How to Identify a Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian retrieving breed assigned to the sporting group. [1] Also called the Romagna Water Dog, it is thought that Lagotti were the original water dog breed and that the other water dogs were bred from them. [2] Lagotti Romagnoli have several distinct features, along with some that they have given to other water dogs. By learning about their key traits, this wikiHow will help you identify a Lagotto Romagnolo.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Structure

  1. Lagotti Romagnoli are small or medium in size. Males stand at 17–19 inches (43–48 cm) with a weight of 28.5–35 pounds (12.9–15.9 kg), while females are slightly smaller, having a height of 16–18 inches (41–46 cm) and weighing 24–31 pounds (11–14 kg). [3]
  2. A Lagotto's head resembles a wedge with a blunt tip. Overall, it is broad, slightly arched, and equal in width and length. There is a moderate stop and noticeable furrow occurring between the dog's eyes. This gives the dog an attentive and intelligent expression while still appearing friendly. [4]
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  3. The eyes of a Lagotto Romagnolo are round in shape with a good fill that still protrudes a small amount. They are rather large and generally a shade of brown, such as hazel, dark brown, or ochre, with brown rims. Set a decent distance apart and oblique but in the front, they have developed lashes, noticeably arched brows, and close lids. [5]
  4. Lagotti have triangular ears that begin with a wide base and end with tips that are a bit rounded. Overall, they are of a medium size and set proportionately near the cheek. They may raise when the dog is alert, and when this happens, they make the skull as a whole appear wider. In length, they are roughly a quarter of that of the skull. [6]
  5. A Lagotto Romagnolo's muzzle is made up of strong and wide jaws that shape its profile, meeting with the skull slightly. It includes flat cheeks, a moderate stop, dry flews that are tightly drawn, and thin but tight lips which are pigmented brown. The large nose corresponds with the dog's coat color but is usually brown, ranging in shade, with open nostrils. The dog may have a scissors, reverse scissors, or level bite. [7]
  6. Being a water dog, Lagotti have webbed paws that are compact and appear a bit rounded. The pads are especially hard in texture, and the nails may be anywhere from a dark brown shade to white. Though the front paws' toes are tight and arched well, the back paws' toes are not as arched as these, so the back nails may appear more straight than the curved nails on the front paws. [8]
  7. A Lagotto Romagnolo's tail is tapering to the tip and is set to appear as a continuation of the sloping croup. It may hang down to barely sit above the hock or be raised as an arc above the back level or resembling a scimitar at the back level. Though the tip is not any more forward than the dog's pelvis, it does not stand up straight or in a curl. [9]
  8. Lagotti are strong, of good proportion, rustic, square, and built to be and appear powerful. They have an oval-shaped neck, laid-back shoulders, a wide chest, well-sprung ribs, long legs, and a straight back. Their gait is a trot full of lively energy while maintaining balance and good reach and drive. The dog's neck seems to move further downward yet forward when their speed increases. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Coat

  1. A Lagotto Romagnolo's coat feels wooly to the touch yet stays a bit rough on top. As a water-repelling double coat, the topcoat is notably thick, and the undercoat can be seen without appearing shiny. Rather than looking frizzy, the coat is comprised of tightly formed curls that seem to resemble rings. [11]
  2. While the coat on the tail is bristle-like and curly, the coat on the head is thick and gives the dog a beard, eyebrows, and whiskers. In length, it does not exceed 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) except on the dog's head. The clip appears natural. [12]
  3. Lagotti have thin skin that fits close to the body firmly as to not form any wrinkles. Its color may range based on the color of the coat from a dark brown color to dark pink, having no depigmented areas. [13]
  4. Any color of Lagotto may be seen with white and/or tan markings or some darker areas. The base color may be one of the following: [14]
    • Solid off-white
    • White with patches of orange or brown
    • Orange or orange roan
    • Brown or brown roan
    • A shade of sable
    • It is also possible for the colors to fade or appear diluted as a grey or silver roan, which may be seen as long as it is due to a fade and not a natural solid grey or black. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Analyzing Temperament

  1. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a highly intelligent and alert breed. Training is typically very effective for these dogs, though they require a good deal of mental stimulation. [16]

    Did you know? Their ease of training and overall intelligent and athletic temperament, along with an amazing sense of smell, have earned the Lagotto the nickname of the Italian truffle dog because these dogs are known for being experts at truffle-hunting. [17]

  2. Lagotti are good-natured and loving dogs, valuing human companionship. If properly socialized, they can get along well with other animals and children. [18]
  3. As a sporting breed, Lagotti Romagnoli need regular exercise to vent their energy. Swimming, walking, playing, or participating in sports can help reduce their energy levels. [19]
  4. A Lagotto may be timid or reserved around strangers. Socialization from an early age can help prevent this. [20]
  5. Known to be vastly loyal, Lagotti Romagnoli form strong bonds with their families. They are happiest when around them. [21]
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      Tips

      • Consider DNA testing if you'd like to know your dog's breed. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Lagotto Romagnolo.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lagotto-romagnolo/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lagotto-romagnolo/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lagotto-romagnolo/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LagottoRomagnolo.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/lagotto-romagnolo-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lagotto-romagnolo/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/lagotto-romagnolo-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/lagotto-romagnolo-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/lagotto-romagnolo-temperament/
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/lagotto-romagnolo-temperament/

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