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Lagotto Romagnolo
Sporting breed from Romagna region, Italy
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog breed from the Romagna region of Italy. It has a dense, curly, waterproof coat and is known for its exceptional sense of smell. The breed is classified in the Sporting group, though its recognition status varies by registry. Lagotti are affectionate, intelligent, energetic, loyal, alert, and work-focused. They have an estimated adult weight of 13–16 kg and height of 43–48 cm for both sexes. Their energy and trainability are rated 4 out of 5, grooming need 3, and shedding 2. They are generally suitable with children (score 4) and moderately compatible with other dogs (score 3). Apartment suitability is moderate (score 3). Note that individual temperaments and behaviors can vary.
Quick facts
Lagotto Romagnolo at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginRomagna region, Italy
LifespanPending
Male weight13–16 kilogram
Female weight13–16 kilogram
Male height43–48 centimetre
Female height43–48 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient breed from the Romagna region of Italy. Originally, it was used as a water retriever in the marshlands. When the marshes were drained, the breed was adapted and became the world's premier truffle-hunting dog. Its history is tied to its working roles, but specific dates or events are not documented in the available facts. The breed's origins are clearly in Italy, but the exact timeline of its development is uncertain.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
13–16 kilogramAdult weight43–48 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesCurlyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Affectionateintelligentenergeticloyalalertwork-focused
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Lagotto Romagnolo-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Lagotto Romagnolo puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight13–16 kilogramAdult female weight13–16 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Lagotto Romagnolo?
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight is 13–16 kg for both males and females, and estimated adult height is 43–48 cm. Lifespan is not provided in the available data.
What is the temperament of a Lagotto Romagnolo?
The breed is described as affectionate, intelligent, energetic, loyal, alert, and work-focused. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Lagotto will display all these traits equally.
How much exercise does a Lagotto Romagnolo need?
The breed has an energy score of 4 out of 5, indicating a high need for regular exercise. They are energetic dogs that benefit from daily physical activity and mental stimulation.
What are the grooming requirements for a Lagotto Romagnolo?
Grooming need is rated 3 out of 5. Their curly coat requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to prevent matting. Shedding is low (score 2).
Is a Lagotto Romagnolo suitable for families with children?
The breed has a child suitability score of 4 out of 5, suggesting they are generally good with children. However, supervision and proper introduction are always recommended.
Is a Lagotto Romagnolo good for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate adaptability. They can live in apartments if given sufficient exercise, but a house with a yard may be more ideal.
Where does the Lagotto Romagnolo originate from?
The breed originates from the Romagna region of Italy. It was originally a water retriever in marshlands and later became specialized as a truffle-hunting dog.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.