You are looking for a curly, friendly dog that sheds little or not at all. And you’ll quickly come down to two popular choices: the Lagotto Romagnolo vs the Labradoodle. Both breeds look very similar at first glance, but there are important differences that can determine your choice. In this extensive comparison I explain how the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Labradoodle differ — from origin and temperament to health and grooming.
Two curly heads, two very different stories
When I guide puppy buyers who are unsure between a Lagotto Romagnolo and a Labradoodle, I notice the confusion often starts with appearance: both have a cute, curly coat and a friendly look. But once you dig deeper, you see that these dogs have a completely different background and often a different temperament as well. In this blog I list the main differences for you so you can make an informed choice.
Origin and breed status: purebred versus crossbreed
The biggest difference between the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Labradoodle lies in origin and recognition.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an old, purebred Italian dog breed that has existed for centuries. The breed is officially recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and has an established breed standard. Originally, the Lagotto was used as a water dog for hunting, but today it is world-famous as a truffle hunter.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, first deliberately bred in Australia in 1988. So it is a relatively young ‘breed’ and technically a hybrid. The Labradoodle is not recognized as an official breed by the FCI. There is a variant, the Australian Labradoodle, in which other breeds (such as the Cocker Spaniel and sometimes even the Lagotto) have also been crossed in.
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Breed type | Purebred | Crossbreed (hybrid) |
| Recognition | FCI recognized | Not recognized |
| Origin | Italy, 15th century | Australia, 1988 |
Appearance and size
Both dogs have a curly coat, but there are clear differences in size and build.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto is a medium-sized, compact dog with a sturdy build. Males average 43-48 cm in height and weigh between 13 and 16 kg. Females are slightly smaller, with a withers height of 41-46 cm and a weight of 11-14 kg. The coat is dense, woolly and curly, with a water-repellent texture.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle comes in different sizes: mini (18-24 lb / 8-11 kg), medium (25-40 lb / 11-18 kg) and standard (45-65 lb / 20-30 kg). A standard Labradoodle is therefore considerably larger than a Lagotto. The coat varies greatly: some Labradoodles have tight curls, others a wavy or even fairly straight coat. This makes predicting appearance more difficult.
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Withers height | 41-48 cm | 35-61 cm (depending on type) |
| Weight | 11-16 kg | 8-30 kg (depending on type) |
| Coat | Always curly, woolly | Variable (curly, wavy or straight) |
Character and temperament
Both breeds are known as friendly and people-oriented, but there are nuances.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an intelligent, eager-to-learn and very affectionate dog. He is naturally alert, can be reserved with strangers and has a strong work drive. This breed was bred to work with its owner and has a high need for mental stimulation, such as scent work and search games. He is loyal, well-balanced and usually good with children, but does require consistent training and socialization.
Typical Lagotto character traits:
- Strongly family-oriented
- Alert and watchful
- Sensitive and reserved with strangers
- High need for mental stimulation
- Can be prone to separation anxiety
Read more: Lagotto Romagnolo character
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is generally an exuberantly social, friendly and energetic dog. He inherits traits from both the Labrador (playful, patient, sometimes a bit ‘clownish’) and the Poodle (intelligent, eager to learn, active). Labradoodles are usually very open toward strangers, children and other animals. They are often somewhat easier to handle for beginners, but can also be a bit livelier and more impulsive than a Lagotto.
Typical Labradoodle character traits:
- Exuberant and social
- Friendly toward everyone
- High energy level
- Eager to learn and trainable
- Can become easily overstimulated
| Characteristic | Lagotto Romagnolo | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Sociability | Reserved with strangers | Very open and friendly |
| Energy level | Moderate to high | High |
| Alertness | Watchful, alerts to visitors | Less watchful |
| Separation anxiety | Prone | Prone |
| Suitable for beginners | With some experience | Often suitable |
Coat care and shedding
This is an important point for many puppy buyers, especially when allergies are involved.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto does not shed in the traditional way: dead hair remains in the coat and must be brushed or clipped out. The coat is always curly and woolly. This makes the Lagotto suitable for most people with a dog allergy, although no dog is completely hypoallergenic. The coat requires weekly brushing and trimming several times a year.
More about: Lagotto Romagnolo coat care
Labradoodle
In the Labradoodle the coat is less predictable. Some Labradoodles have a tight, curly coat that hardly sheds, while others have a wavy or even straight coat that does shed. This depends on which genes the puppy inherits. Those who choose a Labradoodle because of allergies may therefore be in for surprises. The coat requires brushing 2–3 times a week and regular trimming.
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | No | Variable (sometimes yes, sometimes no) |
| Hypoallergenic | Mostly | Unpredictable |
| Coat type | Always curly | Curly, wavy, or straight |
| Grooming frequency | Brush once a week, trim 4–6 times a year | Brush 2–3 times a week, trim 3–4 times a year |
Health and life expectancy
Both breeds have their own health considerations.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is generally a healthy breed with a long life expectancy of 15 to 17 years. Known hereditary conditions include hip dysplasia (HD), patellar luxation, epilepsy (BFJE), and a rare brain disease (Lysosomal Storage Disease). Responsible breeders test their dogs for these.
Labradoodle
In the Labradoodle the health is less predictable because it is a crossbreed. The advantage of crossbreeding is that the likelihood of some hereditary conditions can decrease (heterosis), but the list of possible problems is longer: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems (PRA), Addison’s disease, skin allergies and ear infections are seen. The average life expectancy is between 10 and 15 years.
| Characteristic | Lagotto Romagnolo | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy | 15-17 years | 10-15 years |
| Common conditions | HD, epilepsy, LSD | HD, ED, eye problems, Addison, allergies |
| Health predictability | Fairly predictable | Less predictable |
Upbringing and training
Both breeds are intelligent and eager to learn, but there are differences in approach.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto is sensitive and responds best to a calm, positive and consistent approach. Harsh corrections are counterproductive. He has a strong need for mental stimulation and does well in canine sports such as tracking, scent work and mantrailing. Socialization is especially important because the Lagotto can be somewhat reserved by nature.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is usually easy to train and picks up new commands quickly. They are enthusiastic and eager to cooperate, but can sometimes be a bit impulsive or overstimulated. The same applies here: positive reinforcement works best. Labradoodles can perform well in agility, flyball and therapy work.
Suitability for families and other pets
Both breeds are often described as “family dogs”, but there are nuances.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto is loyal, affectionate and can get along well with children, provided they are well socialized. They are, however, somewhat more reserved toward strangers and may react alertly to visitors. They generally get along well with other pets, especially if they are accustomed to them from a young age.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is often even easier to get along with around children, strangers and other animals. They are exuberant, patient and rarely on guard. This makes them suitable for busy families with lots of visitors. However, their enthusiasm can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for small children.
| Characteristic | Lagotto Romagnolo | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Child-friendly | Yes, with socialization | Yes, very patient |
| Suitable for other pets | Yes, once accustomed | Yes |
| Interaction with strangers | Reserved | Very open |
Price and availability
The price for a puppy of both breeds is in a similar range, but there are differences in availability and breeding practices.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto is a relatively rare breed, especially in the Netherlands and Belgium. Waiting lists at reputable breeders are often long. Prices for a purebred puppy with a pedigree typically range between €1.500 and €3.500. Note: due to its popularity there are also less reliable breeders active.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is much more popular and therefore easier to find. Prices vary widely, from €1.000 to €3.000 or more, depending on the breeder and the type (first-generation cross or Australian Labradoodle). Due to high demand there are unfortunately also many puppy mills active, so choose carefully.
Who is each breed suitable for?
Choose a Lagotto Romagnolo if:
- You want a purebred dog with an established breed standard
- You want to be sure of a curly, non-shedding coat
- You are looking for a somewhat calmer, more alert breed
- You want to invest time and energy in scent work and mental challenges
- You are willing to wait for a puppy from a reputable breeder
Choose a Labradoodle if:
- You want an exuberantly social, outgoing dog
- You are flexible regarding size and coat type
- You are looking for a dog that gets along easily with everyone
- You have an active lifestyle and enjoy being very active
- You don’t necessarily need a registered breed
Frequently asked questions about Lagotto Romagnolo vs Labradoodle
1. Welke hond is beter voor mensen met een allergie?
De Lagotto Romagnolo is voorspelbaarder: hij verhaart niet en heeft altijd een krullende vacht. Bij de Labradoodle hangt het af van de individuele pup; sommige verharen wel degelijk. Als allergie een doorslaggevend argument is, biedt de Lagotto meer zekerheid.
2. Welk ras is makkelijker voor een beginnende hondenbezitter?
De Labradoodle wordt vaak als iets makkelijker gezien vanwege zijn open, vergevingsgezinde karakter. De Lagotto vraagt wat meer ervaring met socialisatie en mentale uitdaging, maar is zeker ook geschikt voor gemotiveerde beginners.
3. Welke hond heeft meer beweging nodig?
Beide rassen zijn actief en hebben dagelijks beweging en uitdaging nodig. De Labradoodle (zeker de standaard) heeft over het algemeen een hoger energieniveau en vraagt om meer fysieke activiteit. De Lagotto heeft vooral behoefte aan mentale prikkels naast beweging.
4. Welk ras leeft het langst?
De Lagotto Romagnolo heeft een langere gemiddelde levensverwachting (15-17 jaar) dan de Labradoodle (10-15 jaar). Dit komt deels doordat de Lagotto een kleiner, raszuiver ras is met minder genetische variatie.
5. Zijn beide rassen geschikt voor een appartement?
Ja, beide kunnen in een appartement leven, mits ze voldoende beweging en uitdaging krijgen. De Lagotto past zich vaak iets makkelijker aan een rustigere leefomgeving aan; de Labradoodle (vooral de grotere varianten) heeft meer ruimte en beweging nodig.
Discover which breed suits you
If you’re still undecided whether the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Labradoodle is better suited to your situation, then learn more about both breeds and, if possible, visit a breeder or a breed club. Also read my comprehensive guide on the Lagotto Romagnolo for more information about temperament, care and health: Lagotto Romagnolo pups. Characteristics of the Lagotto Romagnolo include their intelligence, playful nature and strong drive to work. These dogs are also known for their excellent nose and are often used as truffle retrievers. It is important to consider whether these traits match your lifestyle and preferences.
