Why a Lagotto needs proper grooming: Grooming a Lagotto Romagnolo is essential not just for aesthetics but for their overall well-being. As a working dog, the Lagotto thrives in dynamic, outdoor environments, where their keen sense of smell leads them through forests and underbrush. This natural behavior can lead to tangles and mats in their curly coat, which can cause discomfort and skin issues if not addressed properly. Regular grooming helps maintain their coat's health, allowing them to perform their tasks effectively while minimizing the risk of injuries caused by debris caught in their fur. Additionally, grooming sessions can reinforce the bond between the dog and its owner, making it a mutually beneficial activity. Understanding the specific grooming needs of a Lagotto is vital to ensure they remain happy and healthy as they enthusiastically engage in their instinctual behaviors.

When grooming a Lagotto, special attention should be paid to specific areas that are prone to matting. The coat on the chest, underbelly, beneath the tail, and inner thighs should be cut shorter, as these areas will not be exposed much during the dog’s search activities, which typically involve keeping their head down. Hygiene is also a critical consideration, particularly for the tail, which should be groomed closely to avoid getting caught on branches or brush when raised. It is important to avoid using a brush on adult Lagottos, as it strips the protective undercoat, compromising its waterproof and insulating properties. In contrast, puppies lack a developed undercoat and are therefore more vulnerable to extreme temperatures, highlighting the necessity of proper grooming techniques to ensure their well-being.

Lagotto Romagnolo requires consistent care, whether the dog is being prepared for show, work, or as a beloved companion. While the grooming techniques remain largely the same, show dogs may need slightly longer coat lengths to meet specific standards. It is crucial to communicate clearly with your groomer about the unique needs of the Lagotto coat, particularly the importance of not brushing it when dry, as this can disrupt the undercoat and lead to matting. Additionally, the coat on the bridge of the muzzle should be preserved to protect the eyes naturally. Since many groomers may not have extensive experience with Lagottos, it’s advisable to educate them on the proper grooming styles to ensure your dog's coat remains healthy and well-maintained.

To ensure the Lagotto Romagnolo remains protected and performs its intended tasks effectively, proper grooming is essential. An inadequate grooming routine can strip away the natural defenses of their coat, increasing susceptibility to injuries. For optimal grooming, the coat on the head should be left longer, while the fur on the legs needs to appear longer as well to offer maximum protection. Additionally, the hair on the bridge of the nose and around the eyes serves a crucial protective function; it should be preserved, with only minimal trimming allowed to maintain clear vision. Furthermore, the lower part of the ears and the area around them should be trimmed to the leather, yet the fur at the front should remain longer to ensure the ears blend seamlessly with the head, maintaining the dog's characteristic appearance and safety.

Lagotto Coat Standards and Characteristics: The breed is characterized by its unique woolly hair, which possesses a semi-rough texture and is never twisted into thin cords. The curls are tight and ring-shaped, with a visible undercoat that contributes to its distinct appearance. These curls are evenly distributed across the body and tail, while the head showcases a softer texture, forming abundant eyebrows, whiskers, and a prominent beard. Notably, the cheeks are also covered in thick hair, enhancing its expressive facial features. Both the topcoat and undercoat possess water-proof qualities, making the breed well-suited for various weather conditions. This combination of features results in a striking and functional coat that defines the breed's overall look and character.

Regular grooming is essential for maintaining a healthy coat, especially for dogs with long hair. If not clipped, their hair can become felted as it continues to grow, leading to discomfort and skin issues. Therefore, a complete clipping should be performed at least once a year. It’s important to periodically remove the felted topcoat and undercoat to prevent matting. The clipped coat should be uniform and not exceed four centimeters in thickness to complement the dog’s silhouette. While the hair on the head can be left longer, it should not obstruct the dog's vision. Additionally, the fur around the genital and anal areas should be kept short to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Regular clipping and grooming will help keep the dog comfortable and looking its best.

The ideal coat for the Lagotto breed should be low-maintenance, avoiding the elaborate grooming styles associated with poodles and bichon breeds. A short clip is essential to prevent any curling and to maintain a straightforward texture that enhances the dog's natural appearance. Excessive hair-styling will lead to disqualification, reinforcing the focus on a rustic and unpretentious look. When it comes to color, the Lagotto can be seen in a range of shades, including off-white solid, white with brown or orange patches, and various shades of brown, either with or without white. Additionally, orange with or without white is acceptable, but it's important to note that black is not a recognized color for this breed. Overall, simplicity and authenticity are key to achieving the proper Lagotto coat.

Why Puppies must get a Puppy Cut: To ensure that a Lagotto Romagnolo develops its characteristic coat, regular grooming is essential. Without the traditional puppy cut, the dog’s coat can grow long and heavy, which hinders its ability to curl properly. This curling is a hallmark of the breed and is crucial for maintaining its distinctive appearance and functionality. When left untrimmed, the excess length can lead to matting and discomfort for the dog, making it vital for owners to adhere to a grooming schedule. By investing time in proper coat care, Lagotto owners can help their pets showcase the breed’s unique traits while promoting healthy fur that is manageable and stylish. Regular trims not only enhance the dog's beauty but also contribute to its overall well-being, ensuring a happy and healthy Lagotto.

Lagotto Breed Standards (Show Dogs):

General Appearance

Small to medium-sized dog, well proportioned, powerfully built, of a rustic appearance, with a dense, curly coat of woolly texture. The dog should give the impression that he has the strength and endurance to work all day in difficult and challenging terrain.

Brief Historical Summary

Ancient breed of retrieving water dogs in the lowlands of Comacchio and marshlands of Ravenna, in Italy. During the centuries, the great marshlands were drained and turned into arable land. Subsequently the Lagotto changed from being a water dog to an excellent dog for searching for truffles in the flat open country and in the hills of Romagna, a job that it performs with passion and efficiency.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Size -Height at the withers: Dogs 17-19 inches, Bitches 16 -18 inches. Tolerance of ½ inch. Disqualification -Dogs under 16 ½ inches or over 19 ½ inches. Bitches under 15 ½ inches over 18 ½ inches. Weight -Males: 28 lbs. to 35 lbs. Females: 24lbs. to 31 lbs. Important Proportions-The length of the head is 4/10 of the height at the withers. The dog is nearly as high as long (square). The length of the dog, measured from the sternum to the ischium is nearly the same as the height. The length of the skull should be slightly more than 50% of the total length of the head. The depth of the chest is less than 50% (about 44%) of the height at the withers.

Head

When viewed from above the head is trapezoidal in shape and moderately broad; the upper longitudinal axes of the skull and the muzzle diverge slightly. Cheeks flat. Axes of the skull and the muzzle converging or appearing “dishfaced” is a fault. Viewed from the side, from occiput to stop, the skull should be longer than the muzzle. The skull measured across the area of the zygomatic arches is wide and equal to the area from the stop to the occipital crest, both being slightly more than 50% of the total length of the head (56%). Frontal sinuses well developed, marked arch of the eyebrows, the occipital crest is not very developed, the stop not too pronounced though the furrow between the eyes is pronounced. The ridge formed by the eye sockets is palpable from the eyebrows to the side of the head. The eyes are large, but never exaggerated, rounded, filling the socket, set fairly apart. The color of their is ranges from ochre to hazel and dark brown depending on the color of the coat. Close fitting eyelids; eye-rim color will vary with coat color from flesh colored to dark brown.Eyelashes very well developed. The Lagottos expression should be alert, keen and lively. Wall eyes are a disqualifying fault. The earsare medium-sized in proportion to the head, triangular with rounded tips; their base is rather wide; they are set just above the zygomatic arches. Hanging at rest or slightly raised when the dog is attentive. The ears when pulled loosely forward across the cheeks towards the nose tip should cover ¼ of the length of the muzzle. Muzzle is measured from eyes to nose tip. On the ears, the hair tends to show looser curls, but remains very wavy. Except where trimmed to the edges there should be no short hair on the ears. The inner part of the auricle is also covered with hair. The muzzle is broad in width, in length a little shorter than the skull (44% to 56% ratio). The muzzle is wedge shaped, giving a blunt profile. The nose is large with wide open and mobile nostrils. Median groove strongly pronounced. The bridge of the muzzle(has a straight profile, a roman nose is a fault. Viewed in profile, the nose continues on the same level as the muzzle and protrudes very slightly from the front edge of the lips. Color will vary with coat color from flesh colored to dark brown.The nose should be fully pigmented. A de-pigmented nose is a fault. The lips are not too thick; they are rather tight, so that the lower profile of the muzzle is determined by the mandible. They are covered with a long and rather bristly moustache. Color will vary with coat color from flesh colored to dark brown. The flews are tight fitting and dry. Strong under jaw which is relatively large with white and well developed teeth. The mandibular braches of the jaw should be straight. Reverse scissor bite, scissor bite or level bite are all acceptable. Overshot bite and extreme undershot bite (more than a ¼” space between the upper and lower incisors) are both disqualifying faults. Full dentition is preferred. No more than one missing tooth, the missing tooth to be allowed only between P1-P4. More than one missing tooth is a disqualification.

Neck, Topline and Body

The neck is strong, muscular, lean and oval in shape; well set off from the nape, and slightly arched. In males the perimeter of the neck can reach the double of its length. Short in appearance, it is less than the total length of the head. The topline-well pronounced withers, topline straight from behind the withers to the croup, which is slightly sloping. Body-compact and strong. The length of the dog, measured from the sternum to the ischium is nearly the same as the height. Chest-well developed, reaching down to the elbows. Ribs-well developed, narrow in front; widening from the sixth rib back (behind the shoulders) to the last rib. Underline-long sternal section in form of a straight line; the following tuck-up is only slight.Back -straight, very muscular. Loin-short coupled, very strong, width is equal or slightly exceeds the length.Croup-long, wide, muscular, slightly sloping. Tail -set on slightly below the line of the back; following the natural line of the croup. The length of the tail when hanging at rest should barely reach the hocks. At rest carried scimitar like or straight; when excited it is decidedly raised. When moving the tail is often carried level with the back. When working or excited can be raised higher, also scimitar like, but never curled or straight up. Tail tapers towards the end. It is covered with woolly and rather bristly hair.

Forequarters

Shoulder -shoulder blades long (30% of the height at withers), well laid back (52-55°), muscular, strong and closely attached to the chest, but moving freely. The angle formed between the shoulder blade and the upper arm should be 110° to 115°. Upper Arm-muscular, of thin bone structure, as long as the shoulder blade; its inclination to the horizontal ranges from 58 -60°. Elbow-tucked firmly against the brisket; covered with thin skin; parallel to the median sagittal plane (is in line with the spine) of the body as are the upper arms. The tip of the elbow is located on a vertical line lowered from the back end of the scapula to the ground.Forearm-perfectly vertical, long (36 % of the height at withers), with compact, strong bone of oval cross-section). Carpus (wrist)-viewed from the front in a vertical line with the forearm; fine, robust and mobile; the bone of the carpus markedly protruding. Pasterns-rather less thick and of finer bone compared with the forearm. Seen in profile, slightly sloping (They form an angle of 75° to 80° with the ground). Dewclaws-must be present on the front legs. Missing dewclaws are a disqualifying fault.Forefeet-slightly rounded, compact, with well arched and tight toes having well developed webbing between the toes.Pads are fully pigmented.Nails are strong and curved and may range in color from white to so dark a brown as to appear black.

Hindquarters

Angulation -in balance with the forequarters. Legs -powerful, upright seen from the rear, well proportioned to the size of the dog and parallel. Upper thigh -long (35% of the height at withers), with well defined muscles. The axis of the femur has a distinct inclination of 80° to the horizontal. The coxo-femoral angle ranges from 105° to 110°. The thigh is parallel to the median plane of the body. Stifle -the angle of the stifle ranges from 130° to 135°. Second thigh -slightly longer than the upper thigh (36% of the height at withers), well boned and muscled, with marked muscular groove. Its inclination to the horizontal ranges from 50° to 55°. Its direction is parallel to the median plane of body. Hocks (rear pastern) -well let down. Thin, cylindrical, perpendicular to the ground. Hind feet -slightly oval shaped, compact, with toes slightly less arched than those of the forefeet and with well developed webbing between the toes.Pads are fully pigmented.Nails are strong and somewhat straighter than those of the forefeet and may range in color from white to so dark a brown as to appear black.

Coat

Hair-of woolly texture, never twisted to form thin cords, semi-rough on the surface, with tight, ring shaped curls, with visible undercoat. Curls must be evenly distributed all over the body and tail, except on the head, where the curls are not as tight forming abundant eyebrows, whiskers and beard. Even the cheeks are covered with thick hair. The topcoat and specially the undercoat are water-proof. The clipped coat must not be longer than a maximum of 1.5 inches in a curled state (not brushed out) and it should be uniform with the silhouette of the dog. Only on the head the coat can be longer than 1.5 inches, but not so long as to cover the eyes. The edges of the ears should be clipped to the leather, though the surface of the ear flap should show wavy hair. The area around the genitals and anus should be clipped short. The hair should never be clipped so short (except as noted above) that curls and texture of the coat cannot be assessed. The correct clip is un-pretentious and contributes to accentuate the natural, rustic look typical of the breed. The correct coat is never luxurious and shiny.Excessively groomed dogs (sculpted or blown out so that the curl may not be assessed) should be so severely penalized as to eliminate from competition. Skin -thin, close fitting all over the body, without wrinkles.Pigmentation of the skin connecting with mucous membranes and that of pads ranges from light to dark and very dark brown.

Color

Off-white solid color, white with brown or orange patches, brown roan, brown (in different shades) with or without white, orange with or without white. Some dogs have a brown to dark brown mask. Tan markings (in different shades) allowed. The colors have a tendency to fade to a more diluted shade as the dog ages, sometimes to such an extent that the brown areas can appear as a silvery/gray roan. All the above colors are equally desirable including faded or diluted colors.

Gait / Movement

Energetic trot with reach and drive. Lively and balanced.

Behavior and Temperament

The Lagotto is tractable, undemanding, keen, affectionate, very attached to his owner and easy to train. He is also a very good companion and an excellent watch-dog. A natural gift for searching and a very good nose has made the breed very efficient in finding truffles. The former hunting instinct has been modified by genetic selection; hence his work is not distracted by the scentof game. The dog should be neither aggressive nor overly shy.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on its ability to perform its traditional work.

Disqualifications

Size-Dogs under 16 ½ inches or over 19 ½ inches. Bitches under 15 ½ inches over 18 ½ inches. Bite -Over shot bite, pronounced undershot bite(more than a ¼” space between the upper and lower incisors).

Teeth -More than one missing tooth.

Color -Black coat, black patches or black pigmentation.

Coat -Corded coat.

Eyes -Wall eye.

Dewclaws -Missing on front feet or present on rear feet.

Resources:

Grooming Lagotto Romagnolo

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