Lagotto Romagnolo at a glance: the Italian truffle dog
Origin and history: from water retriever to truffle hunter
The Lagotto Romagnolo, recognised under FCI breed standard no. 298, originates from Italy’s Romagna region. Originally a water retriever working the coastal marshes, it was retrained for truffle hunting after the wetlands were drained. Today it remains the only breed specialised in truffle search, thanks to an exceptional nose.
Breed type, size and lifespan
A medium-sized, curly-coated dog with a woolly, water-resistant coat that sheds very little – often described as lagotto romagnolo hypoallergenic. Weight follows the FCI standard: roughly 11–16 kg. Lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years.
Character and temperament: is it right for you?
Intelligent, loyal and energetic. The strong digging and scenting instinct needs an outlet; mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise. The lagotto romagnolo temperament suits families with children, but supervision is always wise. Prices for lagotto romagnolo puppies vary; each breeder sets their own fee based on lineage, health results and testing. Figures quoted are indicative averages.
Coat colours and appearance in the FCI standard
The FCI breed standard (number 298) defines several permissible colour varieties: off-white solid colour; white with patches of brown or orange; orange or brown roan; solid brown or solid orange; and brown or orange with white markings. A brown mask on the muzzle and around the eyes is allowed, adding to the breed’s expressive face.
The unique lagotto romagnolo colours are complemented by a curly, dense, woolly coat that sheds very little, which is why the breed is often described as hypoallergenic. However, that same dense coat demands regular, specialist trimming to prevent matting: owners should budget for professional grooming every 8–12 weeks. Every breeder prices their puppies individually, depending on lineage, health tests, and show results, so the figures quoted are indicative averages. For practical lagotto romagnolo grooming advice and to see verified ZKwP/FCI breeders, browse our breeder directory.
Health testing: what responsible breeders must screen for
When looking at lagotto romagnolo health problems, the first thing a responsible breeder will mention is recommended DNA testing for both parents. Juvenile epilepsy (JE) and lysosomal storage disease (LSD) are inherited conditions that can be ruled out only through genetic screening.
Recommended DNA tests: JE and LSD
Every litter should come from parents tested for both JE and LSD. With a small European gene pool, skipping these tests increases the risk of passing on serious disorders. Always ask the breeder to show you the certificates, not just a verbal promise.
Orthopaedic and eye examinations
Beyond DNA, responsible breeders also score both parents for hip and elbow dysplasia. Eye screening under a recognised scheme (e.g. ECVO) is equally important – clear vision matters for a working truffle dog. Responsible breeders have these results ready and routinely share them. A healthy start is worth the paper it is printed on.