The Lagotto Romagnolo (pronounced lag-oh-toe roman-yolo) is a small to medium sized dog with thick curly fur and a bright, happy demeanor. They come in colors of brown, roan, white, off white, and orange. Like a poodle, their fur is sometimes described as hypoallergenic, and they hardly shed a hair. Their ears are triangular but round on the ends, and their faces are full of curly fur. Loyal and obedient, the Lagotto Romagnolo was previously used as a water retriever dog and currently used as a truffle-searching dog. Truffles are a form of edible fungi. Lagotti are bred for searching things out, and their keen senses prove their worthiness in the field. They are agile, affectionate and loving. They are trained easily, enjoy the company of their master and will gladly accompany you on a long walk around the block. Adaptable and intelligent, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a friend to all.

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Some Lagotti can be reserved with strangers but are a devoted pet to the family. Prospective owners should ensure that their new puppy is not overly shy or skittish. Breeders say Lagotti are affectionate, easy to train and not very demanding. They become very attached to their owners and make good companions. As a breed they usually have a natural affinity with children as for centuries the peasant marshmen shared their homes with their little dogs relying on them to watch over the household and warn of intruders. Thus the Lagotto Romagnolo also has an acute sense of hearing and although he is not a “yappy” dog he can be quite vocal if strangers are in the vicinity of his home. Noisy and lively as a puppy, the Lagotto Romagnolo grows up to be a sensible, happy, affectionate, robust, and agile little dog. Very trainable, as well as a waterfowler and truffler he makes an excellent family companion.

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Lagotti are working dogs and therefore, have tons of energy. They love activity and are better suited for the family or individual that will provide plenty of exercise for the dog. Many love to retrieve and also love swimming. They need the physical exercise as well as mental exercise to be happy, contented pets. This is a very active breed that needs frequent exercise and enjoys the outdoors. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a working dog. It has a natural gift for searching and because of this, its work is not distracted by the scent of wilds animals or other dogs. The Lagotto Romagnolo is loyal, keen, affectionate, very attached to its owner and easy to train. Lagotti get along well with other dogs and pets if sufficiently socialized (in Italy, dogs are trained amidst their pack). Games of tracking, looking for people in the woods or searching for mushrooms are suggested exercises for maintaining healthy Lagotto Romagnolo brain activity. These dogs are naturally obedient and make excellent family members.