Current Health Status of the Lagotto Romagnolo​

​As the breed gains in popularity especially following recent media attention and show success it’s essential for both pet owners and breeders to stay informed about its current health landscape

Common Genetic Conditions
Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD)
LSD is a serious neurodegenerative disorder caused by a recessive gene. Affected puppies may exhibit behavioral changes, motor dysfunction, and failure to thrive. Genetic testing is critical to prevent affected litters.

Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE)
This condition causes seizures in puppies, typically appearing around five weeks of age. Fortunately, most affected dogs outgrow the seizures by 13 weeks and go on to live normal lives. Breeders should test for BFJE and educate buyers about its temporary nature.

Hip Dysplasia
Lagottos are susceptible to hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Screening breeding dogs and maintaining a healthy weight and exercise routine are key to prevention.

Eye Disorders
Lagottos may be prone to several inherited eye conditions, including:

• Cataracts
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Routine eye exams and genetic testing help detect these issues early.

Distichiasis: A Nuanced Issue
Distichiasis occurs when extra eyelashes grow inward from the eyelid, potentially irritating the cornea. Symptoms may include redness, tearing, and in severe cases corneal ulcers. While serious cases may require veterinary treatment, mild distichiasis (such as a few misplaced lashes) should not automatically exclude a dog from breeding.

 CDDY / IVDD: A Growing Concern

Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) is a genetic mutation involving an extra copy of the FGF4 gene. In Lagottos, this mutation is linked to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)a painful condition where spinal discs degenerate and may herniate, potentially causing nerve damage or paralysis.• Dogs with one copy of the mutation (heterozygous) may already show disc degeneration.
Although a test has been available since 2017/2018 there has been very little awareness of the condition until recently. Unlike breeds with obvious dwarfism, Lagottos often show milder physical signs of CDDY. This made it harder to associate the mutation with clinical symptoms like disc degeneration, delaying concern and testing uptake among breeders. there is still a lack of awareness amongst breeders about this condition.

• Dogs with two copies (homozygous) are at higher risk and may be smaller in stature.

CDDY is inherited in a semi-dominant fashion, meaning even carriers can show symptoms. Responsible breeders now routinely test for this mutation and factor it into their breeding decisions.

If the dog is otherwise healthy and genetically clear, it may be responsibly bred to a dog with clear eyes. This balanced approach helps preserve valuable genetics without compromising welfare.

 Genetic Diversity Matters

While avoiding affected dogs is crucial, excluding all carriers from breeding can dangerously shrink the gene pool. Mating a carrier with a non-carrier is a safe and strategic way to preserve genetic diversity without producing affected puppies. This approach supports the breed’s long-term vitality and resilience and longevity.

Some further Information on genetic testing in Lagotto.
Why Mating a Carrier with a Non-Carrier Can Be Okay in Lagotto Breeding

In the world of Lagotto Romagnolo breeding, genetic health is a top priority—but so is genetic diversity. While it may seem intuitive to avoid carriers of known genetic conditions altogether, doing so can unintentionally shrink the breed’s gene pool and increase the risk of other health issues down the line.

Understanding Carriers

A carrier is a dog that possesses one copy of a recessive gene for a condition but does not exhibit symptoms. When bred with a non-carrier, none of the offspring will be affected though some may also be carriers. This type of pairing is genetically safe and allows breeders to retain valuable traits without compromising health.

 The Importance of Genetic Diversity

Lagottos, like many purebred dogs, already face limited genetic diversity due to historical bottlenecks  If breeders were to exclude all carriers from breeding programs, the remaining population would become increasingly genetically similar. This can lead to:

• Higher inbreeding coefficients
• Increased risk of new or rare disorders
• Reduced resilience to environmental stressors and disease
Maintaining a broad gene pool is essential for the long-term health and sustainability of the breed A.

 Responsible Breeding Practices

Mating a carrier to a non-carrier is a strategic compromise:

• It avoids producing affected puppies
• It preserves valuable genetic traits
• It supports the breed’s overall vitality

Of course, this requires transparent genetic testing, careful pedigree analysis, and informed decision-making. 

 Conclusion

Eliminating all carriers from Lagotto breeding might seem like a safe bet but it’s not a sustainable one. Thoughtful carrier-to-clear matings are not only acceptable, they’re often necessary to protect the breed’s future. Genetic health isn’t just about avoiding disease. It’s about nurturing diversity, resilience, and longevity.
 

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