Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto is a bundle of energy with an incredible nose that is always looking for a job, so don't be surprised if they start passionately "hunting" for your hidden socks. They are extremely attached to their owners and would ideally stay by your side even during your morning coffee. Their intelligence means they learn new tricks in a flash, but they are just as quick to find ways to manipulate you for extra treats with their cute expressions. In my behavioral work, I notice that their joyful disposition goes hand in hand with a strong need for emotional closeness and shared activity. Despite their history as working dogs, the Lagotto has a very balanced temperament and can settle down perfectly at home as long as they get enough exercise and sniffing time. They are not aggressive dogs, but they can be alert and will use a loud bark to announce a stranger at the gate. However, they require clear rules from puppyhood because without mental stimulation, their innate curiosity can turn into creative destruction of household items. In the salon, I observe that well-trained individuals are the definition of calm, even during long and demanding grooming sessions. In relations with other dogs, Lagottos are usually very social and actively avoid conflicts, making them great playmates in urban parks. They may maintain a slight distance from strangers at the first meeting, but they break the ice quickly once they sense friendly intentions and a calm vibe. It is important to socialize them from puppyhood with various sounds and situations to prevent excessive shyness in adulthood. I often see them on walks eagerly making contact with other dogs, wagging their entire bodies joyfully from nose to tail. This breed is highly sensitive to the owner's tone of voice and emotions, so training should be based exclusively on positive reinforcement methods. Harsh correction can cause a Lagotto to shut down, lose its natural joy for life, and begin to exhibit fearful behaviors. At Brego, we always make sure to build their trust through patience and calm, as a stressed Lagotto experiences new situations very intensely. Their confidence grows as they master new scent tasks, which is worth incorporating regularly into daily play in the garden or at home.

Salon visits should occur regularly every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent the dense curls from matting, which is painful for the dog. At Brego Dog Grooming, we recommend a full service including a bath, clipper work with a scissor finish, and mandatory ear hygiene. Extending the intervals between appointments results in the formation of an impermeable 'armor' of felted hair, which often results in the need to shave the dog very short for its comfort. The grooming schedule must be rigorous, especially if the owner plans for shows, which requires longer hair and precise modeling. Every few visits, we recommend a coat 'reset' – a shorter haircut that allows for the regrowth of fresh, healthy curls with a better structure. In the meantime, it is crucial to monitor the cleanliness of the ear canals, as hair growing inside the ears can block ventilation and lead to infections. The breed standard requires a rustic, natural look with distinct curls all over the body, except for the head, where the hair forms a characteristic round shape highlighting the expression of the eyes. The legs should look solid, and the tail is shaped like a carrot – wider at the base and tapering towards the tip. At Brego, we make sure the Lagotto doesn't look like a Poodle, so we avoid overly geometric lines and excessive 'fluffing' of the hair during blow-drying. The biggest challenge is the ears, where a huge amount of hair grows, trapping wax, which in the humid climate of Marki promotes yeast infections. Another common problem is matting in the armpits and behind the ears, where friction from a collar or harness is greatest. Due to their passion for digging, Lagottos often come to us with sand and dirt particles embedded deep in the curl structure, requiring multiple rounds of shampooing. At home, the owner must comb the dog with a wide-toothed comb at least once a week, reaching all the way to the skin, rather than just brushing the surface of the curls. It is very important to use a spray conditioner before combing to avoid pulling out hair or damaging its structure by dry brushing. In the Marki area, where we have many forest terrains, after every walk, one should manually pick out twigs and burrs from the fur before they get twisted into the curls. Lagotto puppies have very soft fur that mats easily, so getting them used to combing and touching their paws should start in the very first week in their new home. The first adaptation visit to Brego should take place after all vaccinations, so the dog can learn the sound of the dryer and feel the vibrations of the clippers without stress. Early, gentle removal of excess hair from the puppy's ears prevents painful procedures in the future and builds trust in the groomer.

Lagottos need a harmonious blend of physical activity and intense mental work to maintain their psychological balance. They feel best as full-fledged family members and do not tolerate long-term isolation or being left alone for the entire day. Their curly coat acts like velcro, bringing twigs and sand from the forest, so the owner must accept a certain level of mess at home. They require clear boundaries from puppyhood to ensure their natural alertness doesn't turn into fearfulness or hyperactivity. Be prepared for at least one hour of vigorous exercise daily that engages both the dog's body and instincts. Lagottos love water and retrieving, so trips to the lake or playing fetch in open spaces are highly beneficial for them. A simple leash walk around the block in Marki is definitely not enough to burn off their energy. Without a proper physical outlet, they may resort to digging up your garden in search of imaginary treasures. As natural truffle hunters, Lagottos possess a brilliant sense of smell that must be regularly utilized through games like search and rescue. Simply running after a ball won't tire them out as much as 15 minutes of intense nose work finding hidden treats. It is worth introducing interactive toys, snuffle mats, and teaching them new, complex commands every week. A bored Lagotto will find its own 'job,' which usually involves 'remodeling' your shoes or furniture.

From the very first day, you should acclimate the puppy to having its paws handled, ears checked, and mouth inspected, which is crucial for future grooming cooperation. It is worth investing in a crate to serve as a safe sanctuary and help the dog learn to settle down after walks. Prepare a set of various brushes and combs, as well as a gentle shampoo dedicated to curly-haired puppies. Socialization with various sounds, such as vacuum cleaners or hair dryers, should be conducted through positive play. In the first month, expect a dog that will be your shadow, requiring constant attention and proximity. This is the time to establish a strict daily routine, giving the sensitive Lagotto a sense of security in its new environment. Be prepared for potty training, which in this breed may require a bit more patience and frequent trips outside. Focus primarily on building a bond based on trust and start introducing very short grooming sessions so the dog learns to enjoy being brushed.

The most common mistake is delaying the first grooming visit, which makes the puppy fearful of procedures in adulthood. Many owners neglect brushing the coat close to the skin, leading to severe matting that necessitates a drastic 'shave down' to the skin. Another mistake is treating them like lap dogs, which stifles their natural drives and leads to behavioral issues. Often, owners also underestimate their intelligence, allowing the dog to manipulate the household rules.