Let's talk Romagna Water Dogs
The darling of Italy, the Romagna Water Dog is a dog that’s as jubilant as their bouncy curled coat, with their upbeat manner and determination rounding out the breed’s marvellous attributes. They are known in their native Italian as the Lagotto Romagnolo, with “Lagotto” translating as “lake” after their watery beginnings as a retriever in Italy’s marshy northeast coastal regions. The Romagna Water Dog may have plush toy looks but they are tough and tireless workers, always seeking the next task or adventure, which they hope you’ll accompany them on.Official name: Romagna Water Dog
Other names: Lagotto Romagnolo
Origins: Italy
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Warm weather? | 
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Suited to apartment living? | 
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| Physical activity needs (high, low, medium): | Moderate | Kid-friendly? |
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| Compatibility with other pets: |  |
Can stay alone? |
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We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches.
Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour.
Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
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43 - 48 cm
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13 - 16 kg
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41 - 46 cm
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11 - 14 kg
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| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | 10 years onwards |
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Get to know the Romagna Water Dog
All you need to know about the breed
The charming and cheery Romagna Water Dog is a beloved breed in their homeland of Italy, long valued for their contented demeanour and their energetic, bounding outlook on life.
The breed was traditionally used as retrievers of waterfowl, but is now very specifically bred for the pursuit of the truffle, the prized funghi located underground that’s considered culinary gold. It’s the Romagna Water Dog‘s incredibly keen sense of smell that’s made them the top choice for the hunt and earned them the moniker, “the truffle dog.” Watch their tendency to dig on the homefront however, something they may need a good dose of training not to do.
Besides their olfactory talents and rosy manner, the breed is also quite healthy and known to have very little in the way of chronic illness. The Romagna Water Dog’s curly coat is quite the topper - and is more like hair than fur - but does require a bit more grooming that the average bear - ahem - dog.
They are energetic - but not too much so - and make a fabulous family companion, with a gregarious manner that does well around children, once trained, and other pets, too. It’s a great combination of characteristics that makes the Romagna Water Dog an all-around engaging breed.
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2 facts about Romagna Water Dogs
1. Truffles anyone?
It’s not often that a dog is bred for and used in a very specific manner, but the Romagna Water Dog is - for truffle hunting. The breed possesses a superior sense of smell which helps them find the rooted delicacy; they are considered the finest in the canine kingdom when it comes to this task.
2. An independent sort
They may look cute and cuddly but the Romagna Water Dog is actually much more. Centuries of breeding for work as a retriever, and now in truffle hunting, have made this dog one that’s most content while on the job. That said, they will settle down when their work is done. The Romagna Water Dog is then a super canine at home, one who’s very pleased to hang with their humans.
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History of the breed
The Romagna Water Dog can trace their heritage back to Renaissance Italy in the northern region of Romagna, and specifically Ravenna on Italy’s northeast coast, where the dogs served as a top-notch water retriever in the marshlands there. The Romagna Water Dog was prized for their hardy constitution, their waterproof double coat serving them well in this brisk job.
As the marshlands were drained at the end of the 19th century, the Romagna Water Dog soon found themselves in another line of work, as Italy’s premiere truffle-sniffing dog, something they still do to this day. They are the only dog in the world specifically bred for the job.
In the 1970s, the dog’s popularity waned tremendously, and their numbers dropped as well, until the late 1980s when enthusiasts fought to preserve the breed.
The Romagna Water Dog was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2005 and was only recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2015.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Romagna Water Dogs
1. Ears
Triangular, medium-sized ears with rounded tips, lying flat to body.
2. Body
Small and compact body, well-developed chest.
3. Coat
Waterproof woolly double coat of ring-shaped curly hair (not fur), whiskers and beard on face.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Romagna Water Dog
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Caring for your Romagna Water Dog
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Romagna Water Dog sports a woolly and waterproof double coat that requires attentive grooming and brushing, mostly because of the ring-shaped curls that can trap dirt and debris all too easily. It’s composed of hair, not fur, and needs to be trimmed regularly, paying attention to the beguiling whiskers and beard that don their face. Brush their teeth as often as possible, and trim their nails as well to maintain their balance. Keeping ears and eyes clean is a must to ward off infection. As an active breed, the Romagna Water Dog will require a good amount of exercise. Although not high-energy, they still need daily physical and mental stimulation. This is a smart breed who will benefit from anything that tests both their body and their mind. Training your Romagna Water Dog then is almost looked upon as enjoyable for the breed, a competition of sorts, which is just fine by them. The breed will also thrive if put to the test in agility and obedience competitions, and any contests that involve their over-the-top sense of smell.7/7
All about Romagna Water Dogs
The Romagna Water Dog was originally bred for their capabilities in retrieving game from the water after hunters have completed their task. Skilled in navigating the lowlands and marshlands of the northeast coastal regions of Italy from whence they come, the Romagna Water Dog has been highly valued for their tenacity in aquatic environments.
With smarts galore and an attentive manner, the Romagna Water Dog makes a good watchdog. Train them though to express themselves only when they should, otherwise your Romagna Water Dog may think most anything needs to be brought to your attention.
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Read more on this topic
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How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/