Lagotto Romagnolo

Thought by many to be the originator of other European water retrievers, the Lagotto Romagnolo (pronounced la-goh-toe ro-man-yo-lo) is a unique breed with a remarkable history. Originally bred and used in Northern Italy’s wetlands to fetch ducks, this hard-working canine nearly went extinct, but has been recently revived. The active, intelligent and playful nature of this pup will keep anyone entertained for hours!

The Lagotto Romagnolo has been utilized for centuries in its native region of Romagna as a retriever, leaping from boats into the water to fetch ducks. Yet with the draining of marshes impacting this role, truffle hunters shifted their focus on these canines due to their keen sense of smell- so much that they even outbred them! Nevertheless, while they were valued solely based upon their noses by these truffle seekers, there’s more to appreciate about them than just that one trait. By the 1970s and 80s, it was essential for action to be taken in order to preserve this breed from extinction. Fortunately, conservation efforts have been successful; now, not only is the Lagotto Romagnolo still thriving inside of Italy but has also started spreading abroad as well!

A Lagotto is not only a friendly, active breed but also incredibly intelligent. With the right socialization at an early age, they will love being around both children and other dogs – satisfying their need for action and amusement! Although presently rare in many parts of the world, these attractive creatures may grow more popular due to their charming personality in years to come. These small-to-medium sized canines have life spans ranging from 15 to 17 years long – perfect for those seeking companionship that lasts longer than just a few seasons!

The Lagotto’s coat is gorgeous and full, with a woolly texture that envelops the entire body, face included. This breed doesn’t shed as much fur but requires frequent grooming; some people opt for regular brushing while others prefer to let it grow naturally. However, this unique coat can become matted quickly so owners need to carefully pull matts apart regularly no matter their preferred style of care. If you choose to bath your pet, make sure it’s just once per month as wet combing or blow drying could ruin its curly locks!

With his ancestral background as a hardworking canine, the Lagotto is exceptionally energetic. However, balancing out this breed’s high energy level is an amiable and obedient demeanor. He learns quickly making him easy to train and alert enough to be a great watch-dog!

With a highly-attuned sense of smell, the Lagotto is an excellent furry companion for dog sports such as nose work and tracking. Not to mention that he’s also quite adept at agility, flyball obedience and rally! He may even enjoy a good swim too from time to time. To keep this active pup healthy and happy, they need ample exercise like long daily walks or any other form of physical activity.

Dedicated families who can give Lagotti (plural) plenty of attention, exercise and training will find them content and jovial. These canine companions are devoted to their owners and prefer family members over strangers; however, they should never display signs of timidity or aggression.