Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo, known as the Romagna Water Dog, looks pretty silly with its curly hair and comically large head. But don't let that fool you - this small/medium-sized dog has an unparalleled sense of smell and an appetite for exercise and fun activities that will leave you exhausted.

Hailing from Italy, this lively dog is believed to be the ancestor to all water dog descendants. After all, the breed can be traced back earlier than the 16th century. The Lagotto Romagnolo made many appearances in early paintings, and was mentioned in many books of folklore and hunting as a small curly-coated dog that is used commonly to retrieve water game.

Nowadays, the Lagotto Romagnolo's hunting background has mostly become history. Instead, the lovable dog is often sought as a companion or a watchdog. The Lagotto is clever and easily trainable, with a keen sense of smell to boot, which makes the breed an easy choice as a watchdog. But the curly-haired dog is also perfect for families since it is extremely affectionate, loyal, and devoted, as well as having a natural affinity for children. Just remember to keep the dog entertained with lots of exercise and outdoor activities, since Lagottos are extremely robust and energetic.

The Lagotto Romangolo's waterproof and hypoallergenic double coat requires regular grooming to remove the felted hair, which sheds in clumps, and trim the undercoat. But the dog's coat does not regularly shed, like some other breeds. The coat only requires monthly bathing.

Appearance

The Lagotto is a small/medium-sized dog, with males typically measuring about 17-19 inches and females at 16-18 inches tall at the withers. Their curly double coat can be found in a variety of colors like brown, off-white, roan, orange, and some Lagottos have markings on their face that look like masks.

Fun Facts

Because of its keen sense of smell, the Lagotto Romagnolo was used to find truffles - edible fungi in Italy. Lagottos are the only purebred dog in the world that are acknowledged for their jobs as truffle searchers.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia