Breeds

Lagotto Romagnolo

The lagotto Romagnolo is considered the most ancient curly coated retriever and ancestor of today’s water dogs. Since Etruscan times this small dog was used for wildfowling from punts in the vast marshlands of Romagna in north-eastern Italy. When these wetlands were drained the lagotto was increasingly used to search and dig for truffles. This

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The lagotto Romagnolo is considered the most ancient curly coated retriever and ancestor of today’s water dogs. Since Etruscan times this small dog was used for wildfowling from punts in the vast marshlands of Romagna in north-eastern Italy. When these wetlands were drained the lagotto was increasingly used to search and dig for truffles.

This lagotto is sturdy, squarely built with webbed toes for swimming and a distinctive woolly, protective coat that comes in a range of colours. It loves to swim, hunt and dig and can be trained for many activities. This rustic dog is sensible, agile, loyal and affectionate towards its owners. It tends to be wary of strangers and should be socialised early to children and other dogs.

In Italy the lagotto’s primary function is to search truffles. In the UK it is classed as a minor spaniel breed and can be used for rough shooting, wildfowling and beating or picking up at driven shoots.