**Important information**
**OCT 2020** - I have decided to write an extra caveat due to the increasing puppy enquiries I am receiving and the concern I have regarding some of the inaccurate and misleading information about the Lagotto Romagnolo. Advertised as 'A lovely curly coated dog , an ideal family pet that is great with children and other pets" , " a fun loving dog who enjoys being with people" "Can be cheeky but in a fun loving way". Yeah right!! None of these is something I would put as a 'headline' for a Lagotto . Think Border Collie with a curly coat! High maintenance, hard work, reserved and somewhat suspicious of strangers although love their own humans and group of dog friends. In general Lagottos do not bound up to meet either new dogs or humans as they are not particularly interested in being sociable with either and much prefer their own space. Probably the antithesis as say a Labrador!
The Lagotto arrived in the UK in 1996. There were very few, perhaps 150 or less in the UK when Cia first came into my home back in 2004. I was working with a breed that was relatively unknown both in the UK and Europe. They are still a relatively young breed and we are still getting to understand and learn the particular nuances of the Lagotto. I sometimes describe them as a mix of collie, spaniel, sheltie and terrier so quite a combination! Lagottos are used to finding truffles outdoors, living as working dogs In Italy, similar to border collies being used on working farms. Their working traits are still very much alive and sometimes this does not match our ideal image of a well behaved pet dog living alongside us. Take the lovely curly coat away and I suspect the Lagotto would not be as popular due to the hard work needed with this breed.
It's not a breed I would advise for a first time dog owner unless you know you will get regular and ongoing support from your breeder and are aware of the amount of work, training, energy and time required in training these dogs especially over the first year of having a Lagotto. Certainly the learning curve for you as the owner will be much greater than with many other breeds such as a Labrador , cocker spaniel or cockepoo!! For those that have previously owned dogs don't expect all your previous dog knowledge to work with these guys. They are very intelligent and can be stubborn if they find they like doing something which isn't desirable by the owner. In my experience they are not a very forgiving breed and it needs to be worth their while for them to change their minds about something.
This is a working dog!
They need regular socialisation and training and this needs to be on an ongoing basis or it may affect their behaviour. They are very clever and liable to outsmart their owners if you are not continually one step ahead of them. They must get used to regular handling and grooming from day one otherwise it may take extra training and effort if this has been left too late in their development. Get to a groomers within 12 weeks of age and have the coat clipped off. Make sure you are getting them used to brushing daily. You have grooming responsibilities for the rest of the life with this dog so the sooner you get started with habituation for your puppy the easier and less stressful t's going to be for you both!!
They are certainly at their best when they are working or have a 'job' due to their particular energy levels. Many owners have found them to be challenging and been surprised at the amount of time and energy required in keeping up with these dogs. They go through what I would describe as exaggerated "fear periods' compared to other breeds so understanding, knowledge and patience will be required to help your dog successfully transit through these periods. Research has shown that Lagottos can be particularly noise sensitive so this is something to be aware of. They are sensitive dogs and take gentle handling although need firm and consistent boundaries.
In conclusion this isn't a dog that you raise as a puppy and think they know everything and can happily live alongside the family. This is a dog that you will always be kept on your toes with due to its natural working instincts and high level of intelligence. You will have to continue to keep up with good training and socialisation practices otherwise behavioural problems may well occur.
The Lagotto arrived in the UK in 1996. There were very few, perhaps 150 or less in the UK when Cia first came into my home back in 2004. I was working with a breed that was relatively unknown both in the UK and Europe. They are still a relatively young breed and we are still getting to understand and learn the particular nuances of the Lagotto. I sometimes describe them as a mix of collie, spaniel, sheltie and terrier so quite a combination! Lagottos are used to finding truffles outdoors, living as working dogs In Italy, similar to border collies being used on working farms. Their working traits are still very much alive and sometimes this does not match our ideal image of a well behaved pet dog living alongside us. Take the lovely curly coat away and I suspect the Lagotto would not be as popular due to the hard work needed with this breed.
It's not a breed I would advise for a first time dog owner unless you know you will get regular and ongoing support from your breeder and are aware of the amount of work, training, energy and time required in training these dogs especially over the first year of having a Lagotto. Certainly the learning curve for you as the owner will be much greater than with many other breeds such as a Labrador , cocker spaniel or cockepoo!! For those that have previously owned dogs don't expect all your previous dog knowledge to work with these guys. They are very intelligent and can be stubborn if they find they like doing something which isn't desirable by the owner. In my experience they are not a very forgiving breed and it needs to be worth their while for them to change their minds about something.
This is a working dog!
They need regular socialisation and training and this needs to be on an ongoing basis or it may affect their behaviour. They are very clever and liable to outsmart their owners if you are not continually one step ahead of them. They must get used to regular handling and grooming from day one otherwise it may take extra training and effort if this has been left too late in their development. Get to a groomers within 12 weeks of age and have the coat clipped off. Make sure you are getting them used to brushing daily. You have grooming responsibilities for the rest of the life with this dog so the sooner you get started with habituation for your puppy the easier and less stressful t's going to be for you both!!
They are certainly at their best when they are working or have a 'job' due to their particular energy levels. Many owners have found them to be challenging and been surprised at the amount of time and energy required in keeping up with these dogs. They go through what I would describe as exaggerated "fear periods' compared to other breeds so understanding, knowledge and patience will be required to help your dog successfully transit through these periods. Research has shown that Lagottos can be particularly noise sensitive so this is something to be aware of. They are sensitive dogs and take gentle handling although need firm and consistent boundaries.
In conclusion this isn't a dog that you raise as a puppy and think they know everything and can happily live alongside the family. This is a dog that you will always be kept on your toes with due to its natural working instincts and high level of intelligence. You will have to continue to keep up with good training and socialisation practices otherwise behavioural problems may well occur.
About Us
I came across the Lagotto Romagnolo in 2003. I was looking for another agility dog and already had a Bichon Frise. A Crufts agility finalist, my Bichon Disney had got me hooked on this activity.
I did however want to look at a slightly bigger dog but stay with a non-moulting breed due to my allergies. In 2004 I brought home my lovely Lagotto Cia.
Cia achieved both top showing and agility awards, including being a finalist at Crufts in both activities!
She has been a tremendous asset to the breed in promoting the Lagotto within the UK . Her descendants have gone on to achieve great things in both the show world and canine sports. Sadly Cia died in August 2020 having reached the grand old age of !6 years. She is very much missed but has certainly left a legacy.
I am now completely hooked on the breed and am passionate about ensuring they remain a healthy, happy breed by careful breeding and selection of dog owners!
I have got to know and love the Lagotto and have trained my dogs in a variety of dog sports including running my own dog agility club for a number of years being a qualified Agility Club Approved Instructor ( First Class).
I breed occasionally and welcome enquiries.I am also a Kennel Club Assured Breeder. Please see my contact page.
Before you contact me PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING information!!!
Buyers puppy etiquette https://rufflyspeaking.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/puppy-buyer-ettiquette/
I did however want to look at a slightly bigger dog but stay with a non-moulting breed due to my allergies. In 2004 I brought home my lovely Lagotto Cia.
Cia achieved both top showing and agility awards, including being a finalist at Crufts in both activities!
She has been a tremendous asset to the breed in promoting the Lagotto within the UK . Her descendants have gone on to achieve great things in both the show world and canine sports. Sadly Cia died in August 2020 having reached the grand old age of !6 years. She is very much missed but has certainly left a legacy.
I am now completely hooked on the breed and am passionate about ensuring they remain a healthy, happy breed by careful breeding and selection of dog owners!
I have got to know and love the Lagotto and have trained my dogs in a variety of dog sports including running my own dog agility club for a number of years being a qualified Agility Club Approved Instructor ( First Class).
I breed occasionally and welcome enquiries.I am also a Kennel Club Assured Breeder. Please see my contact page.
Before you contact me PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING information!!!
Buyers puppy etiquette https://rufflyspeaking.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/puppy-buyer-ettiquette/
