Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is one of Italy's oldest and most versatile working dogs, originating in the marshy lowlands of Romagna in north-eastern Italy where it served for centuries as a water retriever, flushing and retrieving waterfowl from the wetlands of the region. When large-scale drainage schemes transformed the Romagna lowlands in the nineteenth century, the breed's extraordinary olfactory ability was redirected to a new purpose: truffle hunting in the hills and woodlands of central Italy. The Lagotto is today the world's only dog breed officially recognised as a specialist truffle hunter, a role in which its exceptional nose and trainable cooperation with its handler make it without equal. The breed is registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group and has grown significantly in popularity in the United Kingdom over recent years.

The Lagotto is a medium-sized, sturdy and compact dog with a profuse, dense and curly coat that covers the entire body including the head. The coat is waterproof, a characteristic that served it well in its original water-retrieving role. Coat colour varies from off-white and white with brown or orange markings to solid brown or roan. Adults typically stand 41 to 48 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 13 to 16 kilograms.

The character is devoted, lively and highly intelligent. The Lagotto bonds closely with its family and is affectionate with people it knows, good with children and generally sociable with other dogs when well socialised. It is alert without being sharp and has an engaging, curious quality that makes it a pleasure in the home. The working background produces a dog that is busy and active - this is not a sedentary companion and does not thrive in a household that cannot provide regular exercise and mental engagement.

The breed's extraordinary nose is central to its identity and wellbeing. Nose work, scent tracking, foraging games and structured sniff activities satisfy a fundamental drive and produce a calmer, more settled dog. Owners who invest in developing the scenting instinct - whether formally through truffle hunting or informally through nose work sports - report significantly more contented dogs than those who restrict the Lagotto to conventional walks alone.

Training is one of the breed's genuine pleasures. The Lagotto is highly responsive to positive reward-based methods and learns quickly. The historical role of truffle hunting required a dog with both the initiative to work independently on scent and the cooperation to work closely with its handler - this combination makes the breed unusually balanced in training terms. Boredom and under-stimulation produce destructive behaviour and the breed should be considered a working dog in companion clothing.

Health considerations are important and breed-specific. Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy is a documented hereditary condition for which a DNA test exists, and all responsible breeders must test both parents. Lagotto Storage Disease is another breed-specific hereditary condition requiring DNA testing. Hip Dysplasia testing is also recommended. The rising popularity of the breed in the UK has led to an increase in unscrupulous breeding and prospective buyers must insist on full health test documentation.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £1,500 to £3,000. Monthly running costs average £90 to £150. The Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain is the primary resource for breed information, health testing requirements, reputable breeders and rescue contact.

Devoted, affectionate and people-focused with a lively and curious character. Sociable with children and generally good with other dogs. Alert but not sharp. Bonds closely with its household. The working instinct makes it a busy and engaged companion rather than a passive lap dog.

Highly trainable and eager to engage. Responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement and nose-based work. Historically used for truffle hunting requiring both initiative and cooperation with the handler. Early socialisation is important. Boredom produces destructive behaviour.

Needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily, combining physical activity with nose work and scent engagement. Sniff walks, tracking and retrieval games are as valuable as running. The breed's extraordinary nose is a key part of its identity and withholding scent work produces a less settled dog.

Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy is a documented hereditary condition for which a DNA test exists - responsible breeders must test both parents. Lagotto Storage Disease is another breed-specific condition requiring DNA testing. Hip Dysplasia testing is also recommended. The KC and Lagotto Club publish health testing requirements.

Feed a high-quality complete food for an active medium breed. The curly coat can indicate a dog with higher energy output than appearance suggests. Avoid overfeeding as the breed can gain weight if under-exercised. Two meals daily. Fresh water always available.

The dense curly coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting. It should not be clipped too short as the curl provides insulation and weather resistance. Professional grooming every 8 to 12 weeks is typical for pet owners. Ears require regular checking as the drop ear and dense coat can contribute to moisture retention.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £1,500 to £3,000. The breed's rising popularity in the UK has pushed prices upward. Monthly running costs: £90 to £150. Professional grooming adds to costs for those who do not manage the coat themselves.

Suits active owners who can provide both physical exercise and meaningful mental work. Adapts well to family life and is good with children. Sociable with other dogs when well socialised. The working nose needs an outlet - nose work, scent games or truffle work. Not a breed that does well in a purely sedentary household.