning "truffle dog," acknowledging their modern role as the world's premier truffle hunters. Regional variations include "Romagna Water Dog" in English-speaking countries, emphasizing both their geographic origin and aquatic heritage. Historical documents may reference them as "Italian Water Dog" or simply "Water Dog of Romagna." Among truffle hunters and enthusiasts, they are often affectionately called "Truffle Hounds" or "Italy's Truffle Dog." In some contexts, particularly when discussing their hypoallergenic qualities, they may be referred to as "Italian Curly-Coated Retriever," though this name is less commonly used than the traditional designations that honor their authentic Italian roots.

The Lagotto presents an enchanting combination of rustic charm and sophisticated working ability, wrapped in one of the most distinctive coat textures in the canine world. These medium-sized dogs possess a sturdy, well-proportioned build that speaks to their dual heritage as both water retrievers and specialized hunters. Their most striking feature is undoubtedly their dense, curly coat that forms tight, woolly ringlets across their entire body, creating an appearance that many describe as teddy bear-like or reminiscent of a living stuffed animal. This extraordinary coat serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, providing waterproof protection during their original marsh work while contributing to their reputation as one of the most hypoallergenic dog breeds available.

The breed's head is moderately broad with a well-defined stop, crowned by distinctively furnished eyebrows and beard that give them an almost wise, scholarly expression. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes convey intelligence and alertness, often seeming to hold secrets of ancient truffle locations or memories of misty Italian marshlands. The ears are triangular and hang close to the head, heavily furnished with the same curly coat that covers their body, adding to their distinctive silhouette. Their muzzle is strong and slightly tapered, housing the remarkable scenting apparatus that makes them the world's premier truffle hunters.

Structurally, the Lagotto displays the perfect balance of substance and agility, with a body that is slightly longer than tall, creating a rectangular profile when viewed from the side. Their chest is well-developed and deep, providing ample lung capacity for sustained work, while their topline remains level and strong. The tail is typically carried in a gentle curve over the back when alert, tapering to a point and covered in the same woolly coat as the rest of their body. Their legs are straight and sturdy, with round, compact feet that show evidence of their water-working heritage, though they lack the pronounced webbing seen in some other water breeds.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard describes the Lagotto as a medium-sized dog of rustic appearance with a thick, curly coat of woolly texture covering the entire body. The breed should appear rustic, robust, and keen in appearance. The head is trapezoidal when viewed from above, with moderately large, rounded skull and pronounced stop. Eyes are large, rounded, dark brown to hazel in color, and set well apart. Ears are triangular with rounded tips, hang close to the head, and are covered with curly hair. The body should be compact and strong, slightly longer than tall, with well-developed chest and level topline. The tail reaches the hock and is covered with woolly hair, carried in a scimitar curve. The coat is thick, curly, and of woolly texture, covering the entire body uniformly. Colors include solid off-white, white with patches of orange, brown, or roan in various shades. Size ranges from 17-19 inches for males weighing 28-35 pounds, and 16-18 inches for females weighing 24-31 pounds.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard emphasizes the Lagotto as a dog of medium to small size, well-proportioned, powerfully built, of rustic appearance, with thick curly coat of woolly texture. The breed should show keen interest and attention to work. The head is moderately broad with flat skull and pronounced stop. Eyes are fairly large, rounded, dark brown to hazel colored, depending on coat color. Ears are triangular with rounded tips, hanging close to cheeks, covered with curly hair. The body is compact and strong, slightly off-square, with well-developed chest and straight topline. The tail is set in prolongation of the croup line, tapering toward the tip, covered with woolly hair. The coat should be thick, curly, and of woolly texture, evenly distributed over the entire body including the head and legs. Colors include off-white, white with orange or brown patches, brown roan, brown, and orange. Height ranges from 43-48 cm for males and 41-46 cm for females, with proportional weight.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard describes the Lagotto as a medium-sized, well-proportioned dog that is slightly longer than tall, with a rustic appearance and thick, curly coat of woolly texture. The breed should display keen attention and interest in their surroundings. The head should be moderately broad with flat skull, pronounced stop, and strong muzzle. Eyes are large, rounded, and dark brown to hazel, matching coat color. Ears are triangular with rounded tips, hanging close to the head, well-furnished with curly hair. The body is compact and strong with well-developed chest and level topline. The coat is the breed's most distinctive feature, being thick, curly, and woolly in texture, covering the entire body evenly. All accepted colors include various shades of off-white, orange, brown, and roan patterns. Males should be 17-19 inches tall, females 16-18 inches, with weight proportional to height and maintaining breed type.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) follows closely with FCI standards while emphasizing the breed's working heritage and natural truffle-hunting abilities. The Canadian Kennel Club maintains similar standards to the AKC with additional notes on temperament and working characteristics. The Australian National Kennel Council aligns with FCI requirements but provides guidance on evaluating the distinctive coat texture. All major registries agree that the Lagotto should display alertness, intelligence, and good nature while maintaining their distinctive rustic appearance. The breed's most critical features across all standards include the characteristic woolly, curly coat; proper head shape and expression; and the compact, well-balanced body structure that enables both swimming and scenting work.

The ancient history of the Lagotto reaches back to the very foundations of European civilization, with evidence suggesting that dogs of this type existed in the Italian peninsula as early as Etruscan times. Archaeological findings and ancient artwork, including Renaissance paintings from the 14th through 17th centuries, depict dogs bearing remarkable similarity to the modern Lagotto working alongside hunters and fishermen in the marshlands of northeastern Italy. The breed's ancestral homeland, the Romagna region, provided the perfect environment for developing their specialized skills, with its extensive network of marshes, lagoons, and waterways that demanded a dog capable of retrieving waterfowl from challenging aquatic terrain.

During the medieval period and into the Renaissance, the predecessors of the modern Lagotto became essential partners to the waterfowl hunters of the Po Valley and surrounding wetlands. These early water dogs developed their characteristic curly, waterproof coat through natural selection and careful breeding by hunters who valued dogs that could work effectively in cold, wet conditions for extended periods. The breed's unique coat texture, which forms tight, woolly curls that shed water and provide insulation, evolved specifically to meet the demands of their aquatic work environment. Historical records from this period describe these dogs as indispensable companions to the market hunters who supplied waterfowl to the growing cities of northern Italy.

The great transformation in the Lagotto's purpose came during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when large-scale drainage projects began converting the marshlands of Romagna into agricultural land. As their traditional hunting grounds disappeared, these resourceful dogs faced an uncertain future until local truffle hunters discovered their exceptional scenting abilities could be redirected toward finding the prized fungi that grew in the region's woodlands. This transition from water retriever to truffle hunter represented one of the most remarkable breed adaptations in canine history, with the Lagotto's natural digging instincts, superior nose, and trainable nature making them ideally suited for this highly specialized work.

The breed's survival during the turbulent period between World War I and World War II depended largely on their value as truffle hunters, as almost all professional truffle hunters in Italy came to rely exclusively on Lagotto dogs. During this era, the breed became so closely associated with truffle hunting that they earned the distinction of being the only purebred dog officially recognized for this specialized work. However, the two world wars and changing agricultural practices threatened the breed's existence, and by the 1970s, Lagotto numbers had declined dramatically, with some fearing the breed might disappear entirely.

The modern renaissance of the Lagotto began in the late 1980s when a dedicated group of Italian breed enthusiasts, led by passionate preservationists, launched systematic efforts to locate remaining dogs and establish breeding programs to save the breed from extinction. These early preservation efforts focused on finding dogs that retained the essential breed characteristics and working abilities, often searching remote rural areas where traditional truffle hunters still maintained small populations. The establishment of the Club Italiano Lagotto in 1988 marked a turning point in the breed's fortunes, providing structure and standards for responsible breeding while promoting the breed's unique heritage and capabilities. International recognition followed, with FCI acceptance in 1995, AKC Foundation Stock Service admission in 2001, and full AKC recognition in 2015, ensuring that this remarkable Italian treasure would be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

The primary and most specialized function of the Lagotto is truffle hunting, a role in which they have achieved unparalleled expertise and remain the only purebred dog officially recognized for this highly skilled work. Truffle hunting requires an extraordinary combination of scenting ability, intelligence, trainability, and physical stamina, as these dogs must locate fungi buried underground in dense woodlands, often working for hours in challenging terrain. Their exceptional olfactory capabilities allow them to detect truffles at depths of up to several feet, distinguishing between different species and maturity levels with remarkable accuracy. The breed's natural digging instincts, combined with their ability to work closely with human handlers, make them invaluable partners in this ancient and economically important pursuit.

Beyond their legendary truffle-hunting abilities, Lagotto dogs excel in modern scent work applications that capitalize on their superior noses and trainable nature. They perform exceptionally well in competitive nose work and scent detection sports, where their methodical searching style and persistence often lead to impressive achievements. Some Lagotto have been successfully trained for specialized detection work, including search and rescue operations, though their size and temperament make them better suited for specific rather than general detection roles. Their ability to work independently while maintaining connection with their handler makes them excellent candidates for activities that require both autonomy and cooperation.

The breed's original function as a water retriever remains evident in their modern capabilities, though few Lagotto work in this capacity today. Their water-resistant coat, strong swimming ability, and natural retrieving instincts make them capable hunting companions for waterfowl work, particularly in smaller waterways and marsh environments. However, their true excellence lies in their adaptability to modern recreational hunting situations where their intelligence, trainability, and moderate size provide advantages over larger retrieving breeds in certain circumstances.

In contemporary applications, the Lagotto has found success in various dog sports and activities that challenge their mental and physical capabilities. They excel in tracking competitions, agility courses, and obedience trials, where their eagerness to please and problem-solving abilities shine. Their moderate size and excellent temperament make them suitable therapy dogs for certain applications, particularly those involving children or elderly individuals who might find larger dogs overwhelming. Some Lagotto work successfully as emotional support animals, providing comfort through their calm, affectionate nature and hypoallergenic coat that accommodates people with allergies.

Perhaps most importantly, the modern Lagotto serves as an exceptional family companion, bringing their working heritage qualities into domestic settings. Their function as beloved pets builds upon their historical roles, combining loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability in ways that enrich family life. Their exercise requirements, while substantial, are manageable for active families, and their training needs provide opportunities for meaningful engagement between dog and owner. The breed's longevity and generally robust health make them excellent long-term family members, while their distinctive appearance and engaging personality ensure they serve as wonderful ambassadors for responsible dog ownership and breed preservation.

The Lagotto exhibits a behavioral profile that reflects centuries of selective breeding for cooperative work and problem-solving abilities, creating a dog that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally rewarding as a companion. Their intelligence manifests not as the sometimes challenging independence seen in some working breeds, but rather as an eager willingness to collaborate with their human partners in whatever activities are presented to them. This cooperative intelligence makes them exceptionally responsive to training and allows them to adapt their behavior to meet family expectations while maintaining their essential character traits. Their problem-solving abilities often surprise owners, as they demonstrate creativity in overcoming obstacles and finding solutions to challenges in their environment.

One of the most distinctive behavioral characteristics of the Lagotto is their intense drive to search and investigate their environment using their remarkable scenting abilities. This manifests as a constant awareness of scents and odors that other dogs might ignore, leading to behavior patterns that can seem obsessive to owners unfamiliar with the breed. Many Lagotto develop elaborate sniffing routines during walks, methodically investigating areas that capture their olfactory interest. This behavior, while sometimes requiring management in urban environments, represents the expression of their deepest genetic programming and should be understood and accommodated rather than discouraged.

The breed's digging behavior represents another significant aspect of their behavioral makeup that directly relates to their truffle-hunting heritage. Many Lagotto display strong digging instincts that can be directed toward appropriate outlets or may become problematic if not properly managed. This behavior often intensifies when they detect interesting scents underground, and they may excavate impressively large holes in pursuit of perceived treasures. Successful Lagotto ownership requires understanding this natural behavior and providing appropriate outlets, such as designated digging areas or sandboxes, while training the dog to respect boundaries around valued landscaping.

Socially, the Lagotto tends to be somewhat reserved with strangers while being intensely devoted to their family members. They typically assess new people carefully before deciding whether to engage, showing neither the immediate friendliness of some breeds nor the suspicion of others. Once they accept someone into their social circle, they often become quite affectionate and demonstrative. Their social learning tends to be excellent, as they observe and adapt to family routines with remarkable accuracy, often anticipating events and activities based on subtle environmental cues that escape human notice.

The breed's activity levels and exercise needs reflect their working heritage, requiring both physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain optimal behavior. Under-exercised or bored Lagotto may develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or compulsive activities that reflect their need for engagement. However, they are generally excellent at self-regulating their energy when provided with appropriate outlets, showing the ability to be calm and relaxed indoors after fulfilling their exercise requirements. Their play behavior often incorporates searching and retrieving elements, and they frequently invent games that involve hiding and finding objects, demonstrating their continued connection to their working instincts even in domestic settings.

Within family structures, the Lagotto typically positions itself as an integral member who actively participates in household routines while maintaining a relatively calm and adaptable presence. These dogs often develop sophisticated understanding of family schedules and activities, frequently anticipating events such as meal times, walks, and family gatherings with remarkable accuracy. Their intelligence allows them to read family moods and dynamics effectively, often positioning themselves to provide comfort during stressful times or excitement during celebrations. This emotional intelligence makes them excellent family companions who contribute to household harmony rather than creating disruption through excessive demands or behavioral problems.

The breed's relationship with children represents one of their strongest attributes as family dogs, as they typically display patience, gentleness, and protective instincts that make them excellent companions for young family members. Lagotto often develop particularly strong bonds with children, seeming to understand that these smaller humans require different treatment than adults. They frequently serve as patient playmates who tolerate the sometimes rough handling that children may dish out, while their moderate size prevents them from accidentally overwhelming smaller children during play. However, their intelligence means they also learn to respect children's boundaries and often serve as gentle guardians who alert parents to potential problems or concerns.

Adult family members often find that the Lagotto enhances their daily routines and activities in unexpected ways. Their eagerness to participate in family activities means they adapt well to various household lifestyles, from active families who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures to more sedentary households that prefer quieter activities. Their grooming requirements often become a bonding activity between dog and owner, as their coat needs regular attention that provides opportunities for close interaction. Many owners discover that their Lagotto becomes an excellent motivator for maintaining active lifestyles, as the dog's exercise needs encourage regular outdoor activities that benefit the entire family.

Integration with other pets in multi-animal households requires careful management of the Lagotto's hunting instincts and strong personality. They generally do well with other dogs when properly introduced and socialized, though they may attempt to establish themselves in leadership roles within the pack hierarchy. With cats and smaller pets, their hunting heritage may create challenges that require ongoing supervision and management, though many Lagotto learn to coexist peacefully with household cats when introduced appropriately. Their intelligence allows them to distinguish between family pets and outside animals, often showing protective behavior toward animals they accept as part of their family group.

The long-term commitment required for Lagotto ownership involves understanding their need for consistent mental stimulation and social interaction throughout their lifetime. These dogs form exceptionally strong emotional bonds with their families and may struggle with major life changes such as moves, family separations, or changes in routine. However, families who successfully integrate a Lagotto often find that the dog becomes a central part of family identity and activities. Their longevity means they often serve as constants through significant family transitions, providing stability and continuity across many years. Their distinctive appearance and engaging personality often make them natural conversation starters and community ambassadors, helping families connect with other dog lovers and breed enthusiasts in their area.

The Lagotto generally enjoys excellent health and remarkable longevity, with many individuals living 15-17 years when properly cared for by responsible owners. This impressive lifespan reflects the breed's origins as a working dog selected for durability and functionality rather than appearance alone, combined with the genetic diversity maintained through careful breeding practices by dedicated enthusiasts. However, like all breeds, the Lagotto is susceptible to certain genetic conditions that potential owners should understand and that responsible breeders actively screen for in their breeding programs. The breed's relatively recent development from a small founding population means that genetic health testing and careful lineage management are essential for maintaining the breed's overall health status.

Hip dysplasia represents one of the primary orthopedic concerns in the breed, though the incidence is generally lower than in many larger working breeds. The condition can range from mild cases that cause minimal discomfort to severe forms that significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Responsible breeders conduct hip evaluations on all breeding animals and select for individuals with excellent hip conformation. The breed's moderate size and generally sound structure contribute to lower rates of elbow dysplasia compared to larger breeds, but this condition remains worth monitoring through appropriate health screening protocols.

Neurological conditions specific to the Lagotto include Lagotto storage disease, a rare inherited condition that affects the nervous system and can cause tremors, ataxia, and behavioral changes. This autosomal recessive condition can be detected through genetic testing, allowing breeders to make informed decisions and avoid producing affected puppies. Juvenile epilepsy has also been reported in some lines, typically manifesting in young dogs and often improving with age. These neurological conditions highlight the importance of working with breeders who conduct comprehensive genetic testing and maintain detailed health records for their breeding lines.

Eye conditions in the Lagotto include progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, both of which can be detected through regular ophthalmologic examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists. Some lines show predisposition to certain heart conditions, making cardiac evaluation advisable for breeding animals. The breed's distinctive coat requires special attention to prevent skin problems, as the dense, curly hair can trap moisture and debris if not properly maintained. Regular grooming and attention to coat health help prevent dermatological issues that might otherwise develop in dogs with such dense coat coverage.

Preventive health care for the Lagotto should include regular veterinary examinations, appropriate vaccination protocols, and careful attention to weight management, as excess weight can exacerbate joint problems and reduce overall health span. Their active nature and intelligent minds require adequate exercise and mental stimulation to maintain optimal psychological health, as behavioral problems can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms when these needs are not met. Many Lagotto benefit from participation in activities that engage their natural abilities, such as scent work or tracking, which provide both physical exercise and mental enrichment that contribute to overall wellness.

If you're looking to adopt a Lagotto, consider contacting these rescue organizations that work with this specialized breed:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Lagotto waiting for their forever homes. Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.