A dense, woolly coat that forms tight ringlet curls all over the body, with a visible undercoat and a slightly rough surface. On the head the curls loosen into bushy eyebrows, whiskers and a beard. The coat repels water well and sheds very little. It is kept clipped to a short, natural outline (the AKC standard caps body length at about 1.5 inches, roughly 4 cm), never corded or sculpted.1346
Coloursoff-whitewhite with brown or orange patchesorange roanbrown roanbrown (various shades, with or without white)orange (with or without white)sable (AKC)brown mask and tan markings permitted13
Personality what they are like
A lively, alert and very loving dog that attaches strongly to its people. The Lagotto is smart and cooperative, picks up training quickly and makes a good watchdog without being aggressive. Selective breeding for truffle work has toned down its interest in game, so it can concentrate on a scent trail without getting sidetracked.136
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, and a plain walk rarely tires one out. Swimming, scent work, nose games, retrieving and hikes suit the breed very well.451
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush and comb through the curls more than once a week to stop them matting and to pick out burrs and debris. The coat needs clipping regularly, and the FCI standard notes at least a yearly full clip to prevent felting. Check the hairy ears often and keep the nails trimmed.4156
Home where they are happiest
Happiest in a home with some outdoor space, though it can live in a flat if it gets plenty of time outdoors every day. A secure garden is useful, since a Lagotto loves to dig and search.56
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A good-quality complete dog food, commercial or vet-guided home-prepared, in portions suited to its size and activity level. Keep an eye on treats, especially during training.5
Company who they like around
Very family-focused and does not like being left out. With consistent socialisation it gets along well with children and other pets. Responds best to positive, reward-based training, which can start from puppyhood.53
The story where it all began
The Lagotto is one of Italy's oldest working dogs. Written records place it in the marshes of Romagna around 1600, and Renaissance painters such as Guercino and Mantegna painted dogs that look much like it. For centuries it worked in the Po Delta wetlands around Comacchio and Ravenna, fetching shot waterfowl back to shore or to the hunters' boats. When the marshes were drained for farmland in the 1800s and early 1900s, local people turned the dog's keen nose to hunting truffles, and by the 1930s it was the standard truffle dog of Romagna. Mixing with other dogs threatened the original type, so in the 1970s a group of enthusiasts, among them Quintino Toschi, Dr Antonio Morsiani, Lodovico Babini and Prof. Francesco Ballotta, set out to restore it. The Club Italiano Lagotto followed in 1988, ENCI approved a standard in 1992, the FCI accepted the breed provisionally in 1995 and fully in 2005, and the AKC recognised it in 2015.2761
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The name roughly means 'lake dog from Romagna'; in the local dialect 'Càn Lagòt' describes a curly-coated water dog.6
2
It is often described as the only breed specifically recognised as a truffle-hunting dog, and the FCI standard lists its job simply as 'truffle dog'.7
3
Between the two World Wars, nearly every truffle dog in Romagna was a Lagotto.6
4
Dogs resembling the Lagotto appear in Renaissance paintings by Guercino and Andrea Mantegna.6
5
Breeders deliberately selected away from the hunting drive, so a working Lagotto can follow truffle scent without being distracted by game.1
6
Its curly, low-shedding coat is water resistant, a leftover from its days retrieving ducks from marsh water.5
7
Only a decade after AKC recognition, the breed ranked 77th among AKC-registered breeds in 2025.8
This morning, I lead my human through the dewy grass, my nose twitching with excitement. I find a hidden toy under a pile of leaves and carry it proudly. After a splash in the pond, we practice nose games in the garden, I love the challenge! Lunchtime means a cozy cuddle on the sofa, where I rest my curly head. Later, we go for a hike through the woods, and I sniff every fascinating scent. Back home, I help with chores by following my human everywhere. As dusk falls, I curl up in my bed, tired and happy, ready for another fun day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard no. 298, Group 8 Retrievers, Flushing dogs, Water dogs; Section 3 Water dogs. Utilisation: truffle dog. Provisionally accepted 1995, definitive acceptance 2005; current standard dated 30.09.2019.1
ENCI (Italian Kennel Club)
Breed standard approved by ENCI in 1992 (The Royal Kennel Club gives 1991 as the Italian recognition date). The Club Italiano Lagotto was founded in Imola in 1988.2
The Royal Kennel Club
Listed in the Gundog group; a relative newcomer to the UK, where it has competed in gundog working tests.4
AKC
Entered the Foundation Stock Service in 2001 and gained full recognition in 2015. Current standard approved 14 Jan 2020, effective 31 Mar 2020.9
Popularity Ranked 77th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.8
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lagotto Romagnolo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Lagotto Romagnolo tip
Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Use small, low-calorie options like pieces of kibble, frozen vegetables, or slivers of lean meat to keep your Lagotto trim and avoid weight gain.
These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Lagotto Romagnolo, and at what times?
Feed your Lagotto a good-quality complete dog food at least twice a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. The exact portions depend on size and activity, so follow the food label and your vet's advice. There's no fixed time, but a consistent routine works best.510
What should a Lagotto Romagnolo eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality complete dog food, either commercial or vet-guided home-prepared, is ideal. Keep treats in check, especially during training. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially risky for dogs.511
How often should I bathe a Lagotto Romagnolo?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but you can adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. The general guidance is at least once every three months, more often if they love outdoor adventures.12Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Lagotto Romagnolo need brushing?
Brush and comb through those lovely curls more than once a week to prevent matting and remove debris. Furry Diary recommends brushing every 2 days to keep the coat in top shape.4156Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Lagotto Romagnolo's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting point. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. Your vet or groomer can show you the technique.12Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Lagotto Romagnolo need?
This lively truffle hunter needs more than two hours of exercise daily, a plain walk rarely tires them out. Furry Diary suggests about 90 minutes a day, with swimming, scent work, and hikes being perfect activities.451Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Lagotto Romagnolo's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least two to three times a week using dog-safe toothpaste. Check those floppy ears weekly and dry them gently, moisture can get trapped. Never push anything into the ear canal.12Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Lagotto Romagnolo live?
A healthy Lagotto Romagnolo typically lives between 12 and 17 years, bringing many happy years of companionship.452
Is a Lagotto Romagnolo good with children and other pets?
Yes, with consistent socialisation from puppyhood, this affectionate breed gets along wonderfully with children and other pets. They are very family-focused and thrive on positive, reward-based training.53
Can a Lagotto Romagnolo be left alone?
This breed forms a strong bond with its people and prefers not to be left out. While it varies by individual, they are happiest with company and may struggle with long periods alone. A good breeder can advise on your specific dog's temperament.1365
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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