At a glance
Basic requirements and commitment level
Daily requirements
Context & compatibility
Is this right for you?
Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well
A good match
- Enjoy scent games and searching as the main kind of fun
- Can keeping grooming and coat upkeep consistent
Not ideal
- Want a low-maintenance coat with minimal grooming
- Prefer a low-enrichment routine where days feel repetitive
Care & health
Setup, routines, and health considerations
Care overview
Bright, busy, and nose-driven—often thriving with scent work and training as part of daily life. Many bond closely and can become “creative” if bored.
Environment & space
Smaller homes can work well if the dog gets consistent mental work. They often do best with predictable routines and clear household rules.
Daily routine
Walks plus nose games and short training sessions. Many love search tasks that feel like a job (sniff, locate, report back).
Health sensitivities
Ear comfort, maintaining healthy condition, and responsible screening discussions are common themes.
Grooming / coat
High grooming needs—brushing and routine trims help prevent matting and keep the coat comfortable.
Background
Origins and how that history shapes what you see today
Origin region
Romagna, Italy
Background
Originating in Italy’s Romagna region, the Lagotto started as a water retriever in marshy areas, then became closely tied to truffle hunting as the job shifted. Scent work and digging took center stage, but the core strengths stayed the same: nose, persistence, and “work the ground.” Many modern Lagotti still show intense scent focus and a strong urge to search. They often do best when they get frequent enrichment, not just basic exercise.
Social & behavior
Temperament and interaction style
Personality & activity
Busy-brained and scent-focused, often treating every smell like a clue worth solving. Many do best with mental work (search games, training puzzles) more than endless running.
Handling & social style
Often close with family and cautious with strangers at first. Slow introductions and calm handling help a lot—fast grabbing can make them defensive.