Page 233 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Lagotto Romagnolo

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Orange
16–19in 24–35lb 12–14 years Roan
(41–48cm) (11–16kg) Orange and roan coats may have a brown mask.

This affectionate dog makes a good pet but can be FROM DUCKS TO TRUFFLES
boisterous so is best suited to a country life
For centuries the peasants of the Romagna
Known in its native Italy since at least the there were very few purebred dogs left. region used the Lagotto Romagnolo for hunting
waterfowl from their flat-bottomed boats, and
Middle Ages, dogs of this type are thought A group of enthusiasts stepped in to save
a few dogs still do this work. The breed is the
to be the ancestor of all the water dog and restore the breed, and it was officially
ultimate water dog. It is an excellent swimmer,
breeds. Originally, the Lagotto Romagnolo recognized by the FCI in 1995. aided by webbing between its toes, and its curly
worked as a retriever in the marshland of Today the Lagotto Romagnolo is bred double coat enables it to work for hours in cold
Romagna, northern Italy; its name is Italian as often for companionship as for work. water. It still retains its swimming and retrieving
instincts. In addition, it has a highly developed
for “lake (or water) dog of Romagna.” From It makes an affectionate family pet as well
sense of smell and strong digging drive, making
the late 19th century when the marshes as an effective guard dog. This breed is
it ideally suited to being trained for truffle
were drained—and as a result the flocks good-natured and easy to train. It likes hunting (below).
of waterfowl dwindled the breed was found to be kept busy with plenty of walks and
a new job digging for truffles. opportunities for swimming and digging.
By the mid-20th century the Lagotto Its characteristic curly coat needs weekly
Romagnolo had become a specialized truffle combing and annual clipping.
hound. However, it had been extensively
crossed with other breeds, and by the 1970s

Moderately large,
triangular, drop ears
Curly coat with rounded tips

Liver-colored
nose

Deep chest
Off-white
Brown

White with
brown markings

Rounded,
compact feet
Woolly coat
forms tight
ringlets

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