Lagotto Romagnolo

A Lagotto does well on a high-quality diet, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared under your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the food to the dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior, and to activity level. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Some Lagotti are prone to gaining weight, so watch calorie intake and weight closely. Resist the begging, because extra pounds can lead to other health problems, such as joint issues. Treats help with training, but count them toward daily calories, and as a guideline keep treats to no more than 10% of the day's calories. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.

Feeding amounts and frequency:

• Feed adult Lagotti twice a day.
• Feed puppies more often, about three or four times a day on a consistent schedule.

Your AAFCO-approved food gives feeding guidance based on weight, but the clearest way to set portions is to talk to your vet, who can advise based on age, lifestyle, and health history. As long as your dog eats a well-balanced diet, they shouldn't need any supplements. Never give supplements without speaking to your vet first, and check in if you have any concerns about weight or diet.

The Lagotto's rough-looking, waterproof coat forms thick, tight curls over the entire body except the head. It is a double coat of hair rather than fur, and it sheds only minimally, though it may leave little tufts now and then. Because the coat is hair and not fur, many people with allergies find the breed suits them well.

Minimal shedding means brushing only once every 1 to 2 weeks, ideally with a metal comb, since the curls mat easily. Some coats mat more than others, so groom often to stay ahead of it. The coat needs regular trimming, ideally from a professional groomer, and a bath up to once a month as needed. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed so it doesn't block vision or irritate the eyes.

Ear hair grows fast in Lagotti, so trim it regularly to lower the chance of ear infections. Check the ears weekly for wax, debris, or signs of infection, and clean them whenever your dog spends time in water, since trapped moisture from a swim or bath can cause a painful infection. Contact your vet if you notice redness, odor, or debris.

All dogs' nails wear down during daily activity, but they still need regular inspection and occasional trimming to prevent pain and other problems from overly long nails. Dental hygiene matters for long-term health too. Alongside professional cleanings, build an at-home routine of teeth brushing and dental chews or treats.

Lagotti love the outdoors, so after each adventure check them for ticks, burrs, and anything else they may have picked up.

Like most sporting breeds, the Lagotto needs an active, engaged lifestyle. They are not hyper and don't require a great deal of exercise, but they do need both mental stimulation and physical activity every day, preferably alongside their favorite people. Long walks, family hikes, and play sessions in the yard suit this breed well, and most Lagotti are naturals in the water and love to swim.

Bred to work, Lagotti need to work both mind and body. Dog sports such as rally, agility, tracking, obedience, and nose work satisfy that need. Without an outlet, they may grow bored and destructive.

The breed wants steady companionship, whether from a human or other dogs. A Lagotto enjoys time outside but won't do well living outdoors without family interaction, needing time with its people to stay well adjusted and content.

Lagotti tend to bark and dig. Regular exercise helps curb those behaviors, and active households can include them in water sports or hiking.

Lagotti are alert, intelligent, and lively. Lagotti are intelligent, eager to please, and responsive to consistent training. As with all dogs, they respond well to positive reinforcement, rewarded for good behavior.

Their strong sense of smell suits scent work, search and rescue, and medical-condition detection. Lagotti also compete in agility and obedience. They need regular mental work even when they are not searching for truffles.

Early socialization and training are essential. Expose Lagotto puppies to new people, animals, and environments early, and they thrive, growing into well-adjusted, well-mannered companions. The breed gets along well with other dogs and fits a family environment.

Know that a Lagotto's intelligence cuts both ways. They need regular, strong stimulation and training, or they will turn that brainpower against your dog-proofing, like digging under the fence.