If desired, our puppies can begin early scent training for truffle hunting.
The Lagotto Romagnolo
Italy’s Original Truffle Dog
A true companion, loyal, loving, and always ready to be part of your world! The Lagotto Romagnolo is a rare and remarkable breed with a history that stretches back thousands of years.
The Lagotto Romagnolo has a story that not many breeds can tell. This ancient breed has almost gone extinct twice. By the 1970s, only a small number of purebred Lagotti remained. Thanks to dedicated breeders, the breed was carefully restored and preserved.
- Recognized internationally in 1995
- Accepted into the AKC Sporting Group in 2015
- Accepted to Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) in 9/2021
- Still considered rare today under one thousand Lagotto pups registered in North America yearly.
Lagotto means lake (lago) dog. Italy’s Original Water Retriever and the Foundation for Europe’s and then America’s water retrievers.
The Journey From Marshlands to Master Truffle Hunter
Long before modern dog breeds were defined, small curly-coated water dogs were already working alongside humans in Italy’s Romagna region.
Ancient Etruscan artwork dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries BC depicts dogs that closely resemble today’s Lagotto, making it one of the oldest known water retrievers.
Originally bred to retrieve waterfowl from marshlands, the Lagotto later adapted when those wetlands disappeared. What remained was something even more valuable, their extraordinary sense of smell.
The World’s Only Specialized Truffle-Hunting Dog That’s Smart, Sweet & Always Tuned In to You
The Lagotto is often described as a “working dog with a gentle heart.” They don’t just live with you, they connect with you. Whether it’s training, playtime, or simply relaxing nearby, they thrive on being part of your everyday life. These dogs are:
- Intelligent and eager to learn
- Loyal and deeply affectionate
- Alert, but not overly demanding
- Active, yet manageable
These bird dogs can break lake ice to retrieve birds in extremely cold water. Their coat hair doesn’t allow the water to touch their skin.
Going On Adventures Or Chilling On The Couch, A Lagotto Truly Does It All!
If you enjoy the best of both worlds, whether that means swimming, exploring trails, or taking an adventurous stroll through hilly terrain, or taking a day off and being a couch potato, our Lagottos are truly capable of adapting to the vibe. Long story short, our Lagottos are active but never overwhelming, and engaged but never exhausting.
The Coat
Lagotto pups have wavy hair. As they mature, their hair changes to soft curls.
Grooming hair cuts, but that’s what keeps them looking (and feeling) so great!
A bath and hair cut needs to be done every 6-8 weeks or the hair will become like matted wool.
The trade off is there won’t be loose hair on you, your home, or in your car. Instead you will need to brush your dog as needed and do grooming hair cuts.
Specialized double coat of hair that is water resistant: Wool-like undercoat with a thicker, curly top coat that protects them from cold and wet condition
Time For A Hair Cut
The Coat Everyone Talks About (For Good Reason)
But that’s part of what keeps them looking (and feeling) so great.
- Low shedding (great for allergy-sensitive homes)
- Wool-like texture that protects in all weather
- No typical “wet dog smell”
A Coat as Unique as Their Personality
No two Lagotto look exactly alike.
- Solid colors: white, cream, orange, brown
- The even rarer tricolor Lagotti
- Tricolor is three distinct coat colors
- Roan patterns: beautifully blended tones
- Unique markings and ticking
Bonus: Some puppies even change color as they grow!
Small Enough to Fit, Strong Enough to Keep Up
Lagottos are well-proportioned in both size and strength. Here’s a brief overview of their adult growth:
Females:
- 16–18 16–18 inches tall at the withers (the highest point of the dog’s shoulder blades)
- 24–32 lbs
Males:
- 17–19 inches tall
- 28–35 lbs
Before You Bring Home a Lagotto
Bringing home a Lagotto Romagnolo is an exciting decision, but it’s important to understand what living with this intelligent, active breed really looks like day to day.
Here’s what you need to be mindful of:
Mental Stimulation: like a treat dispenser puzzle where they have to work to get the treat out.
Costco sells a Toro pack of 12 Bully Hide Chews for approximately $26. They sometimes go on sale for $20, but customers are limited to purchasing 10 packs at a time.
Puzzles where the dog gets a treat out of it can also take hours.
Without enough mental engagement, they can:
- Become bored or restless
- Develop unwanted behaviors
- Seek out their own “jobs” (digging, chewing, exploring)
Energy: Active, Not Hyper
This breed has a healthy energy level that needs daily outlets.
- Expect 30–60+ minutes of activity per day
- Walks alone may not be enough; they benefit from interactive play and training
Yes, They May Dig
Lagotto were bred to search underground for truffles as digging is part of their natural instinct.
- Some may dig in yards or gardens
- This behavior can be managed with proper outlets and training
