Labradoodles and Italian water dogs (or Lagotto Romagnolo) are both great family dogs. They have many similarities, both in appearance and character, although there are some differences to be noted. Many people choose a Labradoodle, but often only because they are not familiar with a Lagotto.
Breed purity, coat, and allergies
Everything actually starts with breed purity. A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle (& in some cases, other breeds are crossed in, such as the Lagotto Romagnolo). A Lagotto is not a crossbreed and is therefore purebred. Labradoodles are a collective name for all crosses with Labradors and Poodles and are not recognized. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a recognized breed. For more information about the costs of a Lagotto Romagnolo at Woefkesranch, visit our detailed article.
Why is that so important? In itself, it is not that important, but one must understand that an offspring can resemble its mother, its father, a combination of the two, or one/more of its predecessors. There is even a very high chance of shedding in a cross between a non-shedding dog (Poodle) and a shedding dog (Labrador Retriever).
With Labradoodles, it is mainly a matter of focusing as a breeder on those that do not shed to have a better chance of non-shedding offspring. However, 100% guarantee can never be given in advance. Generally, it can be assumed that a dog with a curly coat sheds little to none, and a dog with short hair OR non-curly hair will shed. This is an important fact for anyone allergic to dog hair.
A Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as the Italian Water Dog, is purebred. A puppy of this breed descends from two other Lagottos and should shed minimally to not at all. This is most ideal for people with allergies.
In short Check out our latest Lagotto Romagnolo puppies for sale at Woefkesranch.
A Labradoodle is less suitable for allergies because they can still shed. Some have a curly or wavy coat and shed almost not at all (and breeding is also focused on this), but others have short or sleek hair and do shed. A Lagotto Romagnolo is suitable for most allergies because this dog sheds little to none. These dogs always have a curly coat.
Character
Lagotto Romagnolo, or as mentioned above: Italian Water Dogs, are water dogs. Water dogs, also sometimes called ‘Gundogs’ (in English), were used in hunting in the past. Not so much for their nose, but for their excellent coat and build for water and their talent for retrieving prey (after it was shot, hence ‘Gundog’). Obedience is therefore a strong point of these dogs, with a small note that they are also active dogs.
Labradoodles are descendants of the Labrador Retriever (Retriever comes from the English ‘to retrieve’, literally translated: bring back). This descendant is similar to water dogs, ideal dogs for bringing back prey. And so many of them were bred for the same purposes as water dogs. They have the same gift. A poodle, on the other hand, is often seen as a companion dog, but do not be mistaken. Poodles were also often used as circus dogs because of their obedience and the ability to learn many different commands. Both ancestors provide both an active and obedient character.
In short Check out our latest Lagotto Romagnolo puppies for sale at Woefkesranch.
Both a Labradoodle and a Lagotto Romagnolo descend from ancestors used as a type of retrieving dog. Both dogs are characterized by being obedient (with proper training, of course) and having a healthy dose of activity. Both breeds are therefore ideal as exercise partners for the whole family. Aggression and dominance are less common, at least not when the dog has enough free space. Boredom makes an active dog more rebellious and shows more biting behavior.
Exercise
The most important thing is already mentioned above. Both dogs are considered healthy, sporty dogs with a need for certain freedom. It is good to go for a walk with their dogs occasionally, but free running in a garden is the most important. When they get older, it is recommended to offer them free running during the day in the garden. A walk can be a supplement, but when there is no free space, a short daily walk is not enough.
Since both breeds are very obedient, they also like to be challenged in terms of obedience. This means that it is a plus to attend school with them. Schooling for a dog is not so much a dog school, but training (which can be both private training and dog school)
In short Check out our latest Lagotto Romagnolo puppies for sale at Woefkesranch.
Do you want a dog as manageable as possible? Then give him enough space. Regardless of whether you choose a Labradoodle or a Lagotto Romagnolo.
Health
The big disadvantage of a crossbreed (e.g., Labradoodle) is that there are more genetic differences between their ancestors. Therefore, we cannot say with certainty how they will eventually look or how big they will be (hence the classification into different sizes). The big advantage is that the chance of hereditary defects decreases. You take all possible hereditary defects from your ancestors, but the chance of one of those problems decreases. There are more problems that can be included, but they occur less often.
With Lagottos, the advantage is that it is a very strong breed. Apart from Hip Dysplasia, epilepsy, and Cerebral Anomaly (a disease in the brain), there are no problems included in the list of possible hereditary defects. The chance of one of the above problems is also reduced by us through control of the parents. That does not mean it can be avoided, but it can be limited.
In short Check out our latest Lagotto Romagnolo puppies for sale at Woefkesranch.
A Labradoodle has a longer list of possible health problems, only the chance of a problem is smaller in percentage. Lagottos, on the other hand, have a very limited list of known health problems. Both breeds are therefore considered healthy.
For reviews of the Labradoodle, you can click on this link.
For reviews of the Lagotto, you can click on this link.
