The Lagotto Romagnolo or Italian water dog is a water dog originating from Italy.
Information about the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog. The coat is fairly short, thick and woolly, with tight curls and looser curls on the head and ears. The care of the Lagotto coat requires regular attention, because the curls can easily form mats. Weekly brushing helps keep the coat healthy and in good condition. In addition, it is important to schedule a professional grooming occasionally to maintain the coat at the proper length.
They come in the following colors or combinations thereof:
- Brown
- Brown with tan
- Brown roan
- Brown roan with tan
- White
- Orange roan
The shoulder height of the Lagotto Romagnolo is between 40 and 50 cm. They will weigh between 11 and 16 kilograms.
The average life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years, which is a good age for a dog.
What is the price of a Lagotto Romagnolo?
The price of a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy is on average somewhere between €1500 and €3500. However, there are also breeders who ask €5000 for a puppy.
Maintenance costs are about €10 to €50 per month. This includes food, accessories and healthcare costs.
Do you live in the Netherlands? There are also “lagotto romagnolo puppies in the Netherlands” available at Woefkesranch via our Dutch website.
History
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian water dog breed that has existed since the 16th century. The breed originates from the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. The inhabitants of the flat marshland were called “vallaroli” or “lagotti”. The breed name Lagotto Romagnolo was derived from that.
This dog was used as a hunting dog in the marshes until the 19th century. From the 19th century its role as a hunting dog ceased and eventually the hunting instinct disappeared. However, it can still be present when stimulated.
Afterwards the breed was employed as a truffle hunter in the region. Due to various circumstances the breed was in danger of disappearing until the late 1970s, when breeding of the breed began again.

Temperament
This breed is reserved toward other people and new experiences. It is therefore important to start socialization at a young age.
Therefore, buy a Belgian puppy at 8 weeks old. Foreign puppies are 15 weeks old, which is too old for proper socialization for this breed. In older puppies the reserve can turn into fear, which is certainly not good.
As with other dog breeds, this breed needs good guidance in raising the puppy. Patient repetition is necessary for proper training.
The older the dog gets, the less time you need to spend on training and the more on having fun. Of course, the dog must clearly know who is in charge.
He needs a lot of exercise. He also likes to work for his owner; he will love learning to retrieve. And once he has learned to swim, he will happily take a swim in any pond.
This is a delightful family dog that loves being pampered by its family. But that won’t be difficult given his high cuddliness factor.
Read more about: Italian Water Dog Character
Grooming
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a dog breed that does not shed. That often makes it more suitable for people with dog allergies.
The coat tends to mat. So you will need to detangle it regularly. A trim by a dog groomer should also be done about four times a year. Another option is to learn to clip it yourself; this will also strengthen the bond with your dog. Don’t forget to trim the hair growth in the ears.

More about the grooming of an Italian Water Dog
Health
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a dog breed with few hereditary conditions.
Through this link you can read reviews from our customers with Lagottos.
