Lagotto Romagnolo colors are officially limited to variations of white, brown and orange (with or without markings and roaning), with black not permitted according to the breed standard. In practice you therefore mainly see combinations such as solid brown, off-white, white with brown or orange patches and brown roan in Lagotti.
Why the color of your Lagotto matters
When I speak with puppy buyers, I notice that coat color is often one of the first questions – right after temperament and health. The color doesn’t say anything about how ‘sweet’ or ‘intelligent’ your Lagotto is, but it does indicate something about pedigree purity, pigmentation and sometimes about grooming expectations. In this blog I will take you step by step through the permitted Lagotto Romagnolo colors, common misconceptions and what to watch for when choosing a puppy.
Official Lagotto Romagnolo colors
According to the breed standard, the Lagotto belongs in the palette of white, brown and orange, with various combinations and shades. Important base colors include solid off-white, solid brown (in light to dark shades), solid orange and combinations with patches or roaning patterns.
Common official variants are:
- Solid off-white or white
- White with brown or orange spots
- Solid brown (light to dark brown)
- Solid orange
- Brown roan (roano marrone)
- White with brown or orange markings and possibly tan markings
Color and breed standard: what is allowed and what is not?
An important point I always stress to puppy buyers: black coat and black pigmentation are not permitted in the Lagotto Romagnolo. A dog with (clearly) black spots, a black nose or black eye rims therefore deviates from the breed standard and is, in principle, not suitable for breeding within the official breed club.
Pigmentation also plays a role: a correct Lagotto has nose and eye-rim pigmentation that matches the coat color (brown to liver-colored in brown dogs, lighter in lighter colors), never jet black. If in doubt, always ask the breeder for the breed standard and, if necessary, seek advice from the breed club.
Discoloration, roaning and color changes in puppies
Many people are startled when their “white” Lagotto suddenly becomes covered with brown speckles, but that is often just the roan that develops. Lagotto puppies are regularly born in a lighter, more even shade and only develop more roaning, spots, or deeper color intensity as they get older. This process is completely normal and is part of the breed’s unique coat development. It is important to familiarize yourself with the Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed information, so you are prepared for these changes. It also accentuates the charm of the Lagotto, which with its color variations and characteristics is a striking and beautiful dog.
What you often see in practice:
- White puppies with light markings that develop into distinct brown roan
- Solid brown puppies that ‘fade’ somewhat to a warmer, lighter shade
- Orange puppies that, over time, show a bit more cream or gold
When I guide people in choosing a puppy, I therefore like to show photos of older littermates or previous litters so they have a realistic idea of how the color can develop.
Does color affect temperament or health?
A frequently asked question: is a brown Lagotto more excitable or sensitive than a white one? The short answer: no — temperament depends mainly on bloodline, socialization and training, not on coat color. There is no reliable source indicating that any particular accepted color in the Lagotto Romagnolo is inherently associated with health or behavioral differences.
More about: Italian Water Dog temperament
What you should be aware of is that color should never be placed above health and breeding policy. A good breeder selects first for health (e.g. DNA tests and hips), temperament and working qualities, and only afterwards for appearance and color.
Practical tips for choosing a color
When I speak with new owners I usually give the following practical advice:
- Choose based on character, not color: ask the breeder which puppy’s temperament suits your family.
- Consider coat care: on a light, dirty-white or cream-colored coat you will notice mud and tear stains more quickly than on a brown roan or solid brown coat.
- Think about your environment: if you live in a very muddy area or often walk in woods and fields, dirt is often less noticeable on a mixed (roan) coat.
- Ask for adult photos: view photos of adult dogs from the same lines to get an idea of the final color development.
- Don’t be tempted by “rare” colors: extreme claims about unusual or “new” colors in Lagotti are often a red flag regarding breed purity or responsible breeding.
Overview of common Lagotto colors
Frequently asked questions about Lagotto Romagnolo colors
1. Is there a black Lagotto Romagnolo?
Officially there are no black Lagotti: black in coat or pigment is explicitly excluded in the breed standard. If you see a dog with distinct black markings or a black nose, it deviates from the breed standard and may be a crossbreed or of impure lineage.
2. Will my Lagotto’s color change after the puppy phase?
Yes, in this breed color change is more the rule than the exception. Especially roan- and combination-colored dogs show a less pronounced pattern at a young age and ‘color in’ as the coat and curl structure fully develop.
3. Does color make a difference in coat care?
The basic care is the same: regular trimming, checking for mats and drying thoroughly after swimming. In practice I find that owners of light-colored Lagotti more often clean the whiskers, beard and eye corners because discoloration and dirt show up more quickly.
4. Is a certain color “better” for show or sport?
For show it is especially important that the color falls within the allowed variants and the pigment is correct. For sport (hunting, scent work, agility) color plays virtually no role; there drive, structure and health weigh much more heavily.
5. Which color do you recommend for a family with children?
In families I mainly advise looking at a stable, social and well-socialized temperament, regardless of color. Prefer a calm, confident puppy in an “ordinary” color rather than an overstimulated puppy in the color you saw on Instagram.
Learn more about the breed
If you’re seriously considering getting a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, it’s wise to inform yourself not only about colors but also about temperament, health testing and upbringing. Read more in my comprehensive guide on the Lagotto Romagnolo and discover what to look for when choosing a responsible breeder: Lagotto Romagnolo puppies It is important to understand that the Lagotto Romagnolo varies not only in appearance but also in temperament and energy. These dogs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, which makes them excellent companions. For more information about the specific characteristics of the Lagotto Romagnolo, you can also consult my guide. When choosing a Lagotto Romagnolo, it is also important to consider the Italian Water Dog traits, such as their passion for swimming and their ability to work in wet environments. These traits make them not only active and playful but also perfect for adventurous families. Don’t forget that social interaction and training are essential to fully bring out their natural abilities and temperament.
