Puppy days
Introduce brushing, clipping sounds and ear handling gradually with rewards. Build confidence through positive new experiences, and alternate short learning or exploration with undisturbed rest.
A possible best friend
Lagotto Romagnolo
An alert, lively Italian truffle dog with tight curls and an excellent nose. Lagottos often enjoy learning, scent work and participating closely in family life.
Illustrated puppy and adult examples.
Personality at a glance
Breed tendencies vary between dogs. Supervise children and dogs together. Cats and small pets need an individual compatibility assessment.
About these ratings
Our three levels group the AKC’s published five-point ratings: 1–2 becomes lower, 3 moderate, and 4–5 higher. The child rating describes young-child tendencies. These are general tendencies, not safety or compatibility guarantees.
AKC Lagotto Romagnolo breed traits · Reviewed 8 October 2026Adult life
Make walks, scent games and training regular activities. Family interaction remains important; provide mental challenges as well as physical exercise instead of relying on garden time.
Everyday care
Trim the curly coat regularly and groom to prevent mats, adjusting frequency to the actual coat. Include daily activity and scent work, with weekly ear checks.
Worth planning for: Curly coats can mat despite minimal shedding; an outdoor lifestyle still needs substantial family interaction indoors.
Sources & reading
- AKC: Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Breed Information
- Dogs Trust: How to help your puppy get settled into your home
- AKC: Setting Puppies up for Success: Handling and Grooming
- Dogs Trust: puppy care and training
Reviewed 8 October 2026. Breed tendencies and mixed-background possibilities describe a starting point, not a promise about an individual dog.
