8 things to know about the Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed
Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our series, Dog Breed of the Month. Next up, we take a look into the fascinating world of Lagotto Romagnolos.
On 12th March 2023, Crufts crowned a Lagotto Romagnolo as Best in Show for the first time, with four-year-old Orca taking the coveted prize. The fairly new breed was added to the Kennel Club's Breed Register in 2000 and 36 were registered that year.
"The Lagotto can make a wonderful pet for active owners who are looking for a friendly and lively dog," Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, tells Country Living.
"As seen through their unique truffle hunting skills, they are naturally a very lively and intelligent little breed, so it is important to consider whether you have the time and space to keep them happy and healthy through long walks and suitable space to run around. It is particularly important with less common breeds that anyone looking for a puppy should seek out a breeder that has experience and in-depth knowledge of the breed."
Keep reading for everything you need to know about this unique breed...
Do Lagotto Romagnolos bark a lot?
Lagotto Romagnolas are known for being quite vocal dogs, often barking at strangers who enter their territory. They are also natural human pleasers, so will enjoy being taught how to stop barking excessively by their owners.
8 things to know about the Lagotto Romagnolo
1. Lagotto Romagnolos originate from northern Italy, with their name coming from the Romagne district
2. They are an incredibly lively and intelligent breed, and their affectionate nature makes them an excellent companion for many families
3. Historically the breed became popular due to its retrieving abilities, specifically of ducks. Today, their acute sense of smell has instead been utilised in truffle hunting
4. Their curly coat is dense and has a woolly texture, but is only sheds minimally, so the breed could be a good fit for someone with allergies
5. They are a small to medium sized dog, usually no taller than half a metre
6. They have seen a steady increase in popularity over the last decade with 324 being registered in 2022, however, still remain rare when compared to the top dog in the UK — the Labrador Retriever
7. Their colouring can range from off white, shades of brown, shades of orange and some have colours mixed with white markings
8. Their fur requires frequent grooming a few times a week
Do Lagotto Romagnolos make good family pets?
Dubbed Italy's 'truffle dog', the Lagotto Romagnolo makes an excellent family pet. The ancient working breed makes a relatively relaxed and affectionate companion. From going on walks to curling up on the sofa, they love spending time with family members.
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