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The Lagotto Romagnolo, or "Romagna water dog", descended from the Italian dogs that were used to recover game from the water. In fact, His name means "Romaña Lagos dog" in Italian, reflecting its original use and the northern Italian region from which it came, the Romaña.

It was used at least since the Italian Renaissance for this task, especially in the swamps and lagoons present in his native region. In addition to keeping their masters company and watching over their homes, he was also very good at recovering dead ducks that were in the water. They are the Italian equivalent of the Spanish Spaniel and the Irish Spaniel.. Many specialists believe that Romagna Water Dog is the oldest breed of Retrievers and that it is the distant ancestor of many more recent races, as the Golden Retriever, the Portuguese Water Dog and the Poodle. It is also believed to be one of the oldest Italian dog breeds.

The first trace of a similar animal dates back to the 15th century, and more specifically to 1474, in a fresco called Parete dell’Incontro, painted by italian Andrea Mantegna. It was also described by the philosopher Erasmus (1466 – 1536) and appeared in some works of the engraver Marcantonio Raimondi (1480 – 1534).

Later, in the XVIII century, the famous naturalist Carl von Linné (1707-1778) described a Mediterranean Spaniel that closely resembled the Romagna Water Dog.

Towards the end of the 19th century, much of the marshes in the area were drained into farmland, leaving the Romagna Water Dog jobless. But, farmers and other owners soon discovered that he had a great talent for finding truffles, highly appreciated in the world of gastronomy. In fact, this dog's excellent sense of smell, combined with his thick fur that protected him from the branches, brambles and other weeds, made it very efficient. This change of use also implied certain changes in the traits of the breed: his primitive hunting instinct weakened, while he developed an iron concentration very useful in the search for truffles. These two facts were combined so that you would not be distracted by the game when you were working.

But, the number of people searching for truffles was much less than the number of people hunting. As a result, the breed's population decreased dramatically, so that by the middle of the 20th century there were only a few Romagna Water Dog. It also, truffle hunters weren't really interested in developing a breed in their own right: as long as the dog was good at his task, they seemed fine. Consequently, at the beginning of the 20th century there was a certain decrease in interest in the selection of this dog and several poorly thought-out crosses were made with other breeds.

Over the years 70, some thought that the Lagotto Romagnolo had completely disappeared. But, there were still some in Italy, and some passionate breeders took important steps to preserve them. The group was led by Quintino Toschi, breeder and judge of Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI), the main canine organization in the country. With the support of the veterinarian Antonio Marsiano and from another lover of the Lagotto, Lodovico Babini, a selection program was launched to save the dog from the extinction that hung over him. In 1988, they founded a breed club, the Club Italiano Lagotto, and they did a great job to get the breed to develop again in good condition.

The work carried out by this group was a success and allowed the Lagotto Romagnolo was recognized by the ENCI in 1992.

Then it began to be known and spread abroad, particularly in Europe (France, Switzerland, Germany, Finland, Great Britain…), but also much beyond, as in Australia and the United States. Although in some of these countries truffles are not as abundant as in Romagna, the Lagotto found its place in families as a guard and companion dog. It is also possible to find them - although much more rarely- in the water courses, as hunting retrievers.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the breed provisionally in 1995. Ten years later, in 2005, granted him full recognition.

In 1997, was founded the Unione Mondiale dei Club Lagotto Romagnolo (Lagotto Romagnolo Club World Union), in view of the worldwide expansion of the breed. Chaired by the Dr. Giovanni Morsiani, allowed to preserve the original traits of the breed and coordinate quality breeding programs around the world.

That same year a breed club was founded in the United States., the Lagotto Club of America.

In 2001, the American Kennel Club (AKC) agreed to enroll the Lagotto in its Foundation Stock Service, a prerequisite for full recognition that occurred in 2015. The other reference organization in the United States, the United Kennel Club (UKC), recognized her in 2006.

in Canada, the Lagotto Romagnolo debuted in 1999. The first specimen imported into the country came from a famous Italian kennel called Farnie. That same year a first calf was created in Alberta. Others followed him in 2000 and 2004, respectively in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Although these pioneer hatcheries no longer exist today, contributed greatly to the spread of the breed in the Canadian territory. The breed was provisionally recognized in 2012 by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and then definitely in 2016.

Finally, en el Reino Unido, the romanian spaniel was accepted by the prestigious Kennel Club in the year 2000.

Photo: «Lagotto Romagnolo» de 6 meses by XTY78, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After having been on the verge of extinction half a century ago, the Romagna Water Dog seems to be as popular today in its home country as it was at some point in its history, and it is even more and more successful.

Like this, while the number of annual registrations in the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI) was around the 1.500 early in the decade 2010, reached the 2.000 in 2014 and even approached the 2.500 at the end of the decade.

In France, the Romagna Water Dog has quickly conquered hearts. At the beginning of the 21st century, the number of dogs registered each year in the LOF (Book of French Origins) you could count on the fingers of one hand. A midyear 2000 he was already in his fifties, and then shot up to exceed 300 at the end of the decade. The success of Lagotto did not stop in the decade of 2010, quite the contrary: they ended up with some 500 births per year.

In Switzerland, the Lagotto is also well represented. According to statistics from the official Amicus database, in 2017 was the 28th most represented breed in the country, at around 3.500 animals.

On the other hand, in the UK it is much more discreet, although it seems that it begins to break through. Since the decade of 2000 until early next, there was no more than 20 or 30 births per year registered in the Kennel Club. But, this figure reached about 50 in the mid 2010, and then tripled in no time, to the point of ending the decade with more than 150 by year.

The Lagotto Romagnolo it is also small in the United States. The Lagotto Romagnolo ranks in the middle of the breed ranking based on number of annual AKC registrations, around the post 100.

But, the breed has spread throughout the world in recent decades, with a success in some countries that was not easy to imagine. This is the case of Australia, where the first records in the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) go back to the year 2000. Just fifteen years later, in the middle of the Decade of 2010, the organization already counted between 300 and 400 annual births.

The Lagotto Romagnolo it is a small to medium sized dog, solid build and rather square profile. In fact, its length should be approximately equal to its height at the withers. They give an overall impression of robustness and strength.

The back is straight and muscular, with a strong and slightly convex loin. The chest is well developed and reaches to the elbows.

The tail is covered with stiff, woolly hair.. It is not too high or too low and reaches the level of the hocks.

The front legs are well muscled with a fine but robust bone structure. Their feet are rounded and compact, with clenched fingers. As for the hind legs, they are very powerful, while still being well proportioned. The feet are a little more oval than the front ones, with slightly less arched fingers. On all legs, the pads are very resistant, the claws well curved and solid.

The skull is quite wide and slightly convex when viewed from the side. Neck is strong, muscular and much more massive in males than in females.

The ears are medium-sized and triangular in shape, but rather rounded at the tips. They are hanging and reach the level of the dog's jaws.

The eyes are round, large and quite far apart. Its color can be ocher, dark brown or hazelnut. Then already Romagna Water Dog a very attentive and lively expression.

The muzzle is quite wide and slightly shorter than the skull. Finish off with a nose that can range from flesh-colored to dark brown., it is quite large and has large nostrils.

The lips are rather thin and covered with long and somewhat bristly whiskers.. They cover powerful scissor-shaped jaws.

The skin is quite fine and pigmented. Goes from very light to dark brown, according to coat color.

The coat consists, first, in a highly water resistant underlayer. It is covered by a very dense top layer, curly and woolly. The tight curls give the impression that the dog is disheveled all over the body. The curls are a little looser on the head, showing the beard, the mustache and bushy eyebrows.

The coat can be whitish, white with brown or orange highlights, orange red, brownish red or completely brown (in any shade of this color). Tan markings are also allowed in all shades, regardless of the dog's coat color.

It is worth mentioning that the fur of the Lagotto Romagnolo takes time to acquire its characteristic appearance, since it is not until 2 or 3 years of age. In effect, her curls form only very gradually; when he is still a puppy, its fur is very soft.

Last, the breed is characterized by a certain sexual dimorphism. In addition to having a more solid neck than the female, the male is usually taller and more massive than the female.

▷ Male size: 43 – 48 cm.
▷ female size: 41 – 46 cm..
▷ Male weight: 13 – 16 kg
▷ female weight: 11 – 14 kg

The Lagotto Romagnolo is smart and lively, but he is also close to his family, with which he enjoys.

This is especially true of the very young., which makes it a very good dog breed choice for children. Their high energy level allows you to spend hours playing with them without getting tired. But, as with any of his peers, should never be left alone with a young child without adult supervision. This is all the more true as it has a relatively high energy level and could, for example, unintentionally pushing or even knocking down your young partner.

The Romagna Water Dog he also gets along very well with other dogs, whether they live in the same house or just pass each other on a walk. Having largely lost the strong hunting instinct of a few centuries ago, they can also get along with other animals such as cats, rodents and birds. If you have to share your home with one of them, coexistence is so much easier as it is established as soon as you get home. In any case, it is important to socialize him well from an early age and get him used to meeting representatives of other species: so you will have less desire to chase them throughout your life. In any case, if he is not well socialized and his hunting instinct tends to prevail, or if you do not respond perfectly to the call for attention, it may be preferable to walk it on a leash than in freedom.

The sense of smell is not the only one that is very acute in this dog. In fact, he also has excellent hearing, that allows you to hear from afar anyone who approaches you. It also, fully fulfills the role of alert dog, barking and warning his owner as soon as an unknown person approaches his house. But, your role ends there: as it is not one of those who threaten or impress, not really a good watchdog.

The Lagotto Romagnolo tends to keep some distance from strangers at first, even if they are invited by their master and the introductions are done correctly: it may be a while before they trust. But, once well socialized and educated, he ends up getting used to their presence and is very friendly with them. In fact, some of the breed representatives are open enough to be used as psychological support dogs, visiting hospitals, schools or even prisons, and bringing comfort wherever they go.

To accept new people, you have to be comfortable in your own home, as well as on their paws. As such, should be physically active for at least one hour daily, for example, through walks, games, puzzles or dog sports like agility or flyball. His physical abilities and his resistance also allow him to happily accompany the sportsmen in their races., mountain bike rides or hikes. But, it can also be a good match for retired people, as long as they stay active enough and can get it out enough every day. In any case, how you tend to get bored easily, It is convenient to offer you varied activities and regularly change the places of your walk.

Swimming is also a great way to get your dog to exercise.. In fact, the centuries that it has spent being used as a waterfowl retriever explain that it is a dog that loves water. He loves to swim and enjoys every moment he spends in a lake or river. One of his favorite games is to go to find and recover the objects that his master throws into the water..

If you are not given enough opportunity to exercise and get bored, or if it suffers a lack of attention from its owners (either because they are absent too often and for too long, or because they neglect him), the Romagna Water Dog is likely to develop a number of undesirable behaviors. In particular, may start barking untimely and become excessively loud. If you have access to a garden, can start digging holes to search for objects or food under the ground. Degrading objects or stealing food are also part of their history. All these behaviors are the sign of a psychological distress that is important to treat, and for which the owner is often responsible.

On the other hand, as long as their care and physical activity needs are respected, the Romagna Water Dog he is a very affectionate companion, that he does not stop appreciating the most cuddly moments and that he is very calm.

It also, as long as I have enough outings and activities, can be fully adapted to life in the city and in an apartment, although the ideal environment for him is still a house with access to a garden. But, it is not a question of relegating it to the bottom of the garden, for example in a kennel: I would hardly tolerate it and it would be very likely that symptoms of separation anxiety would appear.

Last, It should be noted that the female of the Lagotto Romagnolo reaches psychological maturity long before the male.

The Lagatto Romagnolo he is intelligent and devoted: very eager to please, he has in his heart to understand what his owner wants, and meet your expectations. This makes it an easy dog ​​to train and suitable even for a beginner..

The most experienced people can go a long way in their education, because it was selected to quickly understand complex commands. It is not by chance that he often shines in obedience competitions.

Having said that, the practice in which you can excel the most is, of course, the hunt for truffles, allowing you to exploit your developed sense of smell. This does not require a great effort, since it is very easy to train a truffle dog, as long as you know how to do it.

Whatever your future mission, it is best to base the training of the Romagna Water Dog in fun and varied exercises. In effect, his intelligence and alertness mean that he can get bored quickly if the sessions are repetitive. It is also important not to go for methods that are too strict for your taste.; it is better to bet on positive reinforcement, that motivates you to learn and makes things easier.

In any case, the fact that he is docile and obedient does not exempt you from having clear house rules, and to teach you quickly. As with any dog, You have to decide from the beginning what you can do and what you are not allowed to do., and try to keep it after, that is to say, be consistent over time. This consistency should also apply from one family member to another.: everyone must enforce the same rules, uniformly. If these conditions are not respected, the child is likely confused, having difficulty understanding what is expected of him, what is and what is not allowed.

The Lagotto Romagnolo it is a generally resistant dog: when you are not experiencing any major health problems, can live long enough until 17 years, which is significantly above the average of its congeners that have such a template.

It also, its thick coat protects it not only from water and humidity, but also from the cold. Therefore, it can live very well in significantly less accommodating climates than its native Italy., its origins explain why it is not particularly sensitive to high temperatures.

Despite his generally good health, It, like all races, particularly susceptible to certain diseases, in this case, is about:

• The Hip Dysplasia, a disease whose onset may be favored by a hereditary predisposition, which especially affects medium to large sized dogs.This is an abnormal conformation of the hip joint, that can cause pain, lameness and some difficulty moving.It also promotes the formation ofosteoarthritis aAs the animal ages, if the problem is detected early, some surgeries can delay the effects of the disease or relieve symptoms;
• The Dysplasiadelcodo, a developmental problem of the elbow joint that causes pain or lameness., also leads to the development ofosteoarthritis.Like hip, a hereditary predisposition can increase the probability of its occurrence. It is possible to limit the consequences thanks to a surgical intervention, to be done as soon as possible;
• The juvenile epilepsy, an inherited disease of the nervous system characterized by seizures, generally observable from the first 5 to 9 puppy weeks.In most cases, symptoms go away on their own around the 4 months of age, although some dogs with the disease continue to experience occasional episodes of seizures well into adulthood.The gene that originates it is particularly widespread in Lagotto Romagnolo: according to the data provided by the laboratories that carry out the tests that allow the disease to be identified (Optigen in the United States, Mydogdna in Germany and Genoscoper in Finland) 46. % of the representatives of the tested breed carry it., only 3% of the total population actually suffer from the symptoms of the disease;
• The ataxia cerebelosa, a neurological disease causing an inherited movement coordination disorder., it is also a source of involuntary muscle contractures problems.There is no treatment forla ataxia cerebelosa, whose symptoms worsen and lead todog euthanasiaabout two years after its appearance;
• Abiotrofia cerebelosa, a nerve condition that can be inherited and is caused by the degeneration of certain brain cells. Its main symptoms are tremors and inappropriate movements, especially when facing an obstacle.There is no cure for this disease, but it does not cause physical suffering to the dog. However, as the situation progressively worsens, there comes a time when the disability is too severe, so euthanasia is recommended;
• Distrofia neuroaxonal, which corresponds to an accumulation of various substances in neurons. It is the particular cause of head tremors, balance disorders or even falls. These symptoms usually appear in the puppy's first month. There is no treatment for this potentially hereditary disease, which very often leads to the euthanasia of the animal;
• Lysosomal storage disease, an inherited neurological disorder that often leads to euthanasia., is at the origin of uncoordinated movements and loss of balance. According to a study published in 2015 in the scientific journal Plos Genetics and entitled «Missense in the ATG4D gene links aberrant autophagy with neurodegenerative vacuolar storage disease«, approximately 12% of the Lagotti are carriers of the genetic mutation at the origin of this disease There is no cure and things are only getting worse;Therefore, an affected subject dies very young or ends up being euthanized.
• The waterfall, a disease causing progressive loss of vision due to clouding of the lens, sometimes inherited and mainly affecting the elderly, can be cured with surgery;
• Infections ofear (otitis, etc.), due to the hanging shape of his ears.

It also, the Romagna Water Dog also poses a risk of being overweight. Not to be taken lightly, since being overweight can lead to various health problems, but also aggravate pathologies already present in the affected animal.

But, Many of the diseases to which the breed is exposed are or may be of hereditary origin., the utmost vigilance is required when choosing acreator of Lagotto Romagnolo.A professional worthy of the name, as well as ensuring that your puppies benefit from good socialization from their first weeks, is committed to maximizing the chances that they will be and stay healthy. To achieve this, is in charge of carefully selecting its breeders, making them pass various genetic tests to avoid any transmission to their descendants of a possible hereditary defect., must be able to present the results of such tests, that may also have been done on the little ones themselves., must present a veterinary certificate attesting to the good health of the puppy whose adoption is being considered, as well as your health or vaccination history, the latter in particular confirms that the animal has received the various required vaccinations.

Once the latter returns to his new home, It is worth remembering that a dog is particularly vulnerable during its first few months., inappropriate physical activities (too long and / or too intense) can easily cause injury, but also affect the proper development of bones and joints, with potentially long-lasting consequences., it is better to wait for him to reach adulthood to take him for long walks or hunt for truffles for hours, for example. This is even more true that this breed is particularly prone to some joint problems (Hip Dysplasiaandelbow dysplasia).

From then on, it is not because you are an adult that you should no longer worry about your health. Throughout your life, should benefit like any dog ​​from rigorous monitoring, including a visit to the vet once a year, and even more regularly when you are older, this allows the professional to perform a complete check-up of your health, and sometimes detect a problem that a less informed eye like the owner's could not, yet, This is also the perfect time to take any booster dose.

In addition to the diseases against which the latter protect you, it is also necessary to ensure that you are permanently protected against parasites and the risks they imply.So, It is the responsibility of the owner to renew the antiparasitic treatments of his companion throughout the year.This is even more important for people who spend a lot of time outdoors..

Life expectancy

13 years

Feeding a Romagna Water Dog not particularly difficult: a balanced and good quality industrial feed is perfectly adequate. But, it is important to choose products and establish portions adapted to their age, health and physical activity level.

The latter can vary significantly during the year, especially in the case of an individual used for truffle hunting during the winter season. It is then necessary to adjust upwards the amount of food that is given each day, so that you benefit from a sufficient energy supply and can work in good conditions. On the other hand, once the period in question has ended, servings should return to normal level, to prevent you from suffering from overweight problems.

When the dog is young, the ration must be adapted to the growth period in which it is. This is especially important because an inappropriate diet could be detrimental to the puppy's physical development.: if the food is too rich or is given in too large quantities, could grow too fast, which could lead to joint problems. Otherwise, insufficient nutrition could cause deficiencies and growth problems.

This is especially true because the Lagotto Romagnolo is easily prone to obesity. That is why it is important to pay attention to the evolution of your weight and weigh it twice a month.. If a discrepancy is observed, which is confirmed or even increased in the following measurements, it is necessary to visit the vet. Only a professional can safely determine the cause of weight gain, which may not be related to the dog's diet or activity level, but with a disease or a treatment, for example. Once the cause of the problem has been identified, the vet will be able to advise how to remedy it and return the dog to a healthy weight.

In any case, the fact that the Romagna Water Dog being prone to obesity implies that some caution should be exercised regarding the use of treats, although they can be very useful, especially in the context of training. The ideal is to opt for low-calorie products and deduct their caloric intake from your daily ration.

This propensity to be overweight also justifies dividing your daily ration into multiple meals.: even if I have a sweet tooth, less likely to order food when you know another is waiting for you later.

Last, like any dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo a bowl of clean, fresh water should always be available to you.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is covered in thick, curly fur that needs a lot of maintenance.

First of all, it is necessary to brush it about twice a week, to avoid knot formation. The longer the coat, more important is to take the opportunity to examine it to remove dirt and other weeds, and undo the knots, especially around the joints: this will prevent injury or irritation caused by rubbing. It is also a good idea to get in the habit of examining your fur after a long period in a humid environment or with very dense vegetation..

On the other hand, sheds very little and has no seasonal molting periods. If we add to this that he does not drool much, This makes it an especially appreciated companion for people who are very attached to cleanliness., but also for those who suffer from allergies. Thus, are often presented as a hypoallergenic dog breed, but you have to remember that none of them is 100% hypoallergenic and that the amount of allergens emitted can vary significantly from one individual to another, even within the same race. So, there is nothing to replace a test in real conditions, consisting of spending a few hours in the company of the animal whose adoption is being considered.

Regarding the bathroom, a monthly frequency is adequate to keep the dog's coat clean. Lagotto Romagnolo, without affecting its natural ability to resist water and inclement weather. But, it is important to use a mild shampoo specially designed for dogs, otherwise your skin will be damaged, and do not dry or brush it after bathing, which could damage her beautiful curls.

It also, their hairs grow quickly and require regular trimming, at the rate of some 3 or 4 times a year. The latter can be done by a professional dog groomer or directly by its owner., if he knows how to do it.

Ears of the Lagotto Romagnolo require rigorous maintenance, since its hanging shape and the hairs that grow around it constitute fertile ground for the development of infections caused by the accumulation of moisture and dirt. So, it is imperative to examine and clean them weekly, as well as after every long outing in nature. This is especially important if the animal has been in a humid environment or has been swimming., and it is important to dry it well. It also, it is recommended to regularly trim the hair around the ears to prevent wax and dirt from settling there.

You should also check your eyes weekly and clean the area around them if they are dirty.. Hair around the eyes can cause infections to develop there too. If to that we add that they can obstruct the vision of the dog, the interest of cutting them regularly is easily understood.

Regarding the teeth, they must be brushed regularly to avoid the formation of dental plaque, which can itself be the cause of many oral problems. The ideal is daily brushing and, in any case, it is better not to brush less than once a week. In any case, it is advisable to systematically use a toothpaste intended for the canine species.

The claws of the Lagotto Romagnolo they tend to be much less demanding in terms of maintenance, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors: this usually allows them to file naturally. But, it is convenient to make sure that it really is so. In fact, if they get too long, can hinder the dog's movements, and even hurt you a lot if they break. If you hear them rubbing against the ground when walking on hard surfaces, It is a sign that you have to cut them manually.

Whether the fur, the ears, the eyes, teeth or even claws, take care of a Lagotto Romagnolo requires mastering a series of gestures. If they are not necessarily complex, better make sure you do them correctly, not only for good results, but also and above all so as not to risk hurting your partner, or even injure him. So, the first time it may be wise to make an appointment with the vet or a groomer, to learn from a professional how to proceed. In any case, it is advisable to accustom your pet to this type of manipulation as soon as possible, Since, otherwise, maintenance sessions could be especially unpleasant for you.

Originally, the Lagotto Romagnolo used -and selected- to retrieve game that fell into the water. This selection explains its particularly waterproof coat and its very pronounced taste for swimming..

Since the end of the 19th century, after the drying up of many swamps in its Romagna natal, dedicates body and soul to the search for truffles. Today, it is the only breed of dog that is bred specifically for this task. Her highly developed sense of smell and her innate propensity to search by digging holes make her a true expert in this field..

He is also an excellent companion dog today, that is sociable and easy to train. They are suitable for beginners and are especially suited to families, especially those who are quite active. They are especially popular with those allergic to dogs, since they shed very little hair and only release a small amount of allergenic proteins. But, no dog can be considered 100% hypoallergenic, therefore compatibility cannot be guaranteed: there is nothing to replace a trial period of several hours with the person whose adoption is being considered.

Wide awake, the Lagotto Romagnolo It is also an excellent alert dog that does not hesitate to bark when an unfamiliar person approaches its home. On the other hand, can't really take on the role of watchdog, since they are not aggressive or threatening to strangers, and it would be very unlikely that they would chase them away.

On the other hand, His excellent sense of smell obviously works wonders in crawling competitions and, of course, in the romps. They can also be distinguished in dog sports that highlight their great energy and intelligence., like agility, flyball or obedience.

Last, due to his friendly and always uniform temperament, sometimes used as a therapy dog, for example in hospitals, schools or prisons.

In France and Belgium, the price of a puppy Lagotto Romagnolo ranges between 800 and 1.500 EUR, and the average is about 1.100 EUR.

in your country of origin, Italy, you have to tell about 600 to 1400 EUR. For a person who doesn't live very far, import may be an option to consider, since there are many more farms there, and therefore a greater offer.

in Canada, breeders usually ask for an amount that is around 2400 canadian dollars. But, patience is often necessary, since the small number of breeders in the country makes it common to find yourself on a waiting list. This is especially true if you are looking for a puppy of a certain color..

The amount to pay to adopt a puppy from Lagotto Romagnolo in the United States it ranges from 1.800 and 2.500 American dollars.

In the case of an import from abroad, It is advisable to bear in mind that additional costs must be added to the purchase price: administrative expenses, quarantine, transport…

In any case, whatever the country, the price that is asked depends on the prestige of the kennel and the lineage from which the puppy comes, as well as its intrinsic characteristics, especially on the physical plane, that is to say, its greater or lesser conformity with the standard. It also, it is this point that explains why important price differences are sometimes observed within the same litter.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Romagna Water Dog" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Adaptation ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	friendly dog ​​ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	hair loss ⓘ 1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection level ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Need for exercise ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Social need ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Home ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Toilet ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Friendly with strangers ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
barking ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Health ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Territorial ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Cat friendly ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Intelligence ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Versatility ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Child friendly ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Surveillance ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	joy ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Photos:

1 – «Romagna water dog» by https://pixabay.com/es/photos/lagotto-romagnolo-perro-cachorro-4272671/
2 – "Romagna water dog" in the Poznań world canine exhibition Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3 – "Romagna water dog" La Gottis Campione by Flickr
4 – "Romagna water dog" by Rdo01, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
5 – «Romagna water dog» during the canine exposure in Katowice, Polonia by Lilly M, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
6 – "Romagna dog" 2½ year Entheta, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• FCI CLASSIFICATION:
• Group 8: Retrievers, Hunting Lifting Dogs, Water Dogs.
• Section 3: Water Dogs. .

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 8: Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs – Section 3: Water Dogs ⓘ
• – AKC – Sporting ⓘ
• – ANKC – Group 3 (Gundogs) ⓘ
• – CKC – Sporting Dogs ⓘ
• – ​KC – Gundog ⓘ
• – NZKC – Gundog ⓘ
• – UKC – Gun Dogs ⓘ

Italy

30.09.2019

Use:

Truffle hunting dog.

General appearance:

Its size ranges from small to medium; well balanced, It is powerful and of rustic appearance. Their fur is dense, shaggy and curly.

The dog is almost as tall as he is long (almost square). Head length measures 4/10 the height at the withers. The length of the skull should be slightly more than the length of the muzzle. The depth of the chest is less than 50% (a few 44%) the height at the withers.

His natural gift for search and his good smell have made this race very efficient to find truffles. The ancient hunting instinct has been modified by genetic selection, so your work is not distracted by the smell of prey. The Lagotto is manageable, Undemanding, enthusiastic, loving, very attached to its owner and easy to train. Also a very good companion and an excellent watchdog.

Head:

Seen from above, trapezoidal in shape and moderately wide; the upper longitudinal axes of the skull and muzzle are slightly divergent.

• Skull: It is wide in the region of the zygomatic arches, and it is as long as it is wide. Seen on side, from occiput to naso-frontal depression, must be longer than the muzzle. It is slightly convex and tends to flatten at the back of the skull. Well developed frontal sinuses, Eyebrows marked, the pronounced mid-frontal sulcus, occipital crest short and underdeveloped, slightly marked supraorbital fossa.
• Stop: Not too pronounced, but obvious.

facial region:

• Truffle: Large with wide open and mobile nostrils. Strongly pronounced middle groove. In profile, The nose continues on the same level as the snout and stands out very slightly from the front edge of the lips. The color varies from light brown to dark, depending on the color of the coat.
• Snout: Very wide, slightly shorter than the skull, its depth is only slightly less than the length. The muzzle is slightly wedge-shaped and gives a rather blunt profile. The nasal bridge has a straight profile.
• Lips: The lips are not too thick; they are rather tight, so that the jaw determines the lower profile of the snout. The lips are covered with a rather shaggy long haired mustache. Seen from the front, The lips form a wide semicircle. The color of the edge of the lips varies from light to dark.
• Jaws / Teeth: Strong jaws with almost straight branches and relatively broad mandibular body. Scissor or pincer bite with well-developed white full teeth. A slight reverse scissor bite is acceptable.
• Cheeks: Flat.
• Eyes: Big but never over the top, round, completely fill the eye socket and are quite far apart. The color of the iris ranges from ocher to hazelnut and dark brown, depending on the color of the coat. The eyelids are well adjusted and the color varies from light brown to dark. Very well developed eyelashes. Look alert, lively and cheerful expression.
• Ears: Medians in proportion to the head, triangular with rounded tips; its base is rather broad; inserted just above the zygomatic arches. Hanging at rest or slightly elevated when the dog is attentive. If they stretch towards the nose they should reach 1/4 the length of the muzzle. The inside of the atrium is also covered with hair.

   

Neck:

Strong, muscular, delgado, its cross section is oval; well inserted from the nape of the neck and absolutely free of dewlap, slightly arched. In males the neck perimeter can reach twice its length. The length of the neck is slightly less than the total length of the head.

Body:

Compact and strong, the same length as your height at the withers.

• top line: Straight from the withers to the rump.
• Cross: Rises above the level of the rump; the highest points of the scapulae are not too close together but set high and lean back well.
• Back: Straight, very muscular.
• Pork loin: Short, very strong, slightly convex profile. The width is equal to or slightly greater than its length.
• Rump: Long, wide, muscular, slightly tilted.
• Breast : Well developed, reaching to the elbows. Although quite narrow in the front, from the sixth rib it widens towards the back.
• Bottom line and belly: Long sternal section in the form of a straight line; then slightly retracted

Tail:

Insertion neither too high nor too low tapering towards the end. When hanging, it should barely reach the hock. Is covered in woolly or somewhat chalky hair. At rest wears scimitar-shaped; when attentive decidedly elevated. When working or excited you can carry it on your back, but never curled.

Tips

• General appearance: Regular, upright viewed from the front and in profile.
• Shoulder: Long shoulder blades, well leaning back (52 ° -55 °), muscular, strong and tightly attached to the chest, but with a free movement.
• Arm: muscular, thin bone structure, the same length as the scapula, His inclination with respect to horizontal is 58º - 60º.
• Elbows: Well attached to the chest but not too tight, covered with thin skin; parallel to the mid-sagittal plane of the body like the arms. The tip of the elbow is located in a vertical line from the posterior end of the scapula to the ground.
• Forearm: Perfectly vertical, long, with compact and strong bones of oval section.
• Carpo: Seen from the front in a vertical line with the forearm; fine, robust and mobile; markedly protruding pisiform bone.
• Metacarpus: Somewhat thinner and thinner in bone compared to the forearm, it is thin and flexible. In profile, forming an angle of 75 ° -80 ° regarding the ground.
• Previous feet: Slightly round, compact, with arched and clenched fingers. Strong and curved nails. Well pigmented pads. Very well developed interdigital membranes.

• General appearance: Powerful, vertical position, seen from the back, well proportioned to the size of the dog and parallel.
• Thigh: Long, With well -defined and visible muscles. The shaft of the femur has a marked inclination of 80 ° regarding horizontal. The thigh is parallel to the median plane of the body.
• Knee: The knee angle ranges from 130 ° -135 °.
• Leg: Slightly longer than the thigh, of good bones and muscular, with marked muscle groove. Its inclination with respect to the horizontal is 50 ° a 55 °. Its direction is parallel to the median plane of the body.
• Hock: Width, thick, delgado, with a marked and well angulated bone.
• Metatarsus: Delgado, cylindrical, perpendicular to the ground. Without spurs.
• Hind feet: Slightly more oval than the previous ones and the fingers somewhat less arched.

Movement:

Regular step; brisk and fast jog, gallop for short periods.

Skin

Thin, stuck all over the body, without wrinkles. The pigmentation of the skin in connection with the mucous membranes and that of the pads varies from light brown to dark and very dark.

Mantle

• Fur: Wool texture, never braided to form fine cords, semi-rough texture with tight ring-shaped curls and visible undercoat. The curls should be evenly distributed throughout the body and tail., except in the head, where the curls are not so tight, forming abundant eyebrows, mustaches and beard. The cheeks are covered with thick hair. In the ears, hair tends to show looser curls, but it's still very wavy. No short hair in the ears. The outer hair and especially the sub hair are waterproof. If it is not trimmed, hair tends to become felt (since it continues to grow), so a complete cut should be done at least once a year. Felt textured outer and inner hair should be removed periodically. The trimmed hair should not have more than four centimeters and must be uniform with the dog's silhouette. Only in the head can it be longer, but not long enough to cover the eyes. In the area around the genitals and the anus the hair should be short. Hair should not be shaped or brushed like a Poodle or a Bichon Frise or be cut short to avoid curling or texture can be assessed. Any excess haircut will exclude the dog from being graded. The correct cut helps accentuate the natural look, rustic and typical of the race.
• Color: solid off-white, white with brown or orange spots, orange roan, ruano, brown (in different shades) with or without white, orange with or without white. Some dogs have a brown to dark brown mask. Tan stains are allowed (in different shades).

Size and weight:

Height to the cross:

• Males: 43- 48 cm. (ideal height: 46 cm.).
• females: 41- 46 cm. (ideal height: 43 cm.)

tolerance 1 cm more or less.

Weight:

• Males: 13 - 16 kg.
• females: 11 - 14 kg.

Fouls:

Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria is considered as a fault and the severity of this is considered to the degree of the deviation to the standard and its consequences on the health and well-being of the dog., and the dog's ability to perform its traditional task.

• Aggressiveness or extreme shyness.
• Any dog ​​showing clear signs of physical or behavioral abnormalities.
• Atypical specimen.
• Converging axes of skull and muzzle.
• Partial depigmentation and / the total.
• Concave muzzle.
• Enognathic bite
• Pronounced prognathic bite.
• Eyes gazeos.
• Tail carried curled on the back; anuria the glue cut, either congenital or artificial.
• amputated tail.
• Hair not curly or trimmed too short.
• Hair forming cords.
• Carved cut.
• Black hair color, black spots or black pigmentation.
• Over or under the indicated size.

• Males should have two normal-appearing testicles fully descended into the scrotum..
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with the typical conformation of the breed, should be used for parenting.

The latest changes are in bold

Via: FCI

Source: F.C.I - International Cynological Federation

1. Lagotto Romagnolo (English).
2. Lagotto Romagnolo, Lagotto (French).
3. Lagotto Romagnolo (German).
4. Lagotto romagnolo (Portuguese).
5. Lagotto romagnolo, Lagotto de Romagna, Perro de laguna de Romagna (español).